Share your views on a possible visitor levy for the Falkirk Council area
Residents and businesses are being invited to take part in an early engagement survey to share their views on a possible visitor levy in the Falkirk Council area.
If introduced, a visitor levy would create a dedicated source of funding to support tourism and strengthen local services used by visitors and residents.
No decision has been taken to introduce a visitor levy. This survey is the first step in understanding whether a visitor levy is suitable for the area, and what a local scheme could look like.
Several councils are already implementing visitor levy schemes, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling, with others such as Aberdeen, Argyll and Bute, Fife and Highland Councils also progressing consultation work.
What is a visitor levy?
A visitor levy is a charge added to paid overnight stays, such as hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, hostels and self-catering accommodation. If introduced, accommodation providers would collect the levy from guests on behalf of the Council.
A law passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2024 gives councils the option to introduce a visitor levy. A further Bill is also being considered, which could give councils the option to set the levy as a fixed amount instead of a percentage charge.
Any funds raised would be used to support tourism and help improve local services and facilities used by visitors and residents.
What the survey covers
The survey asks whether people support the idea and what a visitor levy could look like.
For example, where it would apply, whether there should be exemptions, if it should apply all year or only at certain times, and whether there should be a cap on the number of nights charged.
It also asks what types of visitor services and facilities the funds should support, which will be restricted by law.
The online survey will close on 27 March 2026.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
A visitor levy offers the opportunity for the Council to gather income on behalf of residents that can be invested in the local area to improve services and facilities used by visitors and residents. This includes maintaining parks and paths, improving signage and wayfinding, and enhancing our visitor transport, connectivity, culture and events.
“However, this is also a new piece of legislation and before any decisions are made, we want to fully understand what local people and businesses think about the idea of a visitor levy in the Falkirk area.
“This survey is an early stage of engagement and will help shape any draft proposal that may be developed. If the work progresses as planned, we would bring forward a draft scheme for full public consultation at a later stage.