Welsh Government to push ahead with tourism tax

The Welsh government is to press ahead with plans for a visitor levy on tourists who stay in the country overnight in commercially-let visitor accommodation.

Legislation allowing local authorities to introduce a levy will be put to the Senedd, the Welsh parliament, within this government’s term.

More than a thousand responses were received to a public consultation about how best to implement a levy which closed last December.

Its findings have been published, along with a consumer research report exploring views among the public about a visitor levy. The consultation gave feedback from businesses, local authorities and the wider public. It found support across most local authorities and across other organisations, although many responses came from representatives of the tourism industry and many disagreed with the principle of a visitor levy.

Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government said: “We understand some businesses have reservations about a visitor levy and I am grateful to all those who took the time to respond to our consultation. These responses will be carefully considered as we continue to develop our specific plans for a levy. Many destinations around the world use visitor levies to empower and enhance their local areas for the benefit of visitors and locals alike – I am confident this will be the case here in Wales.”

UK Hospitality Cymru is calling for a legislative commitment that any funding raised by the visitor tax is ring fenced for the genuine benefit of hospitality and tourism in Wales.