Mark Drakeford (Image: PA Images / Geoff Caddick / Alamy Stock Photo)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
Holiday cottages and self-catering accommodation across Wales will soon need to be licensed under a new law passed by the Senedd.
The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Licensing) Bill will require providers of self-contained, self-catering properties – such as holiday cottages and flats – to obtain a licence before welcoming guests.
To secure a licence, operators will need to demonstrate their property meets basic safety standards, including holding valid gas and electrical safety certificates, having carbon monoxide alarms fitted, carrying public liability insurance, and completing a fire safety risk assessment with appropriate precautions in place.
The Welsh Government said the move was backed by strong public support, with more than 80% of people planning UK trips saying they would be more likely to book a holiday let if a licensing scheme were in place.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: “I am pleased this Bill has passed. It’s a significant step towards attracting visitors to Wales, knowing that accommodation meets the standards they would expect.
“Many providers already do the right things, and this Bill creates fair competition that protects both visitors and responsible businesses. I look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make to tourism in Wales.”
The licensing scheme is expected to launch in 2029 and will build on the existing national register of visitor accommodation providers, creating a publicly available directory for tourists.
