The Welsh Government has confirmed its plans to introduce a tourism tax and establish a national register for visitor accommodation providers across Wales. The controversial measure will allow local councils to implement an overnight “visitor levy” for guests staying in Welsh accommodation. 🏨
The “Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill” is set to be presented in the Senedd on November 25, marking a significant shift in Welsh tourism policy despite concerns from industry leaders about potential impacts on visitor numbers.
In a joint statement, Economy Minister Rebecca Evans and Finance Minister Mark Drakeford explained: “One of the Welsh Government’s tax principles is that our taxes should be developed through collaboration and involvement. Through consultation, continued engagement and the discovery work led by the Welsh Revenue Authority, we have received consistent feedback that we need a form of registration in place to support the levy.”
The ministers emphasised that the registration scheme represents “the first step” towards a broader statutory licensing framework, with a second bill planned to help accommodation providers demonstrate compliance with industry standards.
Local authorities will have discretion over implementing the levy, with generated funds aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of Wales’s tourism sector.
