Welsh Government Proposes Visitor Levy to Support Sustainable Tourism Industry

The Welsh Government is considering introducing a visitor levy to help support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry in Wales. The proposed levy would allow councils to charge a small additional fee on overnight stays, which would be reinvested in local tourism infrastructure and activities. The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, which has already reached its third stage in the Senedd, would see visitors pay between 75p and £1.30 per person per night, depending on the type of accommodation. The levy is expected to generate revenue for local communities, tourists, and businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• The Welsh Government proposes introducing a visitor levy to support a sustainable tourism industry in Wales, allowing councils to charge a small additional fee on overnight stays.
• The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill proposes charging between 75p and £1.30 per person per night, depending on the type of accommodation.
• The levy would be reinvested in local tourism infrastructure and activities, benefiting local communities, tourists, and businesses.
• The Welsh Government is supporting the tourism industry with additional investments, including over £70 million this year.
• The Revenue from the levy would support local tourism activity and infrastructure, with 100% of the funds generated from the levy being reinvested in the area.
• Under-18s will no longer have to pay the levy when staying in hostels or campsites, as per the amended Bill.
• The Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, believes the levy is a fair contribution that could make a big difference if councils choose to introduce it in their local areas.

Statistics:

• The proposed visitor levy would generate revenue for local communities, tourists, and businesses.
• £70 million will be invested in the tourism industry in Wales this year.
• The visitor levey will cost 75p per person per night for hostels and campsites, and £1.30 per person per night for all other accommodation types.
• £1 million will be allocated for weather-proofing grants.
• £5 million will be provided for a fund to help tourism businesses get the basics right for visitors.
• £50 million will be invested in the Wales Tourism Investment Fund.

Sources:

• Welsh Government News Release
• Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill
• Visit Wales
• Wales Tourism Investment Fund