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Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Wales tourist tax may cost 'more to administer than it raises'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The newly approved 'tourist tax' in Wales has seen a lively debate among North Wales Live readers, with many sharing their thoughts online. The tax, which will add £1.30 per night to hotel and Airbnb stays, and 80p per night for those staying in hostels and on campsite pitches, is set to be introduced in April 2027 and is expected to raise up to £33m a year. From 2027, overnight stays in Wales will become slightly pricier following the approval of the country's new visitor levy – commonly referred to as a tourist tax. This levy marks the first local tax in over 500 years to have been designed and legislated in Wales. In two years time, anyone staying in hotels or Airbnbs will have £1.30 per night added to the cost of their stays – plus VAT in many cases. Those spending the night in hostels and on campsite pitches will pay an additional 80p per night. The earliest the levy can be introduced will be in April 2027. With Plaid Cymru's backing for the Bill, it was passed with 37 Senedd Members in favour, 13 against and no abstentions. The Welsh Conservatives immediately pledged to abolish the tax if they win the 2026 Senedd election. They cautioned that councils could add an unlimited levy premium, further escalating costs. One reader, Blazerseams questions: "Does anyone actually believe Drakeford has anything coherent to say? His brilliant idea about the 20mph speed limit (from someone who doesn't drive) were, and are, gibberish." While Novisit asks: "What about caravan sites?" Ofcourseitis believes: "It's a tax on children's holidays, the poorer the family the greater the impact." Reactor says: "Camp sites eh? Watch out for more wild camping then." Yes-cymru states: "We pay tourists tax in every other country, not an issue, £1 per night extra is nothing." Howonearth says: "Visitor numbers to Wales in 2023 was down 13% compared to 2019 mainly due to economic downturn, these are publicly available figures. You really couldn't make this up." Cooperman1927 writes: "Why are so many always keen on paying more tax ? No wonder councils get away with such massive council tax hikes every year. The Welsh just roll over and accept everything." Rufdog says: "I live less than 2 hours from Holyhead ,so I can cover North Wales in that time, so I will only be doing day trips in future. your loss." Ynysmonexile believes: "£33 million extra revenue which will disappear into the Senedd administration money box to be spent on all sorts of goodies for the incumbents of Cardiff Bay Palace. Bureaucracy breeds more bureaucracy." Jr1977 comments: "When everyone has calmed down, stopped overreacting and crying about it, in most cases it's only an extra £1.30 per night to pay on an already overpriced holiday. It's not the end of the world." Rockdupont feels: "Another nail in Wales coffin. Sadly, it seems as though that is exactly what Plaid and Labour want. What is their ulterior motive?" Statistix quotes: " 'The revised plan, now agreed, is for all under-18-year-olds to be exempt from the lower tier accommodation – campsites, hostels and outdoors centres. This has resulted in higher prices for others'. If the tax for the 'others' has to be raised to cover the apparent loss from exemptions, the only possible reason is that the projected £33m has already been spent in the minds of those who have proposed this tax. If it was a true visitor levy, each council who implements it would be grateful for what it receives on top of its other income streams. Don't be fooled." Indigodebz asks: "Why aren't static caravan owners included? They are more likely to be taking dentist and doctor appointments than visitors for one thing." Jnrm says: "The Manchester Tourist Tax was designed to assist in keeping occupancy rates high as it was thought the increase in hotel rooms was outpacing the number of tourist. Nothing to do with community projects. 'The Manchester Accommodation BID, a body representing 74 hotels and serviced apartments providers in the city, was set up in 2023 to administer funds raised from the charge. It was formed as part of a push to keep occupancy rates high as more tourist hotels and apartments are built in Manchester - amid fears visitor numbers were not keeping pace with the new developments." Jeff2509 writes: "Manchester is already charging and making £28 million a year. All countries I visited in Europe charge local tax." Jnrm comments: " 75% of the visitors to North Wales are day-trippers, who won't pay the tax and spend very little locally. The 25% who will pay - those staying in hotels, B&B etc - are the very people we want to encourage as they are the big-spenders. Will the cost of administering the tax be greater than the amount raised?" Do you think the tourist tax is a good idea or not? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans
Senedd members voted 37-13 for the tourism tax bill , which will see people charged £1.30 each, plus VAT, for stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. People staying in hostels and campsites would pay 75p per person per night, with under-18s exempt from the lower rate of the tax, which would be introduced in 2027 at the earliest. The tax would raise around £33m a year if implemented across the country, but the 22 councils in Wales will be given powers to decide whether to introduce a levy locally. Only two councils, Cardiff and Anglesey, have so far indicated plans to bring in a levy, but other authorities had yet to make a decision or had 'no plans' to introduce a tax. A register of visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales will also be established by the bill, laying the groundwork for licensing plans set to be brought forward separately. Proponents argue the levy will ensure visitors contribute to the cost of services with revenue reinvested, while detractors warn the tax will put tourists off and damage Wales' economy. Tourism taxes are commonplace on the continent and, closer to home, Scottish councils will gain similar powers next year and Manchester introduced a visitor charge in 2023. Leading a debate before the key vote on July 8, Mark Drakeford told the Senedd: 'By passing this bill, we will give councils the choice to introduce a modest additional charge which would be reinvested to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry.' The finance secretary said the visitor levy will be the first local tax for more than 500 years to have been designed and made in Wales, marking an important step for devolution. Prof Drakeford said the Welsh Government wants to ensure the pressures and opportunities of tourism are fairly balanced, with visitors contributing to infrastructure and services. The former first minister pointed to evidence 'from Iceland to New Zealand' of the revenue generated contributing significantly to challenges without deterring tourism. He argued the bill would strengthen communities and build democratic accountability, putting tourism in Wales on a new and sustainable footing.
North Wales Live
09-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Wales tourist tax may cost 'more to administer than it raises'
The newly approved ' tourist tax' in Wales has seen a lively debate among North Wales Live readers, with many sharing their thoughts online. The tax, which will add £1.30 per night to hotel and Airbnb stays, and 80p per night for those staying in hostels and on campsite pitches, is set to be introduced in April 2027 and is expected to raise up to £33m a year. From 2027, overnight stays in Wales will become slightly pricier following the approval of the country's new visitor levy – commonly referred to as a tourist tax. This levy marks the first local tax in over 500 years to have been designed and legislated in Wales. In two years time, anyone staying in hotels or Airbnbs will have £1.30 per night added to the cost of their stays – plus VAT in many cases. Those spending the night in hostels and on campsite pitches will pay an additional 80p per night. The earliest the levy can be introduced will be in April 2027. With Plaid Cymru's backing for the Bill, it was passed with 37 Senedd Members in favour, 13 against and no abstentions. The Welsh Conservatives immediately pledged to abolish the tax if they win the 2026 Senedd election. They cautioned that councils could add an unlimited levy premium, further escalating costs. One reader, Blazerseams questions: "Does anyone actually believe Drakeford has anything coherent to say? His brilliant idea about the 20mph speed limit (from someone who doesn't drive) were, and are, gibberish." While Novisit asks: "What about caravan sites?" Ofcourseitis believes: "It's a tax on children's holidays, the poorer the family the greater the impact." Reactor says: "Camp sites eh? Watch out for more wild camping then." Yes-cymru states: "We pay tourists tax in every other country, not an issue, £1 per night extra is nothing." Howonearth says: "Visitor numbers to Wales in 2023 was down 13% compared to 2019 mainly due to economic downturn, these are publicly available figures. You really couldn't make this up." Cooperman1927 writes: "Why are so many always keen on paying more tax ? No wonder councils get away with such massive council tax hikes every year. The Welsh just roll over and accept everything." Rufdog says: "I live less than 2 hours from Holyhead ,so I can cover North Wales in that time, so I will only be doing day trips in future. your loss." Ynysmonexile believes: "£33 million extra revenue which will disappear into the Senedd administration money box to be spent on all sorts of goodies for the incumbents of Cardiff Bay Palace. Bureaucracy breeds more bureaucracy." Jr1977 comments: "When everyone has calmed down, stopped overreacting and crying about it, in most cases it's only an extra £1.30 per night to pay on an already overpriced holiday. It's not the end of the world." Rockdupont feels: "Another nail in Wales coffin. Sadly, it seems as though that is exactly what Plaid and Labour want. What is their ulterior motive?" Statistix quotes: " 'The revised plan, now agreed, is for all under-18-year-olds to be exempt from the lower tier accommodation – campsites, hostels and outdoors centres. This has resulted in higher prices for others'. If the tax for the 'others' has to be raised to cover the apparent loss from exemptions, the only possible reason is that the projected £33m has already been spent in the minds of those who have proposed this tax. If it was a true visitor levy, each council who implements it would be grateful for what it receives on top of its other income streams. Don't be fooled." Indigodebz asks: "Why aren't static caravan owners included? They are more likely to be taking dentist and doctor appointments than visitors for one thing." Jnrm says: "The Manchester Tourist Tax was designed to assist in keeping occupancy rates high as it was thought the increase in hotel rooms was outpacing the number of tourist. Nothing to do with community projects. 'The Manchester Accommodation BID, a body representing 74 hotels and serviced apartments providers in the city, was set up in 2023 to administer funds raised from the charge. It was formed as part of a push to keep occupancy rates high as more tourist hotels and apartments are built in Manchester - amid fears visitor numbers were not keeping pace with the new developments." Jeff2509 writes: "Manchester is already charging and making £28 million a year. All countries I visited in Europe charge local tax." Jnrm comments: " 75% of the visitors to North Wales are day-trippers, who won't pay the tax and spend very little locally. The 25% who will pay - those staying in hotels, B&B etc - are the very people we want to encourage as they are the big-spenders. Will the cost of administering the tax be greater than the amount raised?"
South Wales Guardian
09-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans
Senedd members voted 37-13 for the tourism tax bill , which will see people charged £1.30 each, plus VAT, for stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. People staying in hostels and campsites would pay 75p per person per night, with under-18s exempt from the lower rate of the tax, which would be introduced in 2027 at the earliest. The tax would raise around £33m a year if implemented across the country, but the 22 councils in Wales will be given powers to decide whether to introduce a levy locally. Only two councils, Cardiff and Anglesey, have so far indicated plans to bring in a levy, but other authorities had yet to make a decision or had 'no plans' to introduce a tax. A register of visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales will also be established by the bill, laying the groundwork for licensing plans set to be brought forward separately. Proponents argue the levy will ensure visitors contribute to the cost of services with revenue reinvested, while detractors warn the tax will put tourists off and damage Wales' economy. Tourism taxes are commonplace on the continent and, closer to home, Scottish councils will gain similar powers next year and Manchester introduced a visitor charge in 2023. Leading a debate before the key vote on July 8, Mark Drakeford told the Senedd: 'By passing this bill, we will give councils the choice to introduce a modest additional charge which would be reinvested to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry.' The finance secretary said the visitor levy will be the first local tax for more than 500 years to have been designed and made in Wales, marking an important step for devolution. Prof Drakeford said the Welsh Government wants to ensure the pressures and opportunities of tourism are fairly balanced, with visitors contributing to infrastructure and services. The former first minister pointed to evidence 'from Iceland to New Zealand' of the revenue generated contributing significantly to challenges without deterring tourism. He argued the bill would strengthen communities and build democratic accountability, putting tourism in Wales on a new and sustainable footing.
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Wales green lights £33million tourist tax - how much you'll pay
The levy will see people charged £1.30 each, plus VAT, for stays in hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation - while people staying in hostels and campsites would pay 75p per person per night, with under 18s exempt from the lower rate The Welsh Parliament has given the green light to a £1.30-a-night tourism tax in parts of Wales from 2027. Senedd members voted 37-13 in favour of the bill, which will see guests charged £1.30 each, plus VAT, for stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Those staying in hostels and campsites would be charged 75p per person per night, with under 18s exempt from the lower rate of the tax, set to be introduced in 2027 at the earliest. The tax could generate around £33m annually if implemented nationwide, but the decision to introduce a local levy will be left to the 22 councils in Wales. So far, only Cardiff and Anglesey councils have indicated plans to implement a levy, while other authorities are yet to decide or have "no plans" to introduce a tax, reports Business Live. The bill also paves the way for a register of visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales, laying the groundwork for licensing plans set to be brought forward separately. Supporters argue that the levy will ensure visitors contribute to the cost of services with revenue reinvested, while critics warn the tax could deter tourists and harm Wales' economy. Tourism taxes are already common on the continent, and closer to home, Scottish councils will gain similar powers next year, while Manchester introduced a visitor charge in 2023. In a pivotal debate leading up to the crucial vote, Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford addressed the Senedd, saying: "By passing this bill, we will give councils the choice to introduce a modest additional charge which would be reinvested to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry." Prof Drakeford emphasised the Welsh Government's aim to strike a fair balance between the pressures and benefits of tourism, with visitors contributing towards the upkeep of infrastructure and services. Drawing on international examples, the former first minister cited "from Iceland to New Zealand" to demonstrate how similar levies have successfully raised funds without discouraging tourists. Sam Rowlands, the Conservative shadow finance secretary, slammed the bill, labelling it "bad for Wales and bad for the Welsh tourism sector". He warned that the proposed tourism tax could jeopardise jobs and damage the economic landscape, noting widespread opposition from the tourism industry itself. The Welsh Conservatives vowed to scrap the tax if the party wins the 2026 Senedd election. Luke Fletcher of Plaid Cymru, holding the position of shadow economy secretary, has strongly backed his party's stance, declaring: "There is a genuine opportunity here for us to create a sustainable tourism sector that works with both our communities and businesses. "The very same arguments were happening when they were looking to introduce a tourism levy in Barcelona and in other places, so I do really believe we will look back at this as a positive step forward for our communities." Labour's Jenny Rathbone highlighted the influx of fans coming to Cardiff for the Oasis gig and the subsequent costs faced by local communities in backing the bill. She provocatively questioned: "Why should poor people rather than visitors have to pay?".
