Latest news with #VisitorLevyBill
Powys County Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys tourism leaders slam Senedd's Visitor Levy Bill
MID Wales tourism industry leaders are worried that the Welsh Government is pressing ahead with a proposed tourism tax before fully understanding the potential impacts. The Visitor Levy Bill moved a step closer to becoming reality on Tuesday when the proposal was agreed in the Senedd, despite being strongly opposed by the tourism sector. The new legislation will give local councils in Wales the power to charge people up to £1.30 per person, per night, for overnight stays in visitor accommodation. The bill passed the third stage in the Senedd, which means it will likely be approved later this month before seeking royal assent from the King. The Welsh Government estimates the levy could raise around £33 million a year if adopted by all local authorities across Wales. Leaders at Mid Wales Tourism (MWT) Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, are very concerned though. They have called for the tourism tax to be delayed until there is a register of all tourism businesses in Wales. 'Members of the Senedd are being asked to make a decision without crucial data or a full understanding of the potential impacts,' said Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru chief executive, who was disappointed that the Senedd rejected an amendment to compile this register before a tourism tax decision is made. 'Policies like this could potentially have long-lasting and damaging consequences, as we saw with the 182-day rule, which was intended to target second homes.' If visitor accommodation is not occupied for a minimum of 182 days of a year, owners face paying double or possibly triple council tax. The change has forced some to leave the sector and presented others with bills of up to £20,000. 'We are already seeing the evidence that it is harming genuine tourism businesses and farming families across Mid Wales,' added Ms Hawkins. 'If the visitor levy is truly in the best interests of Wales, as it should be, taking the time to get it right isn't just sensible, it's vital.' MWT Cymru's vice chairman Suzy Davies also warned about the wider impact of the levy. 'This has long ceased to be a 'tourism tax', charging visitors for the privilege of a holiday in Wales – it's a fee for staying in visitor accommodation for any reason,' she said. 'People going to a funeral, going into hospital, visiting loved ones in hospital or care homes, giving evidence in court, even escaping domestic violence – they will have to pay.' Councils can choose not to introduce the pending new charge, which Pembrokeshire, Wrexham, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynn Taff have already done. Ms Davies said this should give mid Wales counties "pause for thought", adding: 'With some already refusing to introduce a levy, no register of accredited businesses and an eye-watering predicted cost of the local and central administration of the legislation, there will be precious little money left to make any meaningful impact on improving the experience of residents or visitors.'
Business News Wales
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Tourism Leaders Warn Visitor Levy Decision 'Could be Made Without Crucial Data'
MWT Cymru chief executive Zoe Hawkins (left) and vice chairman Suzy Davies. Mid Wales tourism industry leaders have voiced concerns that the Welsh Government is pressing ahead with a proposed tourism tax 'before fully understanding the potential impacts'. The Visitor Levy Bill has passed the third stage in the Senedd, which means it will likely be approved later this month before seeking Royal Assent from the King. The new legislation will give councils the power to charge people up to £1.30 per person, per night for overnight stays in visitor accommodation. The Welsh Government estimates the levy could raise around £33 million a year if adopted by all local authorities across Wales. However, councils can choose not to introduce the charge which Pembrokeshire, Wrexham, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf have already done. The Vale of Glamorgan Council, Swansea Council and Newport City Council say they have no current plans to pursue the tax. Tourism leaders have warned that the tourism tax could cost more to administer than it actually raises. Leaders at MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, say they are very concerned. They have called for the tourism tax to be delayed until there is a register of all tourism businesses in Wales, ensuring that unregistered rivals cannot unfairly operate under the radar and avoid bills. Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru chief executive, is disappointed that the Senedd rejected an amendment to compile this register before a tourism tax decision is made. 'Members of the Senedd are being asked to make a decision without crucial data or a full understanding of the potential impacts,' she said. 'Robust, evidence-led policymaking is vital, especially when rural communities and the wider visitor economy are already under immense strain. 'Policies like this could potentially have long-lasting and damaging consequences, as we saw with the 182-day rule, which was intended to target second homes. Instead, we are already seeing the evidence that it is harming genuine tourism businesses and farming families across Mid Wales, which the sector had previously warned was a likely outcome. 'Decisions must be properly reviewed and scrutinised as part of a joined-up approach, not taken in isolation. Our politicians need to be 100 per cent sure that due diligence has been done when being asked to decide a policy which could have severe, unintended consequences, particularly in rural areas. 'If the visitor levy is truly in the best interests of Wales, as it should be, taking the time to get it right isn't just sensible, it's vital.' Suzy Davies, MWT Cymru's vice chairman, also warned about the wider impact of the levy. She said: 'This has long ceased to be a 'tourism tax', charging visitors for the privilege of a holiday in Wales – it's a fee for staying in visitor accommodation for any reason. 'People going to a funeral, going into hospital, visiting loved ones in hospital or care homes, giving evidence in court, even escaping domestic violence – they will have to pay. 'Visitor accommodation providers will have to be registered as a result of this legislation. This should help reassure visitors that properties are safe and legal, as well as providing a database of businesses which will be responsible for collecting the tax. 'Unfortunately, the Finance Secretary refused to compel councils to chase operators avoiding registration and collecting the tax so, once again, we see another burden which falls on the shoulders of the businesses playing the game not gaming the system. 'I'm pleased to see that some local authorities have already indicated that they will not or have no plans to introduce the tax. This must give neighbouring counties pause for thought, especially in Mid Wales. 'This policy is built on the premise that all councils will participate and raise an unsubstantiated amount of money from an unknown number of visitor accommodation providers. 'With some already refusing to introduce a levy, no register of accredited businesses and an eye-watering predicted cost of the local and central administration of the legislation, there will be precious little money left to make any meaningful impact on improving the experience of residents or visitors.'
Leader Live
02-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Tory conference to be held in ‘smallest house in the world', Welsh minister jokes
Ken Skates, the cabinet member for North Wales, has said the Welsh Conservatives will fit 'in the porchway' of The Smallest House after next May's Welsh parliament election, during questions in the Senedd on Wednesday. The home, which sits on Conwy's seafront in north Wales, is believed to be the smallest house in the United Kingdom. Measuring just 72 inches wide, the house, which has not been lived in for some time, has become a tourist destination. The minister's comments followed a question about the impact a proposed tourism levy would have on the north Wales economy from Gareth Davies, Tory MS for the Vale of Clwyd. The Visitor Levy Bill, which is going through the Senedd, will allow councils to charge up to £1.30 per person per night for staying in tourist accommodation, with the money going towards local infrastructure. Mr Skate's joke also comes 10 months ahead of the next Senedd election, where recent polls have put the Tories in a predicted fourth place. The Westminster party was also wiped out in Wales in the general election last year, going from 14 seats to zero. However, Labour is also expected to face a difficult battle in May's elections. Recent polling by Survation placed them at 27%, with Reform and Plaid Cymru close behind on 24% each, while previous YouGov polling had the incumbent party in third place. Mr Skates told Mr Davies he visited Conwy following the Welsh Labour Conference, which was held in Llandudno last weekend. Addressing Mr Davies, he said: 'At the end of the conference, I thought I'd just spend a little more time in the area. 'I actually went over to Conwy as well, which is a fabulous place too. 'You'll be aware that it has the smallest house in the world on the seafront there. 'I was told that your party is going to be holding your post-election conference in the porchway, in that particular tourist attraction next year.' Mr Skates added that he would be discussing the visitor levy with the north Wales business council on Friday, calling the fee an 'opportunity,' which he insisted had been welcomed in other areas like Manchester. Mr Davies said he 'appreciates the sharpness and the wit of the Cabinet Secretary' but argued the levy could lead to a decrease in people staying in Wales, with many councils having already ruled out implementing it.
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Tory conference to be held in ‘smallest house in the world', Welsh minister jokes
Ken Skates, the cabinet member for North Wales, has said the Welsh Conservatives will fit 'in the porchway' of The Smallest House after next May's Welsh parliament election, during questions in the Senedd on Wednesday. The home, which sits on Conwy's seafront in north Wales, is believed to be the smallest house in the United Kingdom. Measuring just 72 inches wide, the house, which has not been lived in for some time, has become a tourist destination. Welsh North Wales and transport minister Ken Skates (Welsh Government/PA) The minister's comments followed a question about the impact a proposed tourism levy would have on the north Wales economy from Gareth Davies, Tory MS for the Vale of Clwyd. The Visitor Levy Bill, which is going through the Senedd, will allow councils to charge up to £1.30 per person per night for staying in tourist accommodation, with the money going towards local infrastructure. Mr Skate's joke also comes 10 months ahead of the next Senedd election, where recent polls have put the Tories in a predicted fourth place. The Westminster party was also wiped out in Wales in the general election last year, going from 14 seats to zero. However, Labour is also expected to face a difficult battle in May's elections. Recent polling by Survation placed them at 27%, with Reform and Plaid Cymru close behind on 24% each, while previous YouGov polling had the incumbent party in third place. Mr Skates told Mr Davies he visited Conwy following the Welsh Labour Conference, which was held in Llandudno last weekend. Addressing Mr Davies, he said: 'At the end of the conference, I thought I'd just spend a little more time in the area. 'I actually went over to Conwy as well, which is a fabulous place too. 'You'll be aware that it has the smallest house in the world on the seafront there. 'I was told that your party is going to be holding your post-election conference in the porchway, in that particular tourist attraction next year.' Mr Skates added that he would be discussing the visitor levy with the north Wales business council on Friday, calling the fee an 'opportunity,' which he insisted had been welcomed in other areas like Manchester. Mr Davies said he 'appreciates the sharpness and the wit of the Cabinet Secretary' but argued the levy could lead to a decrease in people staying in Wales, with many councils having already ruled out implementing it.
South Wales Guardian
02-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Tory conference to be held in ‘smallest house in the world', Welsh minister jokes
Ken Skates, the cabinet member for North Wales, has said the Welsh Conservatives will fit 'in the porchway' of The Smallest House after next May's Welsh parliament election, during questions in the Senedd on Wednesday. The home, which sits on Conwy's seafront in north Wales, is believed to be the smallest house in the United Kingdom. Measuring just 72 inches wide, the house, which has not been lived in for some time, has become a tourist destination. The minister's comments followed a question about the impact a proposed tourism levy would have on the north Wales economy from Gareth Davies, Tory MS for the Vale of Clwyd. The Visitor Levy Bill, which is going through the Senedd, will allow councils to charge up to £1.30 per person per night for staying in tourist accommodation, with the money going towards local infrastructure. Mr Skate's joke also comes 10 months ahead of the next Senedd election, where recent polls have put the Tories in a predicted fourth place. The Westminster party was also wiped out in Wales in the general election last year, going from 14 seats to zero. However, Labour is also expected to face a difficult battle in May's elections. Recent polling by Survation placed them at 27%, with Reform and Plaid Cymru close behind on 24% each, while previous YouGov polling had the incumbent party in third place. Mr Skates told Mr Davies he visited Conwy following the Welsh Labour Conference, which was held in Llandudno last weekend. Addressing Mr Davies, he said: 'At the end of the conference, I thought I'd just spend a little more time in the area. 'I actually went over to Conwy as well, which is a fabulous place too. 'You'll be aware that it has the smallest house in the world on the seafront there. 'I was told that your party is going to be holding your post-election conference in the porchway, in that particular tourist attraction next year.' Mr Skates added that he would be discussing the visitor levy with the north Wales business council on Friday, calling the fee an 'opportunity,' which he insisted had been welcomed in other areas like Manchester. Mr Davies said he 'appreciates the sharpness and the wit of the Cabinet Secretary' but argued the levy could lead to a decrease in people staying in Wales, with many councils having already ruled out implementing it.
