Posted: Fri 11th Feb 2022

Consultation on proposals for tourism tax in Wales to launch in the autumn

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales
This article is old - Published: Friday, Feb 11th, 2022

The Welsh Government has confirmed a consultation on proposals for a local visitor levy will launch in autumn 2022.

Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said a “levy would enable destinations in Wales to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Tourism provides a substantial economic contribution to Wales with tourism-related expenditure reaching more than £5bn annually in 2019.

However the Welsh Government say “a tourism tax would raise revenue for local authorities enabling them to manage services and infrastructure which makes tourism a success.”

Both the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, and the Cooperation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, both contain commitments to introduce levies.

Formal consultation on draft legislative proposals for a visitor levy will launch in the autumn, providing a platform for a range of views to be considered.

Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said: “Visitor levies are a common feature in tourist destinations internationally.

“They are an opportunity for visitors to make an investment in local infrastructure and services, which in turn make tourism a success. Without such a levy, local communities face an undue burden to fund local services and provisions on which tourists rely.

“From keeping the beaches and pavements clean, through to maintaining local parks, toilets and footpaths – the critical infrastructure that supports tourism should be supported by all those that rely on it.

“The introduction and subsequent use of such a levy would enable destinations in Wales to be enjoyed for generations to come and encourage a more sustainable approach to tourism.

“The levy would be proportionate by design, and powers to raise the levy would be discretionary for local authorities. This would enable decisions to be taken locally, according to the needs of our communities.

“The levy will apply to those paying to stay overnight within a local authority area. Opportunities for wider contributions on the cost impact of other types of visitor activities on local infrastructure will be offered as part of the consultation on the levy.”

Designated Member Cefin Campbell MS said: “Giving local people the power to introduce a tourism levy will make a difference to communities across the country, many of which attract a significant number of tourists. It will give local people and their representatives more power and resources to invest and deliver in their areas.

“Councils will be able to ask tourists to contribute in a small way to the areas they are visiting and the local services they use.

“This measure will help support a sustainable rather than an extractive tourism sector, which will help bring the greatest benefit to communities and the local economy.

“Such levies – often known as tourism taxes – are commonplace in countries across Europe and beyond. This is about mutual respect between our communities and the visitors they welcome. It is a new policy which is the fruit of a Welsh co-operative spirit.”

Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email: [email protected]   Latest News

  • Committee scrutinises 16% Senedd budget increase
  • New police custody training facility officially unveiled for Wrexham University Policing students
  • Deeside: Students join waste company in collecting college litter on World Clean-Up Day

  • More...

    Committee scrutinises 16% Senedd budget increase

    News

    New police custody training facility officially unveiled for Wrexham University Policing students

    News

    Deeside: Students join waste company in collecting college litter on World Clean-Up Day

    News

    Trust in politics ‘perilously low’ after former first minister’s donations scandal

    News

    Airbus Broughton: Wrexham Police FC take on Legends in aid of Boxes of Sunshine

    News

    Concern over furnace uncertainty for Shotton’s future

    News

    Deeside Dragons are offering discounted ice hockey game for community groups

    News

    CCTV and lighting upgrades planned for Connah’s Quay Docks

    News

    Flintshire Council proposes tighter HMO controls to address issues

    News