Stories

Mon, 28 Sep 2026

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 Tourism tax needs to be more flexible in Wales, warns expert

Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd councils have all put a pause on introducing the nightly tourist tax.
Some key points from the article include:
* Cardiff is the only local authority in Wales that has decided to introduce the visitor levy, which will be implemented from April 2027.
* The levy is a fixed rate of £10 per adult and child per night, with under-18s exempt from the 75p rate.
* Local authorities can decide how the money generated by the levy is spent, and it must be ring-fenced in their budgets for specific purposes such as promoting tourism, the Welsh language, and improving infrastructure or services used by visitors.
* Councils could charge more in future if they go through a consultation process and give 12 months' notice.
* Stays of more than 31 nights will not be taxed, and neither will people forced into temporary accommodation or those in homeless hostels. The article also includes quotes from various politicians and industry leaders, including Louise Emery, the Reform spokesperson for culture, tourism, sport, and hospitality; Paul Davies, the Welsh Conservative spokesperson for culture, tourism, and sport; and a Welsh government spokesperson.