A new initiative in Wales is set to introduce a visitor levy for people staying overnight, including children. This scheme aims to raise up to £33m annually, which will be reinvested back into the tourism and culture sectors.
Under this plan, all visitors will be charged a nominal fee of 75p per night for campsites and hostels, and £1.25 for other accommodations like hotels, B&Bs, and holiday lets.
The Welsh government’s finance secretary, Mark Drakeford, is introducing a bill on Monday that gives local authorities the option to implement this levy. However, it won’t come into effect until at least 2027.
If all local authorities in Wales choose to adopt the levy, it could potentially generate £33m annually. Popular tourist destinations such as Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, and Cardiff are likely candidates for implementing this charge.
To support the collection process efficiently, a registration scheme for accommodation providers will be launched in 2026. Participating local authorities must submit annual reports detailing the revenue generated and its utilization.
While some businesses have criticized the idea as burdensome and potentially off-putting to visitors, the Welsh government defends it as a necessary measure with ample preparation time provided.
Drakeford envisions utilizing the funds raised for environmental initiatives like beach cleanliness maintenance of visitor facilities. He emphasized that contributing towards these costs would ensure fairness among visitors who benefit from these amenities during their stay.
The revenue collected can also be used by local authorities to promote Cymraeg (Welsh language) preservation. Drakeford highlighted how cultural aspects attract tourists alongside physical attractions.
Despite concerns about Wales appearing unwelcoming due to this levy introduction, Drakeford reassured that similar policies are being implemented globally, positioning Wales at the forefront of sustainable tourism practices.
2024-11-25 06:30:38
Original from www.theguardian.com