It may not be the best time, given the cost-of-living crisis and all that, but Wales could be about to introduce a tourist tax. All overnight visitors would be charged extra, no matter where they are staying or whether they are visiting for business or leisure.
The Welsh government said the tax, which wouldn’t pass into law for years, would support ‘sustainable tourism’. The exact levy would be at the discretion of councils, which could decide whether to implement it or not based on ‘the needs of their communities’.
The proposed law change comes after some sights were overwhelmed with visitors after lockdown restrictions were lifted. The new tax would apply to any accommodation including hotels, holiday lets, caravans and motorhomes. A public consultation is currently considering whether the tax should also apply to campers.
Some people would be exempt from paying including Roma travellers, those travelling for medical needs and those fleeing domestic violence.
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