SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says a tourist tax will send the wrong message at the wrong time.
Mr Rowlands, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Tourism is a constant critic of the introduction of a visitor levy which is due to come into force in 2027.
He was speaking in the Senedd during a motion to approve the draft Tax Collection and Management (Visitor Levy Costs) (Wales) Regulations 2026.
He said: “The Cabinet Secretary will be well aware of the Welsh Conservatives’ opposition to the principle of a tourism tax here in Wales, and these regulations take a further step towards making that tax a reality for businesses and visitors here in Wales.
“We know Wales relies heavily on tourism, a multibillion-pound industry supporting families, small businesses, hospitality workers and supporting our communities through the supply chain.
“A visitor levy sends the wrong message at the wrong time, that coming here costs more, that visitors are a burden to be taxed, rather than a benefit to our economy and to our communities to be welcomed.
“And I know that tourism is certainly not an abstract concept. It’s our local hotels staying open through the winter, it’s cafes keeping staff employed, attractions investing in improvements and communities remaining vibrant.
“So, even a small additional charge can influence where people choose to go, particularly for families, for coach tours and budget travellers. And once that footfall is lost, it can be extremely difficult to recover.
“If the goal is to support infrastructure, manage the pressures that can arise in our communities and improve visitor experiences, then we should be working collaboratively with the tourism sector, not taxing it further.
“The better use of existing funding, targeted investment and smarter planning will achieve far more than a levy that risks undermining confidence in the sector.
“We should be encouraging people to visit, to stay longer and to return, but instead today we hear another reason for them to go elsewhere.”
The motion was passed with For 37, Against: 9, Abstain: .0
