UK holiday hotspot set to approve ‘nightly tourist tax’ for all visitors

The new scheme could bring in as much as £33m a year to help improve tourist spots, but some fear it could also put people off visiting.

Fresh legislation giving councils the power to introduce a tax on overnight stays in Wales is due to be approved by the Senedd today.

If passed, hotel visitors could see an extra £1.30 added to their nightly bill.

The charge is expected to raise millions each year, money that would be reinvested into improving tourist areas. But local businesses are worried it may discourage travellers from booking trips.

Welsh Conservatives have pledged to scrap the plan entirely if they win the 2026 Senedd election.

With Plaid Cymru backing the proposal, the Welsh government looks set to push the legislation through, according to the BBC.

Under the rules, guests at hostels and campsites would pay 75p per night, while those in hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation would face the higher £1.30 charge, reports Devon Live.

The levy would also be subject to VAT, though children under 18 staying in hostels and campsites would be exempt.

Labour first outlined the idea of a tourism levy in its 2021 Senedd election manifesto, and it was included in its former agreement with Plaid Cymru.

The move comes after concerns about the strain tourism can place on some Welsh communities.

Councils would have the final say on whether to bring in the tax, which wouldn’t start until 2027 at the earliest.

After its first year, councils would also have the option to increase the charge – but only with approval from the Welsh government.

Some local authorities, including Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Newport, have already said they have no intention of introducing the levy.

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Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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