The proposed new law could have a big impact on vacationers

Overnight in Wales may have to pay to stay underwater tourist tax proposals submitted to parliament later this month.

A “small” but unspecified visitor fee will be paid by people staying overnight in accommodation in Wales to raise funds that support the “long-term sustainability” of the tourism industry.

One bill gives local authorities control over the visitor’s levy, while the other intends to regulate visitor accommodation by creating a national register.

Joint statement of the Minister of Finance Mark Drakeford and Economy Minister Rebecca Evans said the visitor and accommodation levy bills would be presented to the Senate on November 25.

“This Bill proposes to give local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy, which will be a small charge paid by people staying overnight in visitor accommodation. The levy will raise additional funds for local authorities to support the long-term sustainability of our tourism industry,” the statement said.

They added: “Each local authority will be able to decide whether to introduce a visitor charge in their area, based on local circumstances.”

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan announced two bills in a July legislative statement to “support tourism and local communities.”

The visitor accommodation registration scheme is the “first step” towards a pre-agreed licensing scheme including holiday homes in Wales, the statement said.

Rebecca Evans said: “These proposals are about preparing for the future. Our intention is to create a sense of shared responsibility between residents and visitors to protect and invest in our local areas.

“By asking visitors – whether they come from Wales or further afield – to make a small contribution to support and improve the place they visit, we will encourage a more sustainable approach to tourism.”

The Welsh Conservatives said tourism tax plans would “threaten jobs” and “impose red tape” in Wales.

Andrew R. T. Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “We have been absolutely clear from the outset that this policy is wrong for Wales.

“The tourism tax will put jobs at risk at a time when businesses are being crushed by Labour, it will impose red tape and will work against its own aims by encouraging visitors to use more of the attractions and services provided by the council.

“Our tourism industry should be supported by the Welsh Government, not hampered by new taxes.”

For more travel tips and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast