The idea of a Tourism Levy has been touted by Welsh Labour for a while, but this week (25th November) will see the Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford introduce the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill to the Senedd which will allow councils to introduce a charge on people staying overnight in visitor accommodation across Wales.
James has been vocal on this issue, consistently raising the concerns voiced to him by local businesses – many of whom fear that this could drive tourism away from the areas that so desperately rely on it. Especially so for the businesses near the English border – this tax could be the difference between visitors choosing to stay in England or Wales.
James Evans MS said:
“Tourism Businesses are having hit after hit at the moment, whether that is from the UK Labour Budget or the Welsh Government’s ridiculously high 182 day ruling. Most short stays in Wales are made by the Welsh public – so this is essentially a tax the Welsh people who holiday within their own country! For example, a Builth Wells resident staying overnight in Cardiff could end up paying this Tourism Tax!
“Sadly, many of the tourism businesses I’ve spoken to in my constituency are all resigned to this damaging tourism tax being introduced. We are yet to see just how much of a detrimental effect this will have on their business. With one in seven Welsh jobs relying on tourism, I am extremely concerned what the future holds.
“We are yet to learn just where the money generated from this will be spent. I am calling for the revenue generated to go directly back into the tourism industry to provide much needed support for this vital sector and promote Wales as a destination. This is where the money should be going, not propping up Local Authority budgets to repair potholes on ‘roads that tourists frequently use!’”
