Wales Proposes Visitor Levy to Support Tourism Infrastructure

The Welsh government outlines plans for a small overnight tax to fund local services in popular tourist areas, with implementation possible by 2027.

The proposed visitor levy would charge 75p per night for campsites and hostels, and £1.25 for other accommodations like hotels and holiday lets.
Local councils will have the option to introduce the tax, which could generate up to £33 million annually if adopted across Wales.
Funds raised would be reinvested in tourism-related infrastructure, such as maintaining beaches, toilets, and footpaths, and supporting cultural initiatives like the Welsh language.
The levy forms part of broader legislation that includes a registration scheme for accommodation providers, set to begin in 2026.
Critics, including some businesses and the Conservative Party, argue the tax could deter visitors and increase administrative burdens, though the Welsh government asserts it is a fair and sustainable solution.