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This could be the next British destination to introduce a tourist tax

Holidaymakers could be charged to help support local communities

Chiara Wilkinson
Written by
Chiara Wilkinson
Deputy Editor, UK
A picture of Newport from above
Photograph: Shutterstock
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First it was Barcelona, Venice, Belgium, Thailand and Austria. And now, Wales could be the latest destination to charge tourists a tax when staying overnight. 

It’s looking likely that the Welsh government will press ahead and introduce a visitor levy on holidaymakers, with legislation allowing local authorities to introduce a tax for tourists staying overnight to be put to the Senedd, the Welsh parliament, within the current government’s term.

Manchester recently became the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax, charging visitors £1 a night to stay in a hotel in the city centre. Seventy-four hotels and guesthouses in Manchester are currently signed up to the scheme, and it is hoped that the tax will raise £3 million per year to go towards the Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District project to attract more people to stay in the area.

Tourist charges are used in more than 40 destinations around the world, with the levy in international models ranging from 50p to £5 a night.

No rate has yet been set in Wales, but government plans said it would be a ‘small charge’ paid by people staying in ‘commercially let overnight visitor accommodation’. It will be up to local authorities to decide whether to introduce the levy, and the funds raised will go back into their areas.

On Wednesday, Rebecca Evans, the minister for finance and local government, said: ‘As the Easter break approaches and many parts of Wales prepare to welcome visitors from around the world, it’s more important than ever that we look to create a sustainable tourism sector that also supports local communities.

We understand some businesses have reservations about a visitor levy and I am grateful to all those who took the time to respond to our consultation. These responses will be carefully considered as we continue to develop our specific plans for a levy.’

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