Wales may suffer post-2027 due to a visitor levy. Welsh attractions protest the tax, fearing reduced visitor numbers.
Over eighty Welsh attractions will close on March 1st. They will lower their flags to half-mast in protest. A key concern is the planned visitor levy, or “tourist tax”.
The Welsh government set the levy at £1.25 per night. This applies to hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering stays from 2027. Experts say VAT may raise it to £1.50 for some businesses.
Hostels and campsites face a 75p charge, plus possibly VAT too. Local councils can add extra charges if they choose. Babies will face this tax, as exemptions were denied. Some claim the levy is “anti-English”, but the Welsh will feel it most.
A spokesperson, Ashford Price, said Welsh people book much Welsh lodging. He said sixty percent of bookings are made by them. He stated the government will tax them for supporting Wales. He added babies will also pay the tax.
Critics say it could cost families £60 extra for a week. This would apply when compared to holidays elsewhere in the UK. Other areas consider similar taxes. Edinburgh now has a 5% visitor levy.
Glasgow and other Scottish regions may follow suit. Liverpool may introduce a £2 per night levy in England. Manchester already has its own tourist tax. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan will consider it. Bristol is proposing a £2 lodging charge.
Welsh attractions held a similar protest before Christmas. WAVA had a protest December 10th, closing attractions. North Wales Tourism backs them this time.
The Professional Association of Self Caterers support them too. Besides the levy, providers face letting issues. They need 182 days of letting yearly. Those who fail face higher council tax.
Critics note a drop in lettings and visitors. Jim Jones said Welsh policies harm tourism badly. Businesses struggle now. He claimed normal efforts to engage were ignored.
Businesses are urged to lower flags as a gesture. It symbolizes damage to a stable Welsh sector. Frankie Hobro warned the levy won’t matter. She stated the sector may have collapsed by then.
Alistair Handyside said businesses faced many new rules. He asked for an urgent review of these rules’ impact. He stated businesses are near breaking point. Mental health is a large issue.
He supports lowering flags to show the sector’s feelings. The Welsh Government says policies aid sustainability. They address the housing crisis. A visitor levy would help communities impacted by tourism. Other places worldwide have similar plans.