New Tourist Tax in Wales

As early as 2027, vacationers might have to pay a new tourist tax in Wales. This tax was voted by the Welsh Parliament so they can support and improve tourist destinations.

When the tax is introduced, vacationers have to pay £0.75 per person per night at campsites and hostels excluding people that are 18 years old,. If they stay in other accommodations, then vacationers have to pay £1.30 per person per night for all ages. Those taxes may be further adjusted by the Welsh Parliament, and will be received by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).

If the tax is introduced, Wales could raise approximately £33 million per year. The main 22 councils in Wales, will decide if they will introduce the tax or not. The taxes will help improve toilets, footpaths, beaches and will support visitor centers according to the Governor of Wales. This will benefit all visitors and residents because the tourist places will be better and more preferable .

Tourist taxes are not new to some other countries according to a BBC article. Mark Drakeford says that those taxes are a good idea. He says, “We believe it is reasonable for visitors to contribute towards infrastructure and services integral to their experience, as they do in so many other parts of the world.”

Not everybody agrees with Mr. Drakeford. “We believe it is bad for Wales and bad for the Welsh tourism sector which forms such an important part of the Welsh economy,” Sam Rowlands says. Many other groups, such as the Welsh Tourism Alliance are also concerned with the future plans, as those taxes risk driving tourists away from Wales.

Sources

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cy7nmyxmepjo

https://www.gov.wales/VisitorLevy

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99pmed30rzo