Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy is severely disappointed to see that following a statement from the Welsh Government that there are plans to push ahead with the tourism tax.
Following a statement from Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford and Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans, the Levy and Registration Bill is set to be introduced to the Senedd on 26 November.
The proposed legislation would grant councils the authority to introduce a small "visitor levy" aimed at generating additional funds. The bill also includes a registration scheme for accommodation providers, which the government asserts is necessary to support the implementation of the levy.
Commenting on the news Janet said:
“This is an absolute disaster and I am extremely disappointed that the Welsh Government have decided to press forward with this.
“Yet another tax coming our way and one that will specifically harm small businesses.
“I have raised this repeatedly over the years, highlighting the harm it will cause. Even after a consultation that outlines peoples widespread concerns about the tax and what it will mean for local businesses and tourism more broadly, the Welsh Government are still hellbent on introducing yet another tax.
"Tourism employs one in nine people in Wales, with over 75% in hospitality supporting local communities. Together, these sectors contribute £2.4 billion annually to Wales’s GDP.
“A Wales Tourism Alliance survey found 70% of visitors might holiday elsewhere if a tax is introduced.
“Aberconwy relies on tourism in a way that many simply do not understand. It is our life blood and this tax will only start to clot that essential flow.”
ENDS
