Today [08/07/25], in the Senedd, Stage 4 of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill will be voted on.
The Tourism Tax will be £1.30 per person per night in a hotel in Wales, but can be increased by councils, given the provision of an unlimited “premium which may be added” [pg36 Explanatory Memorandum].
The Welsh Conservatives oppose the concept of a Tourism Tax and will vote against it as they have at every stage. The tax will come into force in 2027 and so the Welsh Conservatives are committing to axing the tax before it takes effect, given the opportunity, following the 2026 Senedd election.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Sam Rowlands MS said:
“Today’s decision sets in motion a hammer blow that will hit an already struggling Welsh tourism sector in 2027.
“Labour and Plaid’s toxic Tourism Tax, according to the Welsh Government’s own figures, will harm the economy to the tune of tens of millions of pounds and hundreds of jobs every single year.
“Not only will we vote against it as we have at every stage, but given the opportunity, the Welsh Conservatives will axe the toxic Tourism Tax before it comes into force.”
