North Wales Live readers have had mixed reactions on the Welsh Government’s announcement regarding the introduction of a tourism tax proposal to the Senedd. Additionally, the Government plans to implement a statutory licensing scheme for all tourist accommodations in Wales.
The proposed visitor levy would involve a “small charge” for those staying overnight in tourist lodgings, with local authorities having the discretion to adopt the charge within their regions. While the tourism industry has strongly opposed the levy, fearing it could damage a vital part of the Welsh economy that supports thousands of jobs, proponents argue that the revenue generated could enhance local amenities for both tourists and residents.
It’s noted that while such levies are commonplace in many European countries, critics highlight that tourism businesses there generally face lower taxes than those in the UK. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox.
Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, and Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, have jointly announced: “Subject to the Llywydd’s determination, the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill will be introduced to the Senedd on 25 November.
Speaking previously, Suzy Davies, the chair of Wales Tourism Alliance, said: “All tourism tax countries have much lower rates of VAT for tourism products in those countries, 10% less generally. But the prospect of a 20% VAT rate plus the tourism tax, however modest, is not great news for tourism in GB, let alone Wales. And again it does not help us with that ‘Wales really wants you, welcome to Wales’ message that we need to be pushing.”
Commenter SCATHINGPEN thinks: “Any money raised will not be spent improving infrastructure for locals or tourists. Every penny will be heading in the direction of councillors pockets, generous wages for council workers not to mention generous pensions for all. Time council taxpayers, business owners and tourists stopped kidding themselves. Money and councils do not go together.”
CharlesPhilipArthurGeorgeWindsor-Mountbatten asks: “Effectively a tax on North Wales with all the proceeds going to Cardiff to squander. Time for North Wales to seek independence from the south?”
Cooperman1927 agrees: “North Wales won’t see any of it.”
Anothergrumpy replies: “If the revenues raised aren’t ring fenced for developing and managing the visitor economy in the same council area, why would any council choose to apply it? It should also be ringfenced for housing. When they have enough housing for anyone that wants a government landlord they can either send the rest to Cardiff Bay or reduce the surcharge.”
Geedeebee is not happy: “If Welsh citizens, such as myself, have to pay a tax to holiday in their own country, then on a matter of principle, my touring caravan will be heading down the A55 and over the border.”
Merciaman retorts: “Why do you think you should be exempt from something everyone else pays? If I live in Italy (for example) and go to an Italian tourist destination I will have to pay the local tourist tax. By the way, many places in England and Scotland are now introducing the same tax!”
HWSmall jokes: “Welcome to Wales! Please have your debit card ready!”
CoDre says: “MOST Countries in the World charge a tourist tax.”
Jnrm replies: “Unlike MOST Countries in the World, N Wales is mainly a day-tripper tourist destination and they will not pay the tax! So how do you suggest they get tourist tax off day-trippers – have border posts on all roads into England? Conwy Council wants to charge parking fees on the prom in Colwyn Bay as a way of getting visitor money, but the locals are against it!”
Anothergrumpy points out: “You raise a modest sum from those who stay overnight and use it to develop the sector so more stay overnight, thus benefitting these businesses which gain more from the extra custom than they lose in extra tax.”
Prettyboxer is against it: “People pay to stay in whatever accommodation is their preference and now will be expected to pay extra in tourist tax – does Wales want tourists or not? In North Wales particularly, there is very little in the way of industry to aid the economy and help us survive and now Cardiff is trying to kill off the tourist trade, it beggars belief!”
71titan agrees: “Tourism brings millions of pounds into Wales annually. Charging tourists will only cause tourist numbers to fall. A fall in numbers means attractions won’t have the funds to stay open, jobs will be lost, even fewer tourists will visit because everything has closed, Wales will no longer be a tourism destination. How completely backwards is the Welsh government? Instead of pushing tourism and making money they’re going to drive the tourists away. Small minded Welsh nationalism at its finest.”
How do you feel about the Tourist Tax? Will it benefit Wales or deter visitors? Have your say in our comments section.
This post was originally published on here
