Labour’s “penny pinching” plans for a Welsh tourism tax has been slammed as “punitive” by the Tories.
A £1.25 per night tourism tax could be introduced in Wales from 2027, it has been announced.
Guests at hotels, B&Bs and self-catered accommodation would pay the visitor levy if councils decide to introduce it in their areas.
Not all councils are expected to introduce the visitor levy but if they did it would raise an estimated £33million a year.
A lower rate of 75p would be charged for hostels and campsites.
Andrew RT Davies MS said: “It’s clear that Labour and the nationalists’ punitive plans for a tourism tax will cost jobs and put people off Wales as a holiday destination.
“During a cost of living crisis, only Labour could have come up with this grasping, penny-pinching policy.
The Tories warned the policy would cost £42 for a family of four spending a week in Wales.
VAT will be added after the tax is included, so the rate is actually £1.50per person each night as opposed to the £1.25 described, the Tories warned.
It could lead to the loss of up to 400 jobs, they added.
The Welsh government said the money raised would help fund services in tourism hotspots, but critics say it will deter visitors.
The plans require a piece of legislation – which was published on Monday – to be passed by the Welsh Parliament.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said it was “fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience”.
He added: “Visitor levies are common around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales.”
This post was originally published on here
