PASC UK Cymru has welcomed moves by Conwy, Anglesey and Gwynedd to hold off on introducing a Visitor Levy at this stage, describing the decisions as a victory for common sense, evidence-led policymaking and Wales' visitor economy.
The three North Wales councils have been considering whether to introduce the levy following consultations over the summer. Conwy has voted to defer its introduction pending further evidence, with 29 councillors voting for a deferral and only 9 opposing. Anglesey has also made a decision today not to proceed with the levy at this time, and Gwynedd has said it needs more time to properly assess the significant response to its consultation.
In Gwynedd alone, the council received 6,856 responses. Initial analysis found 79.5% of responding businesses opposed the levy, alongside 79.9% of responding visitors. Across all respondents, 68.5% were opposed.
Conwy received 1,210 consultation responses. Among those who gave an answer to whether the council should introduce a Visitor Levy, 62.1% opposed or tended to oppose it, 33.8% supported or tended to support it, and 4.1% were undecided or expressed no clear preference. Councillors subsequently voted 29 to 9 in favour of deferral.
In Anglesey, 70.8% of respondents opposed or tended to oppose the levy, compared with 25.1% who supported or tended to support it and 4.1% who were neutral or unsure. Opposition was particularly strong among businesses (83.1%) and visitors (84.2%), while 57.8% of residents were also opposed.
The decisions mean there are currently no plans among the three North Wales councils considering the levy to introduce the levy at this stage, providing welcome certainty for tourism businesses already facing significant cost pressures.
PASC UK Crymru's Nicky Williamson said:
“This is a welcome victory for common sense and for listening to the evidence. Tourism businesses across Wales have been clear about the pressures they are already facing, and the response to these consultations shows the strength of concern about adding another cost to Welsh holidays.
“This is simply the wrong time to introduce another cost for either businesses or visitors. We welcome councils listening to the evidence and urge others to do the same before taking decisions that could have long-term consequences for Wales' visitor economy.”
PASC UK Cymru will continue to work with councils and policymakers across Wales to ensure the experiences of self-catering businesses and the wider visitor economy are properly considered in any future decisions on the Visitor Levy.
