00:00But having read the committee's report and having considered again the evidence presented
00:07to it, I have decided to go further than the recommendation itself.
00:14The Welsh Government have said that they will make a slight u-turn on their planned so-called
00:18tourism tax, with children and young people now being exempt from paying at places like
00:22camping facilities or outdoor centres.
00:25As part of the initial plans that are set to come into effect no earlier than 2027,
00:30people staying at places like airbnbs and hotels would pay £1.25 per night, with people
00:36camping and staying at hostels paying 75 pence a night.
00:39Mark Drakeford on Tuesday told the Senate that after some consideration, the 75 pence
00:44charge would be scrapped for young people, but all other stays would remain and increase
00:48by 5 pence.
00:50That now brings the charge for camping and hostels to 80 pence per night per adult and
00:54for hotels and holiday lets to £1.30 a night for everyone.
00:59The levy has been very controversial among opposition parties and people within the tourism
01:03sector who say it could risk the Welsh tourism industry by putting people off staying here.
01:09The Welsh Government argue that given the relatively small cost, it would have little
01:12effect on people's plans to visit Wales and could bring in as much as £33 million a year
01:17to the sector if all local authorities implement the tax.
01:21It's not yet known which local authorities could impose it, and if all councils will
01:24be required to impose it yet.
01:28At a time when staycations are on the rise, with big attractions like Oakwood theme park
01:32closing down just last month, it's yet to be seen just how much the tourism tax could
01:37impact the industry and people's desire to holiday here in Wales.
01:40J.P. Watkins reporting for Local TV.
Comments