00:00New plans could soon change the way holiday accommodation is run in Wales, with every
00:06provider needing a licence to operate.
00:08The Welsh Government has introduced new legislation that would require owners of self-catering
00:13holiday cottages, flats and similar properties to meet a set of safety and quality standards
00:18before being granted a licence.
00:19It would apply to any property on holiday letting sites like Airbnb or Booking.com.
00:24To qualify, providers would need to show that they have valid gas and electrical safety
00:28certificates, insurance and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, forming what's
00:33being called the Fitness for Visitor Accommodation Standard.
00:36The move comes after research found that nearly two thirds of people planning UK holidays didn't
00:41realise that holiday-led owners currently don't need a licence, and more than 80% of those surveyed
00:46said they'd be more likely to book a property if such a licensing scheme existed.
00:50Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford said the new system is designed
00:55to reassure visitors that accommodation in Wales meets basic safety standards, and to support
01:00responsible businesses that already comply.
01:03He said by requiring all businesses to show they meet the same standards, we're creating
01:07fair competition that protects both visitors and responsible businesses.
01:11Welsh Conservatives have cautiously welcomed the plans but warned that too much regulation
01:15could backfire.
01:17Their economy spokesperson Sam Kurtz said the government must learn from other countries' licensing
01:21models to avoid damaging local tourism or driving smaller operators out of business.
01:27Ride Cymru's Sian Gwentlian said the bill would make sure that visitors are kept safe, and
01:31that checks, like electrical and gas inspections, are carried out regularly.
01:35If the plans are approved, the licensing system is expected to be in place by 2028 or 2029.
01:40James P. Watkins reporting for Local TV.
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