We are introducing a new scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales.
Contents
Introduction
We plan to introduce a licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales, starting with self-catering accommodation.
The scheme will support tourism in Wales by:
- reassuring visitors that accommodation meets the standards they would expect
- providing a clear regime for providers
Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill
The Bill was passed by Senedd Cymru on 17 March 2026 and can be found here:
The Bill will:
- create the legal framework for the licensing scheme
- build on plans for a national register of visitor accommodation providers, set out in the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act 2025
The Bill will also create a Code of Welsh law on tourism. This will:
- bring together existing laws on tourism
- make the law easier to access and understand
Related documents
An Explanatory Memorandum which explains the purpose and intended effect of the Bill, was published during Senedd scrutiny:
We have also undertaken a number of impact assessments in relation to the licensing scheme proposed in the Bill:
Next steps
If the Bill receives Royal Assent, the Welsh Seal will be applied and the Bill will become an Act of the Senedd.
In this case, the Act, and a further updated version of the Explanatory Memorandum will be published on the Law Wales website in due course.
The assumption made in the Explanatory Memorandum was that the licensing scheme would be brought into force from 2029. Before this happens, there will be further consultation, regulations made under the Bill, and guidance on the scheme will be published.
Updates about the Bill and the licensing scheme will continue to be shared with stakeholders through Visit Wales industry newsletters and bulletins.
Contact us
For more information, email: StatutoryLicensing@gov.wales