A project on implementing a visitor levy for Wales led by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).
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What is the visitor levy?
The Welsh Government is planning to give local authorities the ability to charge a visitor levy on overnight stays.
The levy will be paid by visitors and invested by local authorities in local tourism. The levy will help to:
- grow our economy
- support our communities
- preserve the beauty of Wales for future generations
If passed, each local authority will need to decide if it wants to introduce a levy. A local authority would need to consult with its communities before making this decision. A notice period will also be given to ensure businesses and visitors are prepared.
Through the above process, the Welsh Government estimate the earliest a visitor levy could be in place in any part of Wales is 2027.
Details on the Welsh Government proposals for a visitor levy for Wales.
Introducing a visitor levy is a Welsh Government Programme for Government commitment. Done in collaboration with Plaid Cymru as part of the Co-operation Agreement.
What we’re doing
As the tax authority for Wales, the Minister for Local Government and Finance has asked us to explore how to implement a visitor levy for Wales.
Our aim for the discovery is to answer: what could a visitor levy service look like for Wales, and what are the implementation options?
We’re working using agile methods to deliver this project. We’re currently in the discovery phase.
Examples of areas we’ll explore, include:
- identifying and seeking feedback from users and stakeholders
- understanding the Welsh accommodation ecosystem
- collection and enforcement options
- identifying challenges and areas for improvement
- engagement and communications
User research
If you’re a visitor accommodation provider in Wales and would like to take part in our user research, please email visitorlevy@wra.gov.wales.