Welsh Conservatives have called for the Labour Welsh Government to ‘back - not tax’ the tourism industry.

Wales’ Minister for Finance and Local Government, recently confirmed that plans for a ‘Tourism Tax’ in Wales were proceeding, with legislation enabling local authorities to introduce a levy in their areas to be put to the Senedd within this Government term.

The levy will be a small charge paid by people staying in commercially-let overnight visitor accommodation.

Local authorities such as Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire County Councils will decide whether to introduce a levy and the funds raised will be used to benefit local areas.

The work is being undertaken as part of the Co-operation Agreement between Labour’s Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

Commenting ahead of Wales Tourism Week 2023 and the Welsh Conservative debate to mark the occasion, Welsh Conservative Shadow Tourism Minister, Tom Giffard MS said: “Wales has a world class tourism offer, with everything from stunning landscapes to beautiful beaches and great days out, all right on our doorstep.

“1 in 7 jobs in Wales rely on tourism, so we need to do all we can to protect it. But instead, we have a Welsh Government determined to punish our tourism industry; whether it be their toxic tourism tax or their soul-crushing 182-day rule change for self-catering properties, Labour seem intent on punishing the sector here in Wales as opposed to enhancing it.

“That’s why we’ve tabled a motion to the Senedd calling on Labour to back, rather than tax our crucial tourism industry.”