Welsh Government Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, says that he wants to be the biggest supporter of tourism and work with the sector to make Wales a world-class visitor destination.

The Plaid Cymru politician recently met with the four chairs of Wales’ Regional Tourism Fora to hear their thoughts on how government can support the sector. The Minister also plans to meet other industry representatives.

Mr Price remarked: “I want this Welsh Government to be tourism’s biggest supporter. We want to work with the sector to make Wales a world-class visitor destination — offering an authentic ‘croeso’ while helping businesses to grow, innovate and succeed.

The four regional Tourism Fora are: Rachel Cilliers, Chair of the South East Forum; Michael Bewick, Chair of the North Wales Forum; George Reid, Chair of the West Wales Forum; and Steve Hughson, Chair of the Mid Wales Forum.
Adam Price is seen with the four regional Tourism Fora are: Rachel Cilliers, Chair of the South East Forum; Michael Bewick, Chair of the North Wales Forum; George Reid, Chair of the West Wales Forum; and Steve Hughson, Chair of the Mid Wales Forum. (Welsh Gov)

“Tourism is vitally important to the Welsh economy, generating around 4.3% of Wales’ GVA (£3.5 billion) and over 11% of jobs each year. It sustains communities, supports jobs and helps share Wales’ culture, language and landscape with the world.

“That is why we have already committed to looking at how we can reform business rates to support leisure and hospitality, and why we are consulting on changes to the 182-day threshold.

“I would encourage as many people in the industry as possible to take part in that consultation. I want to hear directly from tourism businesses about the challenges they face and the opportunities they see, and I have started meeting representatives from across the sector this summer.

“Wales has an outstanding visitor offer and many talented tourism operators. By working together, I believe we can make it easier for businesses to do what they do best, help the sector thrive and ensure more people choose Wales as a place to visit, enjoy and return to.”

Tenby to Caldey boats
Boats heading from Tenby to Caldey Island (Gareth Davies Photography)

On behalf of the four chairs of Wales’ Regional Tourism Fora, Steve Hughson MBE, said: “It was a positive meeting with our new Minister who indicated his strong support for the sector.

“The early announcement of the Consultation into Non-Domestic Rates for Self – Catering premises is welcomed and we look forward to decisions based on evidence from the consultation and proposed review of the policy.

“It must deliver meaningful reductions in the current 182-day threshold, alongside workable exemptions, creating the environment where tourism can help deliver the government’s productivity and growth strategies.

“The Tourism Fora will continue to be an integral part of ensuring government and the whole visitor economy work together to create a more positive and sustainable outlook for this important sector.”

At the end of July, the Welsh Government launched a 12-week consultation on changes to the criteria used to classify self-catering properties for local tax purposes, including a review of the 182-day letting threshold.

Tenby
Tenby's North Beach (Gareth Davies Photography)

Self-catering properties may be subject to non-domestic rates rather than council tax, but only if they meet certain letting criteria.

Since April 2023, this has required that a property is available to let for at least 252 days and actually let for at least 182 days in the previous year.

The consultation will explore whether the 182-day threshold is set at the right level and what impact a modest reduction might have.