Tourism tax needs to be more flexible in Wales, warns expert
Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd councils have all put a pause on introducing the nightly tourist tax.
An expert has argued that a tourism tax in Wales should be more flexible rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Wales' tourism tax, which would come into effect in 2027, allows local authorities to decide whether to introduce the levy to fund tourism services and facilities. However, Dr Linda Osti, a senior tourism lecturer at Bangor University, believes decisions on how much to charge and how to implement the levy should be made at a sub-county level, rather than county-wide.
Osti noted that different regions have different visitors and conditions, and that the same levy may not work for all areas. She also expressed concern that businesses are skeptical about how tourist tax revenues are spent, compared to smaller co-operatives in places like the Italian Alps. Earlier this month, England's regional mayors were granted new powers to charge an uncapped levy on overnight visitor stays, which Osti believes is more flexible than Wales' current legislation.
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