Conservatives in the Senedd attack "toxic" tourism tax

Yesterday the Welsh Labour Government, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats voted in favour of the Visitor Accommodation Bill in Wales.

However, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, criticised the timing of the bill, saying it's shameful to introduce it when Welsh tourism businesses are struggling.

Finch-Saunders and the Welsh Conservatives are against the proposed tourism tax, claiming that it will negatively impact businesses and is not a fair approach for the industry in Wales.

Mrs. Finch-Saunders said: "My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I are the only party in the Senedd to vote against this “toxic tourism tax”. As a group we are absolutely and totally in support of our tourism, hospitality and retail businesses and against this Bill coming forwards.

“I am really proud to represent a constituency that has fantastic tourism. In some areas it is practically the only industry we have.

“This Bill is going to have a detrimental impact on Welsh tourism businesses, such as self-catering accommodation, that in North Wales have already seen a decrease in the number of days that people are staying.

“The Welsh Conservatives will support businesses across Wales. Placing a legal duty on business owners to pay tax based on the number of guests is not the right, sensible, or fair way forward for tourism in Wales”.