Darren Millar, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd West, says he is deeply worried about the Tourism Tax's impact on North Wales.

He has urged Denbighshire and Conwy councils to reject implementing the tax, as it could harm the region’s fragile economy and tourism industry.

Millar believes the tax, officially termed the “Visitor Levy,” and applied to overnight stays in visitor accommodation, could deter visitors, affecting places like Rhyl and Llandudno.

He said: “The Tourism Tax will harm the economy and the people of Denbighshire and Conwy significantly, causing undue worry for many.

“Without a doubt it will have a detrimental impact on an already struggling Welsh tourism sector.

“I have opposed this tax at every opportunity, and it is disappointing that the Labour Welsh Government have ignored the legitimate concerns of businesses across Wales. 

“As I stressed in my letter to the Chief Executives of Conwy and Denbighshire County Councils, this tax on the tourism industry will discourage people from visiting this beautiful part of Wales and spending money in the local area. 

“Visitors who come to places like Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, are price-sensitive visitors. They are people who make a choice based on an extra £50 or £60. If someone comes on a holiday and it costs them an extra £84 for a fortnight for a family of four, that's quite a lot of money for those people who are just about able to go on holiday for that year, and people will choose to go to the coasts of the north-west of England rather than the North Wales coast, or they'll choose to go to the Lake district instead of Snowdonia.

“Denbighshire and Conwy need to rule out implementing this ridiculous Visitor Levy. By taking such action they would be giving reassurance to all those who work in the hospitality industry in Conwy and Denbighshire who are trying to survive through difficult financial times.”