April 02, 2025 - 758 views
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”.
