June 29, 2026 - 203 views
A Clwyd MS has raised strong objections to proposed plans for a Visitor Levy in Conwy, warning it could place added pressure on an already stretched tourism sector — although supporters argue the measure could bring long-term benefits for local services and infrastructure.
Darren Millar has formally written to Conwy County Borough Council as part of its ongoing consultation on the scheme, urging the authority to scrap the proposals.
The plans, which form part of a wider Welsh policy approach enabled by the Welsh Government, would allow local authorities to introduce a small charge on overnight stays in visitor accommodation, with the intention of reinvesting the revenue locally.
Millar, who has consistently opposed the idea since it was first proposed in Wales, warned that even modest nightly charges could deter visitors, particularly at a time when households are facing wider cost-of-living pressures.
He argued that tourism businesses — including hotels, holiday parks, cafés and restaurants — could be hit by reduced visitor numbers and lower spending, with knock-on effects for jobs and the wider North Wales economy.
In his consultation response, he said that overnight visitors make a significant contribution to the local economy and warned that discouraging stays could risk weakening the very businesses that rely on tourism throughout the year.
He added that families could face noticeably higher costs over longer stays, which may encourage some holidaymakers to choose alternative destinations.
Millar also called on residents and businesses to take part in the consultation before it closes on 17 July 2026, saying it is an important opportunity for the local community to make its views clear.
While concerns have been raised about the potential economic impact, proponents of visitor levies across Wales argue that such schemes can deliver meaningful benefits for local areas heavily affected by tourism.
Supporters say revenue raised could be reinvested into services that directly or indirectly support the visitor economy — including public toilets, beaches, coastal paths, signage, waste management, and local transport infrastructure.
There is also an argument that a modest contribution from overnight visitors could help ensure tourism pays into the upkeep of the destinations it relies on, particularly in high-traffic areas where seasonal demand places extra strain on council budgets.
Similar schemes introduced internationally — and those being explored in other parts of the UK — are often framed as a way of improving the visitor experience over time, helping to maintain facilities, protect natural environments, and support sustainable tourism growth.
However, critics remain concerned about competitiveness, warning that even small additional charges could influence booking decisions in a highly price-sensitive market.
The Welsh Government has previously argued that decisions on introducing a levy should sit with individual councils, allowing local areas to weigh up economic pressures alongside the potential benefits of reinvestment.
With Conwy now consulting on its approach, the final decision will rest on balancing those competing priorities — supporting a vital tourism economy while also securing additional funding for the infrastructure that helps sustain it.
The consultation can be accessed via https://www.visitconwy.org.uk/visitor-information/visitor-levy/
