Tourism Levy, Feedback and Strikes
With concerns over the Visitor Levy, the 182-day rule, and increasing regulation, many tourism businesses in Wales are feeling the strain. Some may close or lower their flags to half-mast on St David’s Day to highlight the growing challenges they face.
Tourism Industry in Wales under pressure
March 1st is normally the day that we normally don our daffodils, leeks and Welsh flags with pride, however this year, for some, it may be slightly different.
With concerns over the Visitor Levy, the 182-day rule, and increasing regulation, many tourism businesses in Wales are feeling the strain. Some may close or lower their flags to half-mast on St David’s Day to highlight the growing challenges they face.
CLA Cymru continues to oppose the Visitor Levy and urges policymakers to support, rather than restrict, this vital sector.
Following a one-day strike in December 2024, the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA), supported by organisations such as PASC and North Wales Tourism, have arranged to close their attractions in protest against the anti-tourism policies being pursued by the Welsh Government.
On March 1st, they are asking tourism colleagues to lower their flags to half-mast to symbolise that Welsh Government laws are damaging tourism, and are being interpreted in some quarters as being anti-visitor which does not help Welsh tourism.
CLA Cymru have extensively campaigned and continue to oppose the introduction of a Visitor Levy in Wales. After an array of changes placed upon holiday accommodation providers in the years following the COVID pandemic, and the falling number of visitors, will this be the final straw?
Among the key concerns for tourism businesses are the introduction of a Visitor Levy, increased regulation, and taxation changes, all of which come at a time when the industry is already under pressure from falling visitor numbers and post-pandemic recovery.
In addition, CLA Cymru recognises that for self-catering accommodation businesses, closing for even one day could have unintended consequences. Under the 182-day rule, which determines whether properties are classified as business or residential, every lost day matters, highlighting the multiple challenges facing the sector.
Victoria Bond, Director of CLA Cymru, commented: "We continue to oppose the introduction of a Visitor Levy and remain deeply concerned about the cumulative impact of policies on rural tourism businesses. Wales’s visitor economy is a vital part of our rural economy, supporting livelihoods and communities. We urge policymakers to ensure their approach supports, rather than restricts, this vital sector.”
CLA Cymru is keen to hear from members about their views on the ongoing challenges. Will your business be taking part in the protest, or are other policies influencing your decision? Share your thoughts with us, by contacting our Policy lead on Tourism, Emily Thomas.
Will you be closing your attraction doors or lowering your flags to half-mast? We would like to hear members' views.
