Welsh Councils Delay Visitor Levy Decisions Amid Calls for Greater Flexibility

Several Welsh councils are postponing or reconsidering the introduction of the visitor levy, a fixed nightly charge on overnight stays enabled by the Welsh Government’s 2025 legislation. The levy, set at 75p plus VAT for lower-cost accommodation and £1.30 plus VAT for other types, aims to fund local tourism infrastructure, services, and environmental protection.

Anglesey County Council announced on 24 September 2026 that it would not implement the levy at present, following an economic impact assessment and a consultation that received over 2,000 responses. Concerns included increased visitor costs, competitiveness of the island as a holiday destination, and administrative burdens on accommodation providers. The council also supported a request for the Welsh Government to review elements of the legislation.

Gwynedd Council, after a consultation that attracted 6,856 responses between May and July 2026, delayed its planned decision originally set for September. Legal advice indicated the council could not fully analyse all responses within the timeframe. Initial analysis showed residents were divided on the proposal, with businesses and visitors largely opposing it. If approved, the levy’s earliest start date in Gwynedd would be 1 October 2027.

Conwy Council completed its consultation in July 2026 but has yet to decide on introducing the levy, citing the need for more evidence and practical experience.

The Welsh Revenue Authority will administer the levy on behalf of councils that opt in, with revenue intended to support sustainable tourism, local culture, and visitor facilities. Children under 18 and stays longer than 31 nights are exempt.

Tourism expert Dr Linda Osti of Bangor University has criticised the uniform county-wide levy rates, advocating for legislation that allows more flexible, locally tailored charges to reflect diverse tourism patterns within regions. She noted that a one-size-fits-all approach does not suit areas with differing visitor types and economic conditions.

Cardiff council remains the only authority confirmed to introduce the levy from April 2027, seen as more appropriate for a city with shorter visitor stays and higher accommodation costs.

For now, councils like Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Conwy are balancing community feedback and economic uncertainties before making final decisions on the visitor levy.