Last updated: 1 October 2026
The Welsh Government has confirmed new legislation for a visitor levy, which received Royal Assent in September 2025.
This new law gives local authorities in Wales the power to introduce a small charge on overnight stays from visitors, with the aim of supporting sustainable tourism.
Cyngor Gwynedd is currently considering the potential introduction of a levy locally, but no decision has yet been made.
Information sharing sessions
The stakeholder sessions below, held during the consultation period, have now ended.
* Indicates that representatives from the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) will be in attendance at this session.
| Date and time | Location | Archebu lle |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, 15 June 15:00 | Galeri Caernarfon | Event has passed |
| Thursday, 18 June 17:00 | Cricieth Memorial Hall | Event has passed |
| Friday, 3 July 13:45 | Free Library, Dolgellau * | Event has passed |
* Representatives from the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) will be in attendance at this session.
Drop-in sessions
The drop-in sessions below, held during the consultation period, have now ended.
| Date and time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, 6 July 2026 10:00-12:00 | Prince Llywelyn, Beddgelert | Event has passed |
| Monday, 6 July 2026 14:00-16:00 | Y Ganolfan, Llanberis | Event has passed |
| Wednesday, 8 July, 2026 10:00-12:00 | Neuadd Dyfi, Aberdyfi | Event has passed |
| Wednesday, 8 July, 2026 14:00-16:00 | Byw’n Iach, Bala | Event has passed |
| Friday, 10 July, 2026 10:00-12:00 | Neuadd Abersoch | Event has passed |
| Friday, 10 July, 2026 14:00-16:00 | Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli | Event has passed |
You don't need to book a slot, come on the day for a conversation or support regarding the consultation.
Online session - event has passed
An online information session was held on:
- Wednesday, 24 June 2026. 5pm - 7pm
Representatives from the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) were in attendance at this session.
Background information
This page provides the latest information about what the levy could mean for the businesses and communities in Gwynedd, along with links to further resources and frequently asked questions.
Please note: At the moment, Cyngor Gwynedd has not made a decision regarding the introduction of the levy.
A consultation period (regarding the introduction of the levy) and 12 months' notice is required before the levy comes into effect locally.
- 14 May 2026 - Decision made whether or not to consult on the visitor levy at the Full Council meeting (opens in new tab).
- 20 May to 26 July 2026 - Consultation period
- 26 July 2026 – Consultation period ends and reports prepared for the Full Council meeting.
- 24 September 2026 – Report presented to the Full Council.
View Agenda for The Council on Thursday, 24 September, 2026 - October 2026 – Registration of visitor accommodation across Wales begins.
- Spring 2027 - Registration period for visitor accommodation closes.
- April 2027 – The earliest date that a levy could be introduced in any area of Wales.
- October 2027 – The earliest date that a visitor levy could be introduced in Gwynedd, subject to Full Council approval following consultation and the required 12 months' notice period.
- The levy would be a daily charge paid by people staying overnight in visitor accommodation, such as hotels, holiday cottages, B&Bs, and campsites.
- It is designed to create a lasting legacy for communities, culture, language, and the environment by reinvesting funds into the local visitor economy.
- The levy will be administered nationally by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) (opens in new tab) on behalf of Welsh Government and any local authorities that choose to adopt it.
- The Welsh Government plan on introducing a licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in the self catering sector
The Welsh Government has proposed two national levy rates:
- £1.30 +VAT per person, per night for most types of accommodation (e.g. hotels, B&Bs, self catering and caravans)
- 75p +VAT per person, per night for lower-cost accommodation such as hostels and tent pitches
These rates are set nationally and would apply if Gwynedd chose to introduce the levy.
Visitor accommodation registration is now open, and you must register by 31 March 2027. You are legally required to register with the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) if you charge visitors for overnight stays in Wales.
Registration will:
- help visitors find registered accommodation
- provide data to support tourism in Wales
- help you collect and pay the visitor levy, if your local council introduces the levy
Businesses will need to provide their contact details and information about the accommodation, including the address and number of bed spaces.
You can receive updates about registration and the visitor levy by joining the Welsh Revenue Authority’s mailing list.
For any queries about accommodation registration, please contact the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA):
- Phone: 03000 254 000 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm)
- Online: Online contact form (opens in new tab)
The Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill (“the Bill”) provides the legislative framework for a licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales.
Further information is available on the Welsh Parliament website:
Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill (opens in new tab)
Further information is available on the Welsh Government website:
View more information: Licensing of visitor accommodation in Wales (opens in new tab)
Please refer to the Gwynedd Economic Impact Assessment (opens in new tab) for estimates of the potential revenue that could be generated through the levy in Gwynedd. Any revenue raised would be reinvested in:
- Better-maintained beaches, parks and town centres
- Improved cultural attractions
- Sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities
- Supporting the Welsh language in our communities
The Council itself would not directly administer the levy or employ extra staff for collection, this will be done nationally by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).
Cyngor Gwynedd’s role would be to manage local partnerships, communication, marketing, and projects funded by levy income.
More information
- Visitor Levy, Full Council Report, 14 May 2026
- Appendix 1: Gwynedd Visitor Levy Proposal (opens in new tab)
- Appendix 2: Economic Impact Assessment (opens in new tab)
- Appendix 3: Equality Impact Assessment (opens in new tab)
- Appendix 4: Cyngor Gwynedd's Composite Impact Assessment (opens in new tab)
- Appendix 5: Environmental Impact Assessment (opens in new tab)
- Appendix 6: Social Impact Assessment (opens in new tab)
Frequently asked questions
No. The Council has not yet made a decision. A consultation period and formal notice would be required before any levy is introduced.
The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) will administer, support, and enforce the levy at a national level.
In Wales, the earliest date possible is 1 April 2027, but only following the consultation period and a year notice is given to the Welsh Revenue Authority by the local authority.