Tourism Levy and Registration of Visitor Accommodation
Last updated: 20 May 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.
You don't need to book a slot, come on the day for a conversation or support regarding the consultation.
Online session
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.
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 opens in the Autumn of 2026. You must register with the Wales Revenue Authority (WRA) by law 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 is involved)
Businesses will need to provide their contact details and information about the accommodation (address and number of bedspaces etc)
You can get updates on registration and the visitor levy by joining the Wales Revenue Authority:
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.
Current Welsh Government estimates indicate the levy could generate around £6m per year in Gwynedd, to be reinvested into:
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.
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.
No. The system is being designed to be as simple as possible for providers, with quarterly or annual reporting.
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.
Estimates by the Welsh Government suggest around £6m annually, which would be invested into local communities, culture, and tourism infrastructure. The Welsh Government has provided guidance on the priority areas for investment:
better-maintained beaches, parks and town centres
improved cultural attractions
sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities
