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. 

 

Consultation

We want to hear your opinion on the proposal to introduce a visitor levy in Gwynedd:

More information and have your say

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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.

  • 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) 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 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:

Sign up to receive updates

View more information

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

Further information is available on the Welsh Government website:
View more information: Licensing of visitor accommodation in Wales

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.
  • 20 May to 15 July 2026 - Consulting on the proposal to introduce a visitor levy in Gwynedd
  • 15 July 2026 – Consultation period ends and reports prepared for the Full Council meeting.
  • 24 September 2026 – Report presented to the Full Council.
  • 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.

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.

We want to hear your opinion on the proposal to introduce a visitor levy in Gwynedd.

Further information and have your say

Cyngor Gwynedd intends to hold stakeholder sessions in the future. If you would like to receive updates, please contact us to register your interest:

We will share updates via the Business Bulletin and on this webpage.

You can also register to be a part of the Gwynedd and Eryri Partnership, where (when relevant) visitor levy updates will be given via e-mail and during the partnership meetings.

 

 

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.

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
  • supporting the Welsh language in our communities