Tourism Levy and Registration of Visitor Accommodation

Last updated: 12 November 2025

 

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. 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.

What is the Visitor Levy?

  • The levy would be a small 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. 

For background, visit: Welsh Government: Visitor levy – a small contribution for a lasting legacy

 

Visitor Registration

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

 

License

Further legislation on licensing requirements is currently being debated through the Senedd – licensing is not yet in law

View more information: Licensing of visitor accommodation in Wales

 

Timetable

  • October 2026 – start registering visitor accommodation across Wales
  • Spring 2027 - closure of the visitor accommodation register
  • April 2027 – the earliest date that a levy could be introduced in any area of Wales. More information
  • A consultation and 12 months' notice is required before the levy comes into force locally.
  • At the moment,  Cyngor Gwynedd has not made a decision regarding the introduction of the levy.

 

Potential Impact in Gwynedd

Research by Cyngor Gwynedd in 2019 suggested a levy could raise up to £9m per year locally.

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 WRA. Gwynedd Council’s role would be to manage local partnerships, communication, marketing, and projects funded by levy income.

 

Useful Links

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Cyngor Gwynedd decided to introduce a levy?
No. The Council has not yet made a decision.
A consultation and formal notice would be required before any levy is introduced.

Who will collect the levy?
The Welsh Revenue Authority will administer, support, and enforce the levy at a national level.

Will businesses need to manage the levy?
No. The system is being designed to be as simple as possible for providers, with quarterly or annual reporting.

When will the levy start?
The earliest date possible is 1 April 2027, but only following consultation and notice.

How much money could it raise in Gwynedd?
Estimates 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 

How can I get involved in discussions?

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.  

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