Landlords with holiday let properties in Wales will soon have to register their properties and collect a £1.25 per-person, per-night fee from clients.

Some £33 million is to be raised from visitors to Wales via the new tourism levy, who will be both those coming from outside the country and internally, and the money raised will be used to help local authorities cover the costs associated with hosting visitors.

This includes street cleaning, waste collection, maintaining toilets, and “preserving natural and cultural attractions for everyone to enjoy…and has the potential to make a significant and visible difference”.

The measures are within a new bill introduced to the Senedd yesterday and although the Welsh Government says the ‘tax’ is low, it will add to the cost of going on holiday in Wales particularly for larger groups renting homes for several weeks.

A group of six people renting a house for two weeks would be charged an extra £105 when booking their accommodation.

Small payment

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Bill Etc. (Wales) will give councils powers to introduce the levy and, the Welsh Governments says in defence of the new charge, is being introduced because “it is fair and reasonable to ask visitors to make a small payment towards the costs of tourism”.

The fee will not cover stays of more than 31 days and therefore does not affect the ‘short lets’ rental sector.

Those providing visitor accommodation including holiday lets will have to sign-up to a new national register and those who do not will face fines.

Once the Bill becomes law next year, the first local authorities are expected to being collecting the levy in 2027 while the national register is expected to go live in 2026.

“This Bill is rooted in the principle of fairness. We know tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life. We want to ensure its long-term sustainability,” says Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford (pictured).

“That’s why we believe it is fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience. Visitor levies are common around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales.”