Powys to bring in new 'tourism tax'

POWYS has become the first county in Wales to actively consider a visitor levy - often referred to as a 'tourist tax.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

Having examined five options, councillors said they were “minded not to implement the levy”.

However, Powys County Council's economy, communities and residents scrutiny committee agreed to gather more evidence. Senior councillors had wanted greater deliberation before committing to a final decision. An engagement exercise will now be held with the county's residents, businesses and tourism stakeholders.

Former council leader Coun James Gibson-Watt said the levy was “an interesting idea” that had been implemented successfully in places like Barcelona.

He said of the Spanish city: “Everything works, the public transport is fantastic, the streets are regularly cleaned, the recycling and rubbish is picked up every day and the visitor experience is greatly enhanced.

“However, Powys is more complicated, we do have one or two honeypot locations such as Powis Castle (in Welshpool), Storey Arms and Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, but finding a one-size-fits-all approach is very difficult.”

Barcelona's tourist tax, introduced following spiralling visitor numbers, is set to double to eight Euros per night by 2029. While Spain remains one of Europe's most-visited countries, HospitalityNet data revealed a 7% year-on-year drop in demand for Barcelona during July and August this summer.