COUNCIL TO CONSULT AHEAD OF CONTROVERSIAL ‘TOURIST TAX’ DECISION

A COUNCIL is to consult on whether to impose a tourism tax on visitors to Wales's busiest resort and other tourism hotspots.

- By OWEN HUGHES

Welsh Government's Visitor Levy has been signed into law and gives the 22 councils across the country the option to bring in a charge on overnight stays.

The rate is set at 75p per person per night at campsites/hostel style accommodation (this excludes people under 18 years old).

It is £1.30 per person per night for other types of accommodation.

It means a family of four (two adults, two children) camping for a full week would pay a total of £10.50.

The same family would pay £36.30 in other accommodation like hotels or holiday cottages.

While the powers to charge are now there the final decision for each county will be made by the local authorities. They must now decide whether they are interested in bringing in the levy.

Supporters of the tax say these are common across Europe and the money can enhance communities to benefit visitors and local residents.