Concerns over proposed 'Tourism Tax' from Welsh Scout groups
The bill would see those coming into the country to stay charged up to £1.25 per person per night.
Last updated 16th Jan 2025
Fresh concerns have been raised about a proposed tourism tax in Wales.
The bill would see those coming into the country to stay charged up to £1.25 per person per night.
Scouts Cymru says it's concerned children from lower income families could be priced out of school trips as a result.
Chief Scout Volunteer Rhian Moore has told us voluntary services will be most affected.
"This Tourism Tax is going to massively impact young people in Wales.
"We've got 14,000 scouts all across Wales that this bill is going to impact.
"It's going to affect organisations that focus on education and youth services.
"Because it doesn't differentiate against commercial organisations and voluntary places where local scouts go to for sleepovers.
The bill will mean people staying overnight will pay 74p per person for campsites and hostels, and for all other accommodation like hotels, they will pay £1.25 per person per night.
The Welsh Government have said the money raised will support local tourism activity and infrastructure.
Rhian Moore continues:
"A pack of 12, 8-10 year olds going to a hall for a sleepover shouldn't be considered the same as a large commercial organisation and visitor accommodation.
"It doesn't make sense...
...that those two things can be classified as the same."
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life. We want to ensure its long-term sustainability.
“We have taken a fair, straightforward approach to application of the levy and the Bill proposes keeping rates low, avoiding the need for further exemptions and nil rates which would add complexity for providers and visitors.
“As set out in the Bill, any money raised would have to be reinvested in the local area to provide and improve services for visitors and residents."