James Evans is encouraging local businesses across Wales who stand to be affected by the proposed tourism tax to take part in a consultation, which is now open for responses.

Last month Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford, introduced the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill to the Senedd which, if passed, will allow local authorities to introduce a charge on people staying overnight in visitor accommodation across Wales.

The levy would be set at 75p per person per night for people staying in hostels and on campsite pitches, and at £1.25 per person per night for those staying in all other accommodation types.

The Welsh Government has said the money raised would help fund services in tourism hotspots, but critics warn that it will deter visitors.

The levy will be charged per person, per night. It will also apply to children.

Local authorities will decide if they want to introduce a levy in their area, based on what is best for their communities.

It is estimated the earliest this could happen is 2027, after a local authority has consulted with their community.

The Senedd’s Finance Committee has now launched a consultation on the bill.

Mr Evans, Brecon and Radnorshire MS, is urging people to have their say.

The consultation can be completed online, with the deadline for written evidence being Friday, January 10, 2025.

Mr Evans has been a vocal opponent of the tax since it was first touted.

“I believe this will have a detrimental impact on tourist numbers coming to stay overnight in Mid Wales and this could have disastrous consequences for our tourism attractions, local shops, pubs and restaurants,” he said.

“This, along with the ridiculously high 182-day occupancy ruling, has left many of them fearing these changes could drive them out of business.”

Mr Evans also pointed out that most short stays in Wales are made by the Welsh public.

“So this is essentially a tax on Welsh people who choose to holiday in their own country,” he said.

“The new tourism levy could be the difference between people choosing to stay in England or Wales.”

“I am urging every one of those local businesses who stand to be affected by these potentially damaging new rules to make their feelings clear by filling in the online consultation and send that message to the Welsh Government on how much of a detriment this could be to their livelihoods.”

The consultation can be completed online at: https://shorturl.at/66RNT

Speaking in the Senedd last month, Mr Drakeford said: “We know tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life.

“We want to ensure its long-term sustainability.”

“Visitor levies are common around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales,” he said.

“Money raised through a levy would be retained by local authorities and re-invested back into their local areas to support local, sustainable tourism.

“It’s a small contribution that could make a big difference.”