Welsh Government plans for a ‘Tourism Tax’, which could devastate Mid Wales businesses and discourage people from visiting Powys, has been criticised by a local AM.
Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, has joined Welsh Conservative colleagues in criticising the measure which was announced as part of the Welsh Labour Government’s draft budget.
A so-called ‘Tourism Tax’ was introduced in 2016 in Ibiza and Majorca – with Thomas Cook slamming the levy as a “significant extra sum” on family holidays which could persuade many families to holiday elsewhere.
The Majorca Hoteliers’ Federation also said the tax would lead to “millions in losses” for the islands’ economy.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“This tax on tourists could devastate Powys, discouraging people from visiting Mid Wales and making the average family holiday much more expensive.
“Presumably this would apply during peak season, when parents already face a huge burden with inflated prices.
“The impact on jobs and the smallest hotels and B&Bs could be devastating.
“It’s the job of Welsh Government to attract people to come and spend money visiting Mid Wales, not deter them.”