Welsh visitor levy becomes law

A new law giving Welsh councils the choice to introduce a small charge on overnight stays has received Royal Assent.

The funds raised will be reinvested locally to support tourism.

Individual councils will decide how the money will be spent - for example on improving toilets, footpaths, beaches, visitor centres and activities.

The levy will be collected and managed by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).

The law will also create a national register for all visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales, which will be run by the WRA. The register will provide better data about tourism to help councils, the Welsh Government and communities make informed decisions about how properties are used in their areas. From Autumn 2026, anyone charging visitors to stay overnight in Wales must sign-up.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: "The visitor levy represents a small contribution that will make a big difference by helping to maintain and enhance the very attractions that make Wales such a wonderful place to visit and live.

"This historic legislation gives Wales the same tools used so successfully by destinations all over the world to balance the benefits and pressures of tourism between visitors and residents."

Rebecca Godfrey, interim chief executive of the Welsh Revenue Authority said: "We’re delighted to support local authorities with the collection of the levy and implement the new visitor accommodation register.

"Our proven track record managing Wales’ devolved taxes means we are well positioned to administer the register and levy efficiently. We’ll work with providers and the industry to help everyone prepare for autumn 2026."