Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has slammed the Welsh Government for progressing plans for a visitor levy in Wales, a move he has warned “will devastate the tourism industry in North Wales”.

In a written statement today, the Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans, said the Welsh Government “will be proceeding with legislative proposals which enable local authorities to raise a visitor levy in their areas.”

Darren, who has been against the proposals since they were first mooted and has repeatedly challenged the Welsh Government over them, is concerned about the impact it will have on tourism businesses in North Wales.

Commenting, he said:   

“This levy could be devastating for the tourism industry in North Wales and will push up the prices of holidays at a time when people are trying to keep their bills down.

“Wales has always been famous for its warm welcome to visitors but this will damage that reputation and could see tens of thousands choosing destinations elsewhere, damaging businesses which rely on income in the holiday season to stay open throughout the year.

“I have spoken to many tourism businesses in North Wales since plans for this new levy were first put forward and they are seriously concerned. They have made their views known but the Welsh Government have disregarded them and are pressing ahead with these plans regardless of the consequences.

“What happened to supporting businesses? - Anyone would think Ministers are intent on destroying the tourism industry.”