Tom Giffard MS the Member of the Senedd for South Wales West has expressed grave concerns at the impact the Tourism Tax – passed this week – is going to have in Swansea.
The Tourism Tax can be levied by local authorities on anyone staying overnight at visitor accommodation in Wales. To begin with it will be £1.30 per person per night, but the provision of an unlimited premium which may be added means that once it has been introduced the Councils will be able to request that Ministers increase it.
This new Labour Welsh Government policy has the potential to ruin what was already a fragile economy, causing worry to one of the largest employment sectors in Wales.
Tom Giffard MS is concerned about the impact this will have on Swansea and Gower.
The Welsh Conservatives, meanwhile, will axe the Tourism Tax before it comes into force.
Commenting, Tom Giffard Senedd Member for South Wales West said:
“Gower and Swansea are great places to come and visit, but Welsh Government plans to introduce a tax on overnight stays only threatens to harm this crucial sector of our economy.”
“One in seven jobs in Wales relies on the tourism and hospitality industry, so this tax is a tax on Swansea jobs.
“So, if the Welsh Government won’t rule out introducing this tax, then the Council must.
That’s why I’ve written to the Leader of Swansea Council asking him for a commitment that they will completely rule out levying the Tourism tax in the city.”
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