Welsh tourist tax sparks concerns over job losses and industry impact

A proposed tourist tax in Wales has sparked concerns among businesses in the tourism industry, with some fearing that it could lead to significant job losses and a decline in visitor numbers. The Welsh government’s plan to introduce a £1.25 per night tax on tourists, or 75p for campers, has been met with opposition from attractions and accommodation providers who argue that it will devastate the industry. Ashford Price, from the National Showcave Centre, believes that the tax will push up the cost of a family holiday and could be catastrophic for the industry. “Now at a time when everybody’s earnings are really struggling to pay in the main bills, it’s utter insanity if they go on like this. The future for Welsh tourism is really, really bleak,” Mr Price said. The tourism industry accounts for 11 per cent of all jobs in Wales, and it is feared that more than 700 of those could be lost if the visitor tax is introduced.