Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire has welcomed the announcement by the Local Authority that the county won’t be introducing a ‘tourism tax’ in the near future.

At the Visit Pembrokeshire annual Tourism Summit and AGM recently held at Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, Cllr Paul Miller, confirmed that the Authority does not intend on introducing a ‘visitor levy’ for the region at this point in time.

If the bill completes its passage through the Welsh Parliament, £1.30 per person before VAT could be charged on overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.

Welsh councils have been given powers to decide whether to introduce a local levy from 2027 at the earliest.

An estimated £264m would be raised if all councils chose to introduce the levy in the decade to 2035, against total costs of £313m to £576m, according to an impact assessment.

Cllr Miller stated: “We provide a fantastic tourism offer here in Pembrokeshire and it is an important part of the county’s economy.

“In addition to jobs, this administration’s approach is also about the year-round facilities and attractions that benefit local people too. We recognise the tourism landscape has experienced significant change, be that second homes legislation, tax changes and we’re aiming to provide some certainty to the industry.

“We acknowledge it's important to recognise there's balance to be struck between supporting the industry and dealing with some of the challenges associated with peaks in season.

“Therefore, I’m confirming it's not our intention to take forward the option of a visitor levy in Pembrokeshire during this administration.

“Like the hospitality and attraction sector across Pembrokeshire’s amazing tourism offer, I am looking forward to a great summer season for the industry.”

Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire said: “Visit Pembrokeshire welcomes this decision and thanks Pembrokeshire County Council for listening to Tourism businesses.

“The cumulative impact of changes in Welsh government policy impacting tourism businesses, alongside implications of the Uk Government’s Autumn’s budget has resulted in real anxiety amongst the trade about the future.

“This decision provides some breathing space and certainty around the short to medium term which is greatly appreciated.”

Responding to PCC’s decision, Senedd Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire Paul Davies said: “Pembrokeshire County Council has made the right decision not to take forward a visitor levy. The sector has had a bruising few years and the cumulative impact of several policies and changes has heaped pressure on tourism businesses across the county.

“Tourism is a huge part of the Pembrokeshire economy. Many local people work in the industry or know someone who does. Protecting the sustainability of the sector for years to come is key and I believe operators across Pembrokeshire will breathe a sigh of relief at the Council’s decision not to implement this levy. “

“Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop future Councils implementing this damaging policy. I will continue to oppose the ‘visitor levy’ at the Senedd and stand up for tourism businesses across Pembrokeshire.”