The Welsh Government has introduced a new Bill that would significantly expand its role in regulating tourism and visitor accommodation in Wales.
The Bill, introduced by Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, has been referred by the Business Committee to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee for scrutiny.
A central element of the Bill is the introduction of a licensing regime for visitor accommodation. While intended to reassure visitors, the proposals would impose new regulatory requirements on accommodation providers, including self-catering businesses.
The Bill would also create a public directory of visitor accommodation in Wales, expanding on the existing national register.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for Aberconwy and Lead Senedd Candidate for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, said:
“Tourism is a vital industry in Aberconwy and I am really proud of the standard of accommodation we have here.
The tourism sector is the backbone of the Welsh economy, but too often during the Welsh Labour Government, backed by Plaid Cymru, businesses have been let down.
I have been receiving regular emails from hospitality businesses, pleading for help with rising business rates and outgoings on energy, food, drink and rising wages.
The Welsh Government must do more to protect our tourism and hospitality sectors by supporting businesses, not working against them. The last thing the hospitality sector need is more regulation, what it needs is further financial support and targeted funding to help businesses survive and grow.”
