The proposed visitor levy would apply to paid over night stays of 31 nights or less in accommodation such as hotels and guest houses in Cardiff
People in Cardiff are now set to be consulted on a potential tourism tax for visitors staying overnight in the capital. The proposed visitor levy would apply to paid overnight stays of 31 nights or less in accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses, Airbnb accommodation, camp sites and temporary event accommodation.
Cardiff Council’s cabinet has agreed to a public consultation on the plans. If eventually taken forward most overnight stays would see the introduction of a charge of £1.30p per person per night with a reduced rate of 75p per person applying to shared rooms such as hostels and camp sites.
Under the plans some visitors would be exempt from the charge including people staying for more than 31 nights from a single booking and those under 18 and staying on a camp site pitch or in a shared room. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here
A council spokesperson said the money raised would be used to “support Cardiff’s visitor economy through destination management and improvement”.
The council said that will include improving infrastructure, promoting events, supporting tourism businesses, and enhancing the city’s appeal to visitors.
The money raised is estimated to be worth around £3.5 million to the local economy each year and would be paid to the Welsh Revenue Authority, who in turn pay the levy to the local council.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr John Lancaster referenced a survey where he said 40% of respondents said a tourism levy of this nature could prevent them from visiting, curtail spending, or alter plans so they wouldn’t spend as long in a particular destination.
He also asked what would be done in the consultation to capture some of the potential negatives and downsides so those affected could respond with the information they need.
But Cllr Huw Thomas said he believed the figures were taken on a Wales-wide basis, adding that he had absolute confidence in the “world class” visitor offer that Cardiff has.
He also said with people travelling to the city from across the world, in some cases spending £700 for concert tickets, he didn’t believe a levy of £1.30p per head would deter them from doing that, though noted this would be tested through the consultation process.
At the council meeting others made reference to countries such as France, Portugal, New Zealand, Greece and Japan who all had massive tourism industries that were not affected by tourism levies of this kind.
Following cabinet approval a further decision will now be made by full council to approve the 12-week public consultation that is set to begin on December 1.
The results of this will be part of a final proposal, which will be presented to cabinet and full council again in March 2026. If approved it could be introduced to Cardiff from April 2027.