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Part of our role at MWT is to represent the tourism industry at a regional and national level. We do this on a number of regional and national fora including the Wales Tourism Alliance, Wales Cross Party Group on Tourism and Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and Growing Mid Wales Forum.
Your membership helps to support this activity, providing a stronger voice for the tourism sector. Updates on our representational work can be found in our member newsletters, or please contact us if you have any queries or concerns you would like to raise. |
Reform of the school calendar
The Cabinet Secretary for Education confirmed on 4th June 2024 that plans to change the school holidays will not happen this Senedd term to give teachers and staff space and time to deliver other reforms.
Mixed response to school year consultation - MWT Cymru
Mixed response to school year consultation - MWT Cymru
Statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales
Plans to introduce a statutory registration and licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales were announced by the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden on January 9 2024 with legislation expected to be introduced to the Senedd before the end of the year.
View Welsh Government Statement: Plans unveiled for statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales
View Welsh Government Statement: Plans unveiled for statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales
A visitor levy for Wales
The summary of responses to the consultation on a proposed visitor levy (tourism tax) in Wales has been published.
The Wales Tourism Alliance have expressed deep concerns that although 78% of respondents to the Welsh Government’s own consultation were clearly against a Tourism Tax, the Welsh Government have announced their intention to push ahead with proposals.
Press releases / News
18/08/24: Mid Wales tourism leaders want urgent meeting to save NRW visitor centres
14/08/24: Concerns Over Proposed Visitor Centre Closures in Mid Wales - MWT Cymru
01/08/24: MWT Cymru chief keen to work with MPs to create thriving tourism sector
09/01/24: Plans unveiled for statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales
08/12/23: Mid Wales Tourism leaders call for industry unity and collaboration - MWT Cymru
01/12/23: Latest industry updates to be shared at Mid Wales Tourism's AGM - MWT Cymru
29/11/23: Could more international visitors soon be heading to Mid Wales?
27/11/23: Conference speakers urge Welsh Government to listen to tourism industry - MWT Cymru
11/10/23: Voice of Mid Wales tourism sector must be heard, say Plaid Cymru leaders - MWT Cymru
25/08/23: Tourism Body's key role highlighted at Brecon and Radnor politicians briefing - MWT Cymru
22/05/23: Call for collaboration to promote tourism across Mid Wales - MWT Cymru
14/08/24: Concerns Over Proposed Visitor Centre Closures in Mid Wales - MWT Cymru
01/08/24: MWT Cymru chief keen to work with MPs to create thriving tourism sector
09/01/24: Plans unveiled for statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales
08/12/23: Mid Wales Tourism leaders call for industry unity and collaboration - MWT Cymru
01/12/23: Latest industry updates to be shared at Mid Wales Tourism's AGM - MWT Cymru
29/11/23: Could more international visitors soon be heading to Mid Wales?
27/11/23: Conference speakers urge Welsh Government to listen to tourism industry - MWT Cymru
11/10/23: Voice of Mid Wales tourism sector must be heard, say Plaid Cymru leaders - MWT Cymru
25/08/23: Tourism Body's key role highlighted at Brecon and Radnor politicians briefing - MWT Cymru
22/05/23: Call for collaboration to promote tourism across Mid Wales - MWT Cymru
Archived news / updates
news releases
12/12/22: Resilient Mid Wales tourism businesses praised at annual meeting - MWT Cymru
09/12/22: Businesses urged to respond to tourism tax consultation before deadline
23/09/22: Tourism leaders urge Welsh Government to delay tax plan consultation - MWT Cymru
20/09/22: Welsh Government release of consultation on tourism tax - Wales Tourism Alliance response
05/07/22: Tourism leader challenges Welsh Government's radical second homes rules: Wales Tourism Alliance News - Wales Tourism Alliance (wta.org.uk)
04/07/22: Visit Wales Industry News: New package of measures to address high numbers of second homes
25/04/22: Wales’ tourism industry urges Welsh Government rethink on self-catering taxation plans
16/03/22: Businesses threatened by Welsh tax proposals, warns tourism boss - MWT Cymru
09/12/22: Businesses urged to respond to tourism tax consultation before deadline
23/09/22: Tourism leaders urge Welsh Government to delay tax plan consultation - MWT Cymru
20/09/22: Welsh Government release of consultation on tourism tax - Wales Tourism Alliance response
05/07/22: Tourism leader challenges Welsh Government's radical second homes rules: Wales Tourism Alliance News - Wales Tourism Alliance (wta.org.uk)
04/07/22: Visit Wales Industry News: New package of measures to address high numbers of second homes
25/04/22: Wales’ tourism industry urges Welsh Government rethink on self-catering taxation plans
16/03/22: Businesses threatened by Welsh tax proposals, warns tourism boss - MWT Cymru
visitor levy - aka tourism Tax
Tourism Tax Consultation
Submit your views to Welsh Government by 13th December 2022.
As you will be aware, the Welsh Government are working on proposals that will give local authorities powers to introduce a visitor levy (also known as tourism tax).
Thank you to all members who have responded to our short MWT survey on this topic.
Welsh Government are running a consultation on their proposals until 13th December 2022 and we encourage all tourism businesses in Wales to submit your own response directly. Every response counts, even if you only have time to answer a couple of questions.
As you will be aware, the Welsh Government are working on proposals that will give local authorities powers to introduce a visitor levy (also known as tourism tax).
Thank you to all members who have responded to our short MWT survey on this topic.
Welsh Government are running a consultation on their proposals until 13th December 2022 and we encourage all tourism businesses in Wales to submit your own response directly. Every response counts, even if you only have time to answer a couple of questions.
Wales Tourism Alliance Latest News - including: Guidance notes for the completion of the Welsh Government Discretionary visitor levy for local authorities consultation.
23/09/22: You may have seen the recent headlines around the Tourism Levy consultation. Between the documents accompanying the consultation there are just under 200 pages of reading. We are currently making our way through these documents and scanning the detail with a fine-tooth comb. The questions may seem simplistic but the detail is not.
Today we released a press release: Tourism leaders urge Welsh Government to delay tax plan consultation - MWT Cymru, and we are asking that if you are putting in a response then please don't rush this.
If any MWT members have been through the consultation documentation or have thoughts on this topic and would like to contribute to a webinar meeting to share ideas on the arguments for/against the introduction of tourism levy, please get in touch.
There have been a number of policy consultations from Welsh Government recently which may have serious implications for our tourism sector so we need to ensure that we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet. As always, we will work with you, our businesses, our Directors, the WTA and other organisations to formulate a balanced response which accurately reflects our businesses views.
Today we released a press release: Tourism leaders urge Welsh Government to delay tax plan consultation - MWT Cymru, and we are asking that if you are putting in a response then please don't rush this.
If any MWT members have been through the consultation documentation or have thoughts on this topic and would like to contribute to a webinar meeting to share ideas on the arguments for/against the introduction of tourism levy, please get in touch.
There have been a number of policy consultations from Welsh Government recently which may have serious implications for our tourism sector so we need to ensure that we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet. As always, we will work with you, our businesses, our Directors, the WTA and other organisations to formulate a balanced response which accurately reflects our businesses views.
Welsh Government Changes to Self Catering Business Rate Threshold
August 2023: The Professional Association of Self Caterers UK (PASC) together with the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) and UK Hospitality are seeking to influence Welsh Government in respect of 182 day threshold.
"This survey is part of a programme of activities that PASC UK/WTA and UKH Cymru are co-ordinating to try and persuade the Welsh Government to look again at the 182-day threshold.
The first stage is for you to provide us with up-to-date information about 182 days, and then a question about possible exemptions to the threshold. It takes no more than 3 minutes to complete.
Following this survey, you will be asked to undertake some simple and quick support actions to try and increase pressure on the Welsh Government.
Thanks for your time - we appreciate it."
If your business is impacted by the changes and you would like to get involved then click the link below to complete the survey.
Click link here to complete survey
"This survey is part of a programme of activities that PASC UK/WTA and UKH Cymru are co-ordinating to try and persuade the Welsh Government to look again at the 182-day threshold.
The first stage is for you to provide us with up-to-date information about 182 days, and then a question about possible exemptions to the threshold. It takes no more than 3 minutes to complete.
Following this survey, you will be asked to undertake some simple and quick support actions to try and increase pressure on the Welsh Government.
Thanks for your time - we appreciate it."
If your business is impacted by the changes and you would like to get involved then click the link below to complete the survey.
Click link here to complete survey
Submit your views to Welsh Government Consultation on exceptions to council tax premiums for second homes by 22nd December 22.
The Welsh Government consultation on the draft Regulations to amend 'Class 6 of the exceptions to the council tax premiums for second homes', ends on 22nd December 22.They are proposing to include categories of properties with the following planning conditions:
https://www.gov.wales/draft-council-tax-exceptions-higher-amounts-wales-amendment-regulations-2023
The Welsh Government consultation on the draft Regulations to amend 'Class 6 of the exceptions to the council tax premiums for second homes', ends on 22nd December 22.They are proposing to include categories of properties with the following planning conditions:
- restricting the use of the property to short-term holiday lets
- restricting the occupancy of the property from use as a person’s sole or main home
https://www.gov.wales/draft-council-tax-exceptions-higher-amounts-wales-amendment-regulations-2023
March 2022: The Welsh Government (WG) have announced that they are considering 'immediate and radical changes using the planning, property and taxation systems' to address concerns about the number of second homes in some local communities in Wales.
We are concerned about potential unintended consequences that the proposed 'immediate and radical changes' may have on our tourism economy, and the direct impact on our businesses already struggling to recover from the Covid pandemic.
These proposed changes from April 2023 include:
These changes are not being led by Visit Wales, but by other departments within the Welsh Government.
Read our updates about this important issue here:
We are concerned about potential unintended consequences that the proposed 'immediate and radical changes' may have on our tourism economy, and the direct impact on our businesses already struggling to recover from the Covid pandemic.
These proposed changes from April 2023 include:
- Raising the current threshold for businesses to be included in the non domestic rate (NDR) register from 140 day available to let / 70 days actual let, to 252 days available to let / 182 days actual let (in any 12 month period)
- Change to the discretionary powers available to your Local Authorities to charge a council tax premium of up to 300% of the standard rate (current max. premium is 100% and only 3 LA's in Wales are charging the maximum 100% premium.) Businesses who fall beneath the NDR threshold may be liable to pay these premium rates.
These changes are not being led by Visit Wales, but by other departments within the Welsh Government.
Read our updates about this important issue here:
Technical consultation - this has now closed
The Technical Consultation has now closed.
Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government, has launched a technical consultation on the new draft strategy which will be open for responses until 12 April 2022.
View Consultation Documents
Submit your comments by 12 April 2022, in any of the following ways:
RESPOND ONLINE
Online form here
EMAIL
Download the response form.
Complete and respond to: [email protected]
POST
Download the response form.
Complete and respond to:
Non-Domestic Rates Policy Branch
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government, has launched a technical consultation on the new draft strategy which will be open for responses until 12 April 2022.
View Consultation Documents
Submit your comments by 12 April 2022, in any of the following ways:
RESPOND ONLINE
Online form here
Download the response form.
Complete and respond to: [email protected]
POST
Download the response form.
Complete and respond to:
Non-Domestic Rates Policy Branch
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
We encourage you to contact Welsh Government Ministers and your local area councillors, urging reconsideration of the proposed thresholds, particularly the occupancy threshold, to ensure we are all lobbying hard on this important issue.
Councillors' contact details
MWT Cymru has been chasing the Welsh Government for clarification over the NDR threshold for Self Catering.
26/05/22 we received the following response:
"Firstly, the current exemption for council tax premiums for properties with planning constraints is set out in legislation and applies on a pan-Wales basis. This is known as a class 6 exemption and should already be applied by local authorities. Full guidance on the application of the exemptions and operation of council tax premiums can be found at:
https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-06/council-tax-on-empty-and-second-homes.pdf#:~:text=From%201%20April%202017%2C%20local%20authorities%20will%20be,decision%20to%20be%20made%20by%20each%20local%20authority.
It should be noted that a revised version of the guidance will be published prior to 1 April 2023 to align with changes to the maximum level of premium and provide further clarity.
Secondly, any property, whether restricted by planning conditions, that does not meet the thresholds will be classified as domestic and become liable for council tax. Whether this is the standard rate only will be dependent on the individual circumstances of the property, including whether an exception applies.
Thirdly, the changes will take effect from 1 April 2023, with the Valuation Office Agency using the new criteria to assess properties from that date onwards. Any property assessed from 1 April 2023 onwards will be required to evidence 182 days actually let within the 12 months prior to the date of assessment.
Finally, the Welsh Government are considering the extent to which the current class 6 exemptions are appropriate. It should be noted that any changes in this area would be to widen the exceptions from a council tax premium, not to remove any. It is intended that any such considerations be carried out and, if required, legislation be in place for 1 April 2023."
24/05/22: WRITTEN STATEMENT: The classification of self-catering accommodation for local tax purposes
25/05/22: Industry wide disbelief at welsh governments statement to push ahead with proposed tax hike for self-catering (WTA)
14/06/22: Local Government and Housing Committee publish its inquiry report into second homes
28 June 2022: The Order, by which 182 days will come into effect, is being challenged in the Senedd on the 6th of July. It is not expected to be stopped at this point, but the objective is to try to make the minister provide evidence to support 182 days, and to apply more pressure to get as many exemptions and dispensations as possible.
A Welsh Government Cross Party Group (CPG) meeting on Tourism will also specifically discuss the exemptions on 6th July.
Please sign the petition here
The WTA is pressing for a formal response from Visit Wales as to how they are planning to support tourism businesses achieve 182 days let.
In response to the 182-day consultation, Minister Rebecca Evans has said:
"The consultation received 499 responses. The vast majority were from self-catering property owners and representative bodies who stated that the criteria of 182 days actually let is too high. The response to the technical consultation was, therefore, very sector-specific, capturing only part of the broader set of stakeholders which responded to the previous policy consultation. This is generally expected for technical consultations, which mainly attract responses from stakeholders for whom the relevant legislation will be directly applicable. No issues with the technical clarity of the Order were identified."
26/05/22 we received the following response:
"Firstly, the current exemption for council tax premiums for properties with planning constraints is set out in legislation and applies on a pan-Wales basis. This is known as a class 6 exemption and should already be applied by local authorities. Full guidance on the application of the exemptions and operation of council tax premiums can be found at:
https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-06/council-tax-on-empty-and-second-homes.pdf#:~:text=From%201%20April%202017%2C%20local%20authorities%20will%20be,decision%20to%20be%20made%20by%20each%20local%20authority.
It should be noted that a revised version of the guidance will be published prior to 1 April 2023 to align with changes to the maximum level of premium and provide further clarity.
Secondly, any property, whether restricted by planning conditions, that does not meet the thresholds will be classified as domestic and become liable for council tax. Whether this is the standard rate only will be dependent on the individual circumstances of the property, including whether an exception applies.
Thirdly, the changes will take effect from 1 April 2023, with the Valuation Office Agency using the new criteria to assess properties from that date onwards. Any property assessed from 1 April 2023 onwards will be required to evidence 182 days actually let within the 12 months prior to the date of assessment.
Finally, the Welsh Government are considering the extent to which the current class 6 exemptions are appropriate. It should be noted that any changes in this area would be to widen the exceptions from a council tax premium, not to remove any. It is intended that any such considerations be carried out and, if required, legislation be in place for 1 April 2023."
24/05/22: WRITTEN STATEMENT: The classification of self-catering accommodation for local tax purposes
25/05/22: Industry wide disbelief at welsh governments statement to push ahead with proposed tax hike for self-catering (WTA)
14/06/22: Local Government and Housing Committee publish its inquiry report into second homes
28 June 2022: The Order, by which 182 days will come into effect, is being challenged in the Senedd on the 6th of July. It is not expected to be stopped at this point, but the objective is to try to make the minister provide evidence to support 182 days, and to apply more pressure to get as many exemptions and dispensations as possible.
A Welsh Government Cross Party Group (CPG) meeting on Tourism will also specifically discuss the exemptions on 6th July.
Please sign the petition here
The WTA is pressing for a formal response from Visit Wales as to how they are planning to support tourism businesses achieve 182 days let.
In response to the 182-day consultation, Minister Rebecca Evans has said:
"The consultation received 499 responses. The vast majority were from self-catering property owners and representative bodies who stated that the criteria of 182 days actually let is too high. The response to the technical consultation was, therefore, very sector-specific, capturing only part of the broader set of stakeholders which responded to the previous policy consultation. This is generally expected for technical consultations, which mainly attract responses from stakeholders for whom the relevant legislation will be directly applicable. No issues with the technical clarity of the Order were identified."
30/09/22: Virtual session on the visitor levy consultation
The Welsh Government is holding a virtual session on the visitor levy consultation on Thursday 27 October, 9.30am - 11:00am. This is intended to cover the same information about the consultation as will be given during the four in-person events taking place over the coming weeks and includes an opportunity to put questions to Welsh Government officials.
If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] to register your interest and enable the team to determine the appropriate technological solution depending on the numbers attending.
The Welsh Government is holding a virtual session on the visitor levy consultation on Thursday 27 October, 9.30am - 11:00am. This is intended to cover the same information about the consultation as will be given during the four in-person events taking place over the coming weeks and includes an opportunity to put questions to Welsh Government officials.
If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] to register your interest and enable the team to determine the appropriate technological solution depending on the numbers attending.
Please sign and share this petition to allow exemptions to the 182-day occupancy rule to reduce harm to real Welsh self-catering businesses: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245202 - collecting signatures until 28/12/22
The Trade Associations that represent genuine self-catering businesses in Wales (Wales Tourism Alliance, UKHospitality Cymru and PASC UK Ltd. Wales Branch) will meet Welsh Government with a view to agreeing mitigation measures to reduce the harm that the introduction of the 182-day occupancy rule will cause real Welsh-owned self-catering businesses. These are not second homes or casual lets. Over 30% of these businesses have said that they will have to close or sell without these exemptions.
The Trade Associations that represent genuine self-catering businesses in Wales (Wales Tourism Alliance, UKHospitality Cymru and PASC UK Ltd. Wales Branch) will meet Welsh Government with a view to agreeing mitigation measures to reduce the harm that the introduction of the 182-day occupancy rule will cause real Welsh-owned self-catering businesses. These are not second homes or casual lets. Over 30% of these businesses have said that they will have to close or sell without these exemptions.
Statutory registration & licensing scheme
Analysis of the statutory licensing scheme consultations now available on Gov.Wales
07/07/23: Earlier this year, the Welsh Government called for views on its consultation on a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales. This public consultation sought views on how a licensing scheme could operate on a practical level. This closed on 17 March with more than 1,500 responses.
To supplement the main consultation, three engagement sessions were held in May. Invited key stakeholders from across the tourism industry gave feedback on specific technical aspects of the proposed scheme. Those who attended represented a significant number and variety of tourism businesses and organisations in Wales.
The Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has issued a written statement which gives an update on the statutory licensing scheme and shares the full consultation analysis and a report of the supplementary consultation discussions.
The full written statement can be found here: Written Statement: Update on a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales (5 July 2023) | GOV.WALES
07/07/23: Earlier this year, the Welsh Government called for views on its consultation on a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales. This public consultation sought views on how a licensing scheme could operate on a practical level. This closed on 17 March with more than 1,500 responses.
To supplement the main consultation, three engagement sessions were held in May. Invited key stakeholders from across the tourism industry gave feedback on specific technical aspects of the proposed scheme. Those who attended represented a significant number and variety of tourism businesses and organisations in Wales.
The Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has issued a written statement which gives an update on the statutory licensing scheme and shares the full consultation analysis and a report of the supplementary consultation discussions.
The full written statement can be found here: Written Statement: Update on a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales (5 July 2023) | GOV.WALES
In December 2022 the Welsh Government launched a consultation on establishing a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales.
Read more here
The Consultation: https://www.gov.wales/statutory-licensing-scheme-all-visitor-accommodation-providers-wales closed on 17 March 2023.
Wales Tourism Alliance - Questionnaire on the Welsh Government's proposed new visitor accommodation licensing scheme
(Survey closed 27 February 2023)
Read more here
The Consultation: https://www.gov.wales/statutory-licensing-scheme-all-visitor-accommodation-providers-wales closed on 17 March 2023.
Wales Tourism Alliance - Questionnaire on the Welsh Government's proposed new visitor accommodation licensing scheme
(Survey closed 27 February 2023)
reform of the school calendar
A consultation opened (21 November 2023) on changing the school calendar, so breaks are spread out more evenly, including a 2-week half term autumn break. Comments were invited until 12 Feb 2024.
The current school calendar means that the autumn term is longer than others. Under the new proposal, a week would be taken from the start of the summer break and added to the October break, so that staff and learners get more time to rest during the long autumn term. These changes would be made from September 2025, meaning schools would get a two-week break in October 2025 and a five-week summer break in 2026.
The consultation also explored additional changes that could be taken forward in the future, but not from 2025. These changes include the option of moving a second week from the summer break and adding it to the Whitsun break. (Please see the full Welsh Government press release on Welsh Government wants your views on the school calendar | GOV.WALES.)
Additional updates regarding school year reform and links to the publications mentioned above can be found on the webpage: Reform of the school year | GOV.WALES.
The current school calendar means that the autumn term is longer than others. Under the new proposal, a week would be taken from the start of the summer break and added to the October break, so that staff and learners get more time to rest during the long autumn term. These changes would be made from September 2025, meaning schools would get a two-week break in October 2025 and a five-week summer break in 2026.
The consultation also explored additional changes that could be taken forward in the future, but not from 2025. These changes include the option of moving a second week from the summer break and adding it to the Whitsun break. (Please see the full Welsh Government press release on Welsh Government wants your views on the school calendar | GOV.WALES.)
Additional updates regarding school year reform and links to the publications mentioned above can be found on the webpage: Reform of the school year | GOV.WALES.
Other Welsh government consultations
- Renting homes: bed and breakfast accommodation used for homelessness purposes - Welsh Government want your views on proposed amendments to Schedule 2 of the 2016 Act preventing bed and breakfast accommodation used for homelessness purposes being an occupation contract. The consultation is now open and will close on 15 September 2023.
MWT members: If you would like to discuss anything relating to industry/statutory changes that may affect your business, please contact Val Hawkins at MWT on 01654 702653.
All businesses: If you would like to discuss MWT's representational role and how you can support us via membership, please get in touch.
All businesses: If you would like to discuss MWT's representational role and how you can support us via membership, please get in touch.