Written question WQ85831

This work has been carried out in collaboration with Cefin Campbell, the Plaid Cymru designated lead member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

The Welsh Government is engaging widely with the tourism sector. Engagement activity began at the start of 2022 and has involved structured conversations with a range of partners across the sector.

We have established a Business Reference Group, comprised of representatives from across accommodation providers in Wales. Officials held monthly meetings with the Group to inform the policy development for a visitor levy.

We have also engaged with the sector through the Visitor Economy Forum. Members comprise key representatives from the sector including the chairs of the four Regional Tourism Forums, industry bodies such as the Wales Tourism Alliance and UK Hospitality as well as trade unions and the Welsh Local Government Association.

Other engagement activity has included meeting with members of Fforwm Eryri, the Chief Executives of the National Parks, and representatives of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association.

This engagement with the tourism sector has supported the preparation of a consultation document and a partial regulatory impact assessment, due to be published in the Autumn. This will provide a further opportunity to gather views from interested parties.