Written question WQ98017

StatsWales produces data at a broad industry level and the latest statistics for the ‘accommodation and food services’ sector were added on 22 January 2026. These show that in 2024 the number of business births (1,410) exceeded the number of business deaths (1,315). The number of active enterprises in the sector was 10,685. (Please note that the source for this data only includes businesses above the VAT / PAYE thresholds, therefore it does not cover the smallest businesses that fall below these thresholds).

In addition to official statistics, I receive regular feedback on the industry from hospitality businesses and sector stakeholders through the Visitor Economy Forum, which I chair, and from officials monitoring the industry.

The Welsh Government has implemented several measures to support hospitality businesses, recognising the range of economic challenges they have faced in recent years. More than £1 billion of support has been allocated through our Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief since 2020-21. This is in addition to our fully funded permanent reliefs which are currently worth £250 million to businesses and other ratepayers every year. Almost half of all ratepayers, including small businesses across Wales, benefit from full rates relief. Taking hospitality as an example, sector representatives have estimated that around two thirds of properties in Wales are likely to already attract full relief, due to their low rateable values. Almost half of pubs will continue to benefit from Small Business Rates Relief next year and over a quarter will not pay any rates at all.