This detailed annual report for 2024 and accompanying data tables provide more in-depth insights on trip and visitor characteristics, with comparisons where appropriate. The Great Britain Tourism and Day Visits Surveys provide the official statistics for the volume, value and characteristics of overnight stays and day visits in Wales by GB residents. Headline statistics are published every quarter. The annual reports and accompanying data tables are made available to provide more in-depth insights on trip and visitor characteristics, with comparisons where appropriate. wales-great-britain-tourism-survey-gbts-annual-report-2024-054Download
A draft of the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill has been published today. The Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill (“the Bill”) provides the legislative framework for a licensing scheme for visitor accommodation. This builds upon the register of visitor accommodation and providers, as set out in the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act (“the VARL Act”). The aim of publishing a draft of the Bill is to give Senedd Members and interested stakeholders an opportunity to see the proposed scope and direction of the Bill before its formal introduction in the autumn. It is not published for further consultation […]
Following the success of the initial weather-proofing fund which allowed the tourism attraction sector to invest in weather-proofing measures, a new, second phase will support small tourism and hospitality businesses to mitigate the impact of all weather and enhance the experience for visitors. Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 per project are available to support the installation of weather-proofing measure, such as new covered outdoor areas, dining pods, or surfacing and drainage. The scheme is open to small enterprises with 9 to 49 permanent employees that have been trading for at least one year, including: Accommodation providers Food and drink establishments Recreational and outdoor activities Further information is available at Funding | […]
North Wales Tourism have and are still working hard on behalf it’s members on issues that are affecting the industry. We are in constant contact with the local MSs and MPs on these issues and are also lobbying side by side and working closely with the other National Trade Organisations to drive forward the importance of the industry to the economy of Wales and the effects and implications of these issues on the businesses and industry as a whole. We are also working closely with the local press and media to raise the issues affecting us to make sure the voice of our valuable industry is heard. Amongst the issues […]
Spirit of North Wales and the Northwest is a vibrant, visually stunning print publication designed to inspire travel to one of the UK’s most culturally rich and naturally spectacular regions. Combining the urban icons of Manchester and Liverpool (arrival points from USA) with the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales, this new annual magazine is aimed squarely at U.S. travellers and the people who guide them. Our goal? To place the Northwest and North Wales on the must-see list for American travellers seeking something new, authentic, and accessible. Interested to learn more? Please contact John Hogan tel: (+353) 083 318 2222 or email: john@devlinmedia.org Spirit of North Wales and North […]
Visitor Levy Bill receives Royal Assent The new law gives councils across Wales the choice to introduce a visitor levy in their area – a small contribution from overnight guests that will support local tourism and protect what makes each destination special. The earliest this could happen is 2027. Councils will consult local communities and businesses before making any decision about introducing a visitor levy.To support this change, the new law also requires anyone charging visitors for overnight stays in Wales to register with the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA). Visitor accommodation providers must register with the WRA regardless of whether their council introduces a visitor levy. Registration opens in autumn 2026, anyone […]
The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) is responsible for managing visitor accommodation registration and collecting the visitor levy. The WRA has published new guidance. Please see links below: https://www.gov.wales/registering-visitor-accommodation-introduction https://www.gov.wales/visitor-levy-guidance-visitor-accommodation-providers The WRA is hosting webinars this November for visitor accommodation providers, booking platforms and tourism trade bodies. The WRA will provide updates on the latest guidance and you’ll also have the chance to ask questions. Webinars for booking platforms and partners Book on to the webinar – 12 November at 2pm (English) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-visitor-accommodation-registration-and-visitor-levy-webinar-tickets-1713966412679 Book on to the webinar – 13 November at 2pm (Welsh) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cofrestru-cenedlaethol-i-llety-ymwelwyr-ar-ardoll-ymwelwyr-tickets-1714144475269 Webinars for visitor accommodation providers Book on to the webinar – 19 November at 2pm (English) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-visitor-accommodation-registration-and-visitor-levy-webinar-tickets-1714054215299 […]
Natural Resources Wales are now consulting on the Draft (Designation) Order and the proposed map for a new National Park in Wales. Since last consultation the proposed boundary for the Glyndŵr National Park has been updated following a review in 2025. The Gronant and Talacre Dunes area have been reinstated. The Boundary has been refined to better capture a coherent area of natural beauty focusing on the uplands, intersecting valleys and coastal edge. A large section within Powys have been removed. Closing date for responses to the consultation is 8 December 2025 https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/proposed-national-park-statutory-consultation-2025 BILINGUAL Glyndwr_National_Park_DRAFT_DesignationDownload Final assessment of land for designation 11 SeptDownload A New National Park for Wales_Arup Economic […]
Conwy County Borough generated approximately £1.01 billion in economic impact. This figure is derived from data indicating that Conwy attracted 9.39 million visitors. Tourism supports a significant portion of jobs in Conwy, with approximately 16.7% of the workforce (around 8,000–10,000 jobs) employed in tourism-related sectors, such as hospitality, retail, and recreation. This is notably higher than the Welsh average of 11.8% (159,000 jobs) reflecting Conwy’s reliance on the visitor economy, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Your feedback to this survey is valuable in shaping a deeper understanding of the views of our community and tourism sector. By completing this questionnaire, you will be entered into a competition to win […]
New proposals have been suggested to adjust the way tax rules for self-catering holiday let owners are applied. Since April 2023, self-catering properties must be available for 252 days and actually let for 182 days each year to pay non-domestic rates instead of council tax. The rules were brought in to ensure property owners make a fair contribution to their local community. The Welsh Government is seeking views on 2 key changes to the way the rules are applied, to give the sector extra stability: Allowing holiday let owners to use an average of 182 days let over several years. This means those who narrowly miss 182 days letting in […]