Category Archives: Industry news

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 […]

Join ITSG World Ltd and Conwy Business Support in a proactive morning event aimed at both new and existing exporters in the North Wales region. We aim to explain how exporting can benefit your business and to address some of the barriers (real or perceived) to new companies entering the international trade arena. We also want to engage with current exporters looking to increase their overseas sales. In a full schedule, the event is broken down into short, focused sections, identifying and explaining the overseas opportunities available to our local companies and how to take advantage of these opportunities. The intention will to be to make this an interactive session, […]

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 […]

From 1 April 2017 under Part 7, Section 139 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, Authorities in Wales have the discretion to charge Council Tax Premiums on long-term empty properties and second homes.From 1st April 2023, local authorities were given the power by Welsh Government to raise council tax premiums for long-term empty and second homes by up to 300% over the standard charge.Conwy County Borough Council, at its meeting on 17th October 2024 (in accordance with section 12a and 12b of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as inserted by section 139 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014), made the following determinations:(i) Charge a 150% Council Tax Premium for […]

The Welsh Government has provided an update to its Deposit Return Scheme. A summary can be found below. To align with the rest of the UK, Wales will be bringing forward the implementation of its scheme to October 2027. The Welsh Government still intends to introduce a scheme that focuses on re-use and includes glass. There will be interoperability between the common materials in the UK (PET, steel and aluminium cans) A phased approach will be introduced, within which there will no requirement to have separate labelling. https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-update-deposit-return-scheme-delivers-wales A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to increase recycling rates and reduce litter. The scheme will require consumers to pay a […]

The Senedd has today voted to give councils the choice to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays to raise and reinvest vital funding into local tourism. https://www.gov.wales/senedd-passes-legislation-to-support-the-future-of-tourism-in-wales

The Low Pay Commission is inviting submissions to inform its recommendations to the Government on minimum wage rates in 2026 and beyond. The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is the independent body which advises the Government on the levels of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), including the National Living Wage (NLW). https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/low-pay-commission-consultation-2025 This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 30 June 2025

Join a FREE one-hour online Introduction to Accessibility Workshop and take the next step on your accessibility journey. These sessions are designed to give you practical tools, inspire new thinking, and help make your venues more welcoming to disabled individuals. We’ll explore key accessibility principles, outline your legal responsibilities, and share simple, effective actions you can implement straight away. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive and confident Wales — one step at a time. Workshop Dates (2–3pm on Zoom): 27th June 2025, 2-3pm register here 11th July 2025, 2-3pm register here 25th July 2025, 2-3pm register here Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early by registering for your preferred […]

This survey will help understand the needs of visitor accommodation providers when the Registration service is designed. Your answers are anonymous, and will only be used for analysis purposes. https://surveys.wra.gov.wales/s/NR-VAP-june2025