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
A recording of the webinar, and other useful information from the session, are now available on the Visit Wales website. During the discussion the panel shared real-world examples. explored how businesses can drive visitor engagement without large marketing budgets. how Wales has the unique chance to tap into both international and domestic markets for high-spend visitors, offering distinct advantages based on its rich cultural and natural heritage. and how collaboration is key to sustainable tourism growth. Exploring how working with Visit Wales and other partners, including digital platforms, can help build a resilient and thriving tourism industry in Wales. https://industry.visitwales.com/get-involved/industry-engagement-events/webinar-how-unlock-high-spend-tourism-opportunities-get
The Welsh Government £5m Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations across the length and breadth of the country. A full list of projects in North Wales set to receive funding in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years: Denbighshire CC Motorhome/Campervan Aire Provision for Denbighshire Campervan parking facilities across the County Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri Sefydlu canolfan ddarganfod y Parc Cenedlaethol The establishment of a visitor Discovery Centre at Betws y Coed Wrexham County Borough Council Refurbishment of public visitor toilets & wash rooms at Trevor Basin (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site main arrival point). Refurbishment of toilet facilities and […]
Congratulations to all the North Wales winners at this years Wales Food & Drink Awards. The award ceremony took place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno recently. Apprentice of the Year – Nicola Culkin, Coleg Cambria – Knolton Farmhouse Cheese Drinks Producer of the Year (Over 5 employees) – Penderyn Entrepreneur of the Year – Lord Robert Newborough – Rhug Estates Exporter of the year – South Caernarfon Creameries Local Community Award – The Wrexham Lager Beer Co Small Drinks Producer of the year (less than 5 employees) – Llanfairpwll Distillery Ltd Sustainable Values Award – Rhug Estates Wales Food and Drink Champion – Blas ar Fwyd Outstanding Contribution Award – Robin […]
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 […]