Clwyd West MS and Shadow Minister for North Wales Darren Millar has condemned the First Minister after he confirmed in the Senedd this afternoon that Welsh Government proposals for a Tourism Tax are back on the table.

During an exchange in today’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament with Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies,  Mark Drakeford, said he “looks forward to bringing forward proposals for debate here in the Senedd on a tourism tax”.

This tax could see visitors charged a daily fee for staying in overnight accommodation in Wales.  

Commenting, Darren, who only last week urged the First Minister to rule out plans to introduce a Tourism Tax and road charges in Wales, said:  

“I was alarmed to hear the First Minister confirm in the Senedd this afternoon his intentions to move forward with proposals for a tourism tax in Wales

“This will be a disaster for the visitor economy in North Wales. It  will deter visitors, make us less competitive with other destinations and cost many, many jobs throughout our communities.

“At a time when the tourism industry is desperately trying to get back on its feet after being annihilated by the pandemic, the First Minister’s tenacity on this makes absolutely no sense at all.

“These barmy proposals need to be scrapped once and for all.”