Pembrokeshire says "No" to the Visitor Levy within the next 2 years

Pembrokeshire says "No" to the Visitor Levy within the next 2 years

At the Visit Pembrokeshire annual Tourism Summit and AGM held at the award-winning Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo yesterday, Councillor Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change at Pembrokeshire County Council made the following statement:

“We provide a fantastic tourism offer here in Pembrokeshire and it is an important part of the county’s economy.

“In addition to jobs, this administration’s approach is also about the year-round facilities and attractions that benefit local people too. We recognise the tourism landscape has experienced significant change, be that second homes legislation, tax changes and we’re aiming to provide some certainty to the industry.

“We acknowledge it's important to recognise there's balance to be struck between supporting the industry and dealing with some of the challenges associated with peaks in season. Therefore, I’m confirming it's not our intention to take forward the option of a visitor levy in Pembrokeshire during this administration.

“Like the hospitality and attraction sector across Pembrokeshire’s amazing tourism offer, I am looking forward to a great summer season for the industry.”

Emma Thorton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire welcomed this announcement and adds “Visit Pembrokeshire welcomes this decision and thanks Pembrokeshire County Council for listening to Tourism businesses. The cumulative impact of changes in Welsh government policy impacting tourism businesses, alongside implications of the Uk Government’s Autumn’s budget has resulted in real anxiety amongst the trade about the future. This decision provides some breathing space and certainty around the short to medium term which is greatly appreciated.”