Welsh plans for a tourism tax on people staying overnight have started to provoke controversy across the border. The Welsh Government's plans are intended to help provide funds for local authorities to deal with the costs of infrastructure and services for visitors.
The tax will be paid by people of all nationalities, including people from Wales, but it has been described as "reflecting an anti-English agenda" by Ashford Price, membership secretary of the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions, who said tourism businesses are worried and some are withholding investment plans until more is known.
The Manchester Evening News reported the controversy informing its readers that people from Manchester would soon have to pay a tax to visit Wales. It provoked more than a thousand comments. Many have claimed it would put them off visiting our beautiful country.
Read more: Tourism boss says 'anti-English' Wales is at risk of trashing its holiday sector
Jade Nicolson said: "I go to Wales quite a lot, especially in the holidays with the kids. This would really put me off as I spend a lot when I'm there."
Melanie Graham also dubbed it a "stupid idea". She said: "They will be taxing fresh air next. Wales is a beautiful place with some fantastic places to visit, but rising living costs will see less people afford holidays as it is, especially when prices can be treble in school half terms for the same holiday in school term."
Jenny Alcock said: "Surely by us visiting Wales we pay for things whilst there so they are getting a lot of income for our visit alone. Fuel, food, tourist shops, restaurants. How ridiculous!"
And Norma Fraser said: "Well I think Wales is beautiful and I have 2 holidays booked there this year. However I might think about alternatives for the years ahead. After all there are other places equally scenic."
Christine Broomhead said: "Who comes up with these hair brained schemes it is all ready more expensive to holiday in Wales than the Costa brava. Also what about day trippers it doesnt say anything about that, I love Wales but not enough to pay to go."
Meanwhile Graham Snell had slightly different views. He said: "It's commonplace overseas in places such as Mallorca. The business in Wales may generate VAT and corporation tax, but that doesn't usually find its way into the local economy meaning that the infrastructure has to be covered by local taxation.
"Imagine if you lived in an area that attracted tens of thousands of visitors, and you had to pay additional council tax to cover all of the extra maintenance? It makes sense for those holidaying there to pay. It's usually a nominal amount that isn't going to break the bank."
James Sheppard added: "First of all, it's a tax on holidaymakers. And guess what? Spain and loads of other countries do it too, yet we don't stop going. Why? Because we don't notice as its a tiny fraction that in an individual basis is immaterial, but on a macro basis allows the country to invest in infrastructure that makes the holiday experience better for everyone."
Meanwhile William Wild said something rather lovely, adding: "I'd still go - love the mountains in Wales."
Others criticised the Welsh Government's plans for higher taxes on second home owners, which will see people with second homes asked to pay council tax premiums of up to 300%. Lyn Panell said: "’m not a “rich” landlord and keep a “fair” rent and keep the property in excellent condition for my tenant in an area where there are not enough rentals to meet demand. Not everyone can afford a mortgage and therefore require rental properties. At this rate rentals will be non existent. I understand council tax needs to be paid but 300% ??? On a non holiday rental is crazy !!!"
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