Following the formal introduction of the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales), travel platform Selfcatering.co.uk has issued a response calling for a collaborative approach to ensure the new regime supports, rather than burdens, the nation’s diverse tourism sector.
The Bill, which seeks to create the first integrated “Code of Welsh law on tourism,” introduces a mandatory licensing scheme initially focused on the self-catering sector, including houses, flats, lodges and chalets.
Richard Young, CEO of Selfcatering.co.uk, welcomed the principle of enhancing visitor trust.
“Protecting visitor safety and ensuring a level playing field are aims that responsible operators already share,” said Young.“The government’s research shows that 83% of visitors would be more likely to book if a safety-confirmation scheme were in place, and we recognise that honestly represented, safe accommodation is the bedrock of Welsh tourism.”
While supportive of the Bill’s safety objectives, Selfcatering.co.uk cautioned against a blanket approach that may struggle to reflect the realities of Wales’s varied tourism landscape, from coastal cottages to off-grid retreats.
Young highlighted the potential for additional cost and administrative burden, particularly for small operators.
“For a typical provider with two premises, the combined cost of training and licence fees is estimated at £175, rising to approximately £253 when the value of time taken to apply is included,” he said. “It’s important to ensure this does not unintentionally undermine the viability of small businesses that sustain local jobs and services year-round.“The opportunity now is for the Welsh Government to work closely with the industry,” Young concluded.“We welcome the government’s stated intention to take a ‘stepped’ and ‘escalatory’ approach to enforcement, focusing on education and encouragement first. Done well, this regulation can raise confidence across the board; done poorly, it risks burdening the very businesses that make Wales an attractive destination.”