A new law gives Welsh councils the choice to slap a charge on overnight stays, including those in Airbnb and similar short lets. 

Councils will decide how money raised can be used for tourism-related expenses and the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) will collect and manage the levy for councils.

The law also creates a national register for all visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales, which will be run by the WRA. A statement from the Cardiff government claims that this “will provide better data about tourism to help councils, the Welsh Government and communities make informed decisions about how properties are used in their areas.”

From an unspecified date in autumn 2026, anyone charging visitors to stay overnight in Wales must sign-up to the register, although the tax will not be introduced until an unspecified date in 2027. 

The Welsh Labour government’s finance secretary, Mark Drakeford, says: “The visitor levy represents a small contribution that will make a big difference by helping to maintain and enhance the very attractions that make Wales such a wonderful place to visit and live.

“This historic legislation gives Wales the same tools used so successfully by destinations all over the world to balance the benefits and pressures of tourism between visitors and residents.”

And Rebecca Godfrey, interim chief executive of the Welsh Revenue Authority, adds: “We’re delighted to support local authorities with the collection of the levy and implement the new visitor accommodation register. Our proven track record managing Wales’ devolved taxes means we are well positioned to administer the register and levy efficiently. We’ll work with providers and the industry to help everyone prepare for autumn 2026.”