Wales's tourist tax: Cardiff charges from April, while Conwy and Anglesey hold off

Cardiff is the only council in Wales so far that has decided to charge the new overnight visitor levy, according to the Welsh Revenue Authority's guidance for accommodation providers. The authority lists no other council as charging it, and none as consulting on it. Visitors staying in Cardiff from 1 April 2027 will pay £1.30 per person per night in most accommodation and 75p on campsites and in shared rooms such as hostels. Cardiff providers must already account for the levy on bookings, from 28 September 2026, for stays that fall after it starts.

Who is holding off

Three councils with some of Wales's busiest tourism areas all decided on the same day, 24 September 2026. Anglesey decided not to introduce a levy at present "because of the challenges already facing its tourism industry". Conwy, which covers Llandudno and Conwy town, voted to postpone consideration "until further evidence and practical experience are available", including lessons from other parts of Wales. Gwynedd, home to much of Eryri, agreed to bring the question back to full council for a final decision once its consultation findings are fully analysed. No date has been set.

What Cardiff is charging

The levy covers paid stays of 31 nights or fewer in hotels, guesthouses, hostels, short-term lets such as Airbnbs, campsites and temporary event accommodation. Children under 18 on campsites or in shared rooms, stays of more than 31 nights in one booking, and people placed in emergency or temporary accommodation by the council are exempt. VAT-registered providers add VAT on top. Cardiff Council expects the levy to raise about £3.5 million a year, collected by the Welsh Revenue Authority and passed to the council. A visitor levy partnership forum will advise on spending, with promotion, visitor infrastructure and making the city more welcoming among the priorities. In its consultation, 62% of almost 2,000 respondents backed the levy and 33% opposed it.

What every provider must do

Registration with the Welsh Revenue Authority is now open, and anyone who charges visitors for overnight stays anywhere in Wales must register by 31 March 2027. That applies whether or not the local council charges the levy. The rates are set nationally, so any council that adopts the levy later would charge the same £1.30 and 75p. A council needs to consult and give 12 months' notice before a levy takes effect in its area.