After a debate in the Senedd earlier this week, James Evans MS is bitterly disappointed that Welsh Labour’s attack on tourism is to continue as we head into the peak season.
Last Wednesday (22/05), the Welsh Conservatives brought forward a motion calling on the Welsh Government to scrap their proposed tourism tax and reduce the 182-day occupancy down to 105 days, to be in line with England and create a fairer playing field or businesses along the border.
With tourism accounting for 1 in 7 Welsh jobs, James has consistently raised the concerns voiced to him by local businesses, many of whom say the new regulations mean they are no longer viable.
Speaking after the debate, James Evans MS said:
“The Welsh Labour Government’s policies are crushing the tourism sector. I have been inundated with emails from local businesses all saying how concerned they are for their future. Tourism is such an integral part of the economy of Brecon and Radnorshire and must be supported.
“The Labour Government must look again at the 182-day threshold. It is simply too high for many businesses to achieve. The 105-day threshold in England is a much more realistic and sensible figure to adopt. Yes again, the Welsh Labour are hurting businesses instead of supporting them.
“Should the Welsh Government introduce the tourism levy, I am calling for the revenue generated to go directly back into the tourism industry to provide much needed support for this vital sector.”
