Conwy County Borough Council Defers Decision on Visitor Levy

Conwy County Borough Council Defers Decision on Visitor Levy

Visitor Levy

Conwy County Borough Council's Full Council met on 24 September 2026 to consider the potential introduction of a visitor levy in the county.

Members supported a recommendation to defer any decision on implementing a visitor levy until further evidence and practical experience are available to enable a fully informed assessment of its potential impacts and benefits.

Between 20 May and 17 July 2026, the Council undertook a public consultation to gather views from residents, visitors and businesses on the possible introduction of a visitor levy in Conwy County. Responses highlighted a significant concern around the limited availability of robust data and evidence to fully evaluate the potential implications of introducing the levy. Other concerns centred around the economic impact of introducing a visitor levy and Conwy’s competitiveness as a destination, as it was perceived this could lead to reduced bookings, shorter stays and reduced visitor spend. The proposed timing of a visitor levy is also a concern, as current economic and business conditions are already placing significant pressure on local businesses and the wider tourism sector.

In light of this feedback, the report recommended postponing a decision until more comprehensive evidence can be gathered. This approach will also allow the Council to monitor and assess the implementation of visitor levies elsewhere in Wales, providing valuable insight into how such schemes operate in practice and their effectiveness in achieving intended outcomes.

The recommendation was previously endorsed by the Economy and Place Overview Scrutiny Committee on 9 September 2026 before being approved by Full Council on 24 September 2026.

Cllr Sharon, Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy and Communications says,

"Tourism plays a vital role in Conwy's economy, and any decision on introducing a visitor levy must be based on robust evidence and a clear understanding of the potential impacts on residents, visitors and businesses. We have carefully listened to the views shared through the consultation, and one of the strongest messages was the need for more evidence before a decision is taken. The recommendation to defer a decision reflects that feedback and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring local voices are heard as part of the decision-making process. By taking the time to gather further evidence and learn from the experiences of other local authorities across Wales, we can ensure that any future decision is informed, balanced and in the best interests of Conwy County."