An expert has warned that Wales' proposed nightly tourist tax should allow for greater flexibility after local authorities in three counties delayed plans to introduce the charge.
Isle of Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd councils have all announced they are pausing work on implementing the nightly tourist levy. The stops leave the timetable for introducing the charge unclear and add to uncertainty for local businesses that had been preparing for the new rule.
The expert said the design of the levy needs to be reconsidered to ensure it can be tailored to differing local circumstances. The warning highlighted concerns that a one-size-fits-all approach could prove difficult for coastal and rural areas that rely heavily on seasonal visitor income.
Local leaders and tourism stakeholders now face a period of review as questions persist about the structure, timing and likely effects of the charge. Further discussions between councils, industry representatives and ministers are expected as authorities decide whether to revise proposals before moving forward.