BRITS heading to Wales for a staycation this year could be forced to pay a new 'tourism tax' this year under new plans.
The country is looking to introduce the levy for all overnight visitors, to pay for local services.
This includes keeping beaches clean, maintaining parks and building new footpaths,
Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said a levy was needed to protect Wales from an influx in tourists.
She said: “Visitor levies are a common feature in tourist destinations internationally. They are an opportunity for visitors to make an investment in local infrastructure and services, which in turn make tourism a success.
"Without such a levy, local communities face an undue burden to fund local services and provisions on which tourists rely.
"From keeping the beaches and pavements clean, through to maintaining local parks, toilets and footpaths – the critical infrastructure that supports tourism should be supported by all those that rely on it."
They haven't confirmed how much the tourist tax would be it goes ahead.
The Welsh Government will start the proposals from autumn 2022,
However, many fear it would damage local businesses and harm the industry.
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Rhys Williams, who owns a hotel in Llandudno, told ITV that the people who put the most pressure on the country are day-trippers, adding: "To introduce what is essentially a bed tax would be pretty catastrophic.
"Are they really going to put financial barriers up on coming into the country?"
North Wales Tourism boss Jim Jones said: "For those saying visitor levies are a common feature in tourist destinations internationally. Average VAT in Europe 10 per cent not 20 per cent for hospitality.
"Why would anyone want to see Welsh people taxed more for holidaying in Wales."
A number of other holiday hotspots are considering new tourist taxes.
Venice is set to introduce a new fee from this year where tourists must pre-book and pay a day rate to enter.
And the Valencian government wants to introduce the tax which would see tourists pay a fee for each night they stay.
Her are some other countries which could soon cost you more to visit.
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