Written statement (Wales) on Introduction of the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill - Nov 3

Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language: Today, the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill and its accompanying Explanatory Memorandum have been laid before the Senedd. 

The Bill aims to support the Welsh tourism industry and to contribute to its future development.

This Bill is the final piece in a programme of work from our Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru aimed at bringing the regulation of short term lets up to date with the ways the market for visitor accommodation has changed, and the role it plays in the visitor economy and in our communities more widely. 

The Bill provides the legislative framework for a licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales, starting with self-catering accommodation. This scheme will support tourism in Wales by reassuring visitors that accommodation meets the standards they would expect and setting out a clear regime for providers.

The Bill also creates a Code of Welsh law on tourism that will incorporate existing legislation on the development of tourism in Wales, with a view to improving the accessibility of tourism legislation.

I will make an oral statement in plenary tomorrow, and look forward to working with the Senedd and stakeholders during scrutiny of this important Bill over the coming months.