Holidaymakers in Wales are set to benefit from a new Bill to
support the development of tourism in Wales and drive up higher
quality visitor accommodation.
Providers of holiday accommodation will need a licence and meet a
set of standards showing that the accommodation is fit for
visitors. The new licensing scheme will cover self-contained,
self-catering accommodation like holiday cottages and flats.
Providers will need to meet a ‘fitness for visitor accommodation'
standard to get a licence, by showing they have gas and
electrical safety certificates, insurance, along with smoke and
carbon monoxide alarms.
Research shows nearly
two in three people planning UK trips don't know that holiday let
owners don't currently need a licence. Over 80% of people
planning trips in the UK would be more likely to book a holiday
let if a licensing scheme existed.
, the Cabinet Secretary for
Finance and Welsh Language, said:
"Visitors are at the heart of this Bill. By reassuring them that
visitor accommodation in Wales meets the standards they would
expect, we can build confidence in the industry and support our
vital tourism sector even further.
“Many businesses already do the right things. By requiring all
businesses to show they meet the same standards, we're creating
fair competition that protects both visitors and responsible
businesses."
The Bill allows future Welsh Governments to extend licensing to
other types of accommodation.
