Earlier this month, it was announced that regional mayors in England would gain new powers to charge an uncapped levy on overnight stays for visitors.
Osti, who co-authored a 2024 report for the Welsh government studying how visitor levies worked in other countries, external, said: “If we compare what we know from England, which is very little at the moment, it appears to be much more flexible.
“So local authorities can decide the percentage to charge and whether to introduce exemptions, and it seems they may also decide for how many nights, and whether to charge children or not.
“I wish Wales would go back and think about flexibility and revisit the legislation.”
On Thursday, Anglesey council confirmed it would not introduce the so-called tourism tax for now, “given the challenges already facing its tourism industry”.
It said a public consultation received more than 2,000 responses, including from residents, businesses and tourism stakeholders, with concerns voiced about increased costs for visitors, and the island’s “competitiveness” as a holiday destination.
Meanwhile, Cyngor Gywnedd agreed to delay its decision over the levy so more analysis could be done of almost 7,000 responses to its consultation – a number it said was “much higher” than other areas.
The local authority said initial figures showed a mixed reaction to the proposals, with more support from residents but higher levels of opposition from visitors and businesses.
In Conwy, council members also chose to defer a decision on implementing the levy until “further evidence and practical experience are available”.
It said concerns from consultations included fears over reduced bookings, shorter stays and reduced visitor spend at a time when local businesses are facing economic pressures.
