NDM8589 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Tourism

NDM8589 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises the vital contribution that the tourism sector makes to Wales, accounting for over 150,000 jobs and 5 per cent of GDP.

2. Regrets that Wales’s tourism sector still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to support Wales’s tourism sector by:

a) freeing Welsh tourism by making Visit Wales independent;

b) scrapping the tourism tax;

c) reducing the 182-day occupancy threshold to 105 days;

d) introducing a tourism and hospitality academy to upskill the sector for the future; and

e) proactively capitalising on major events.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises the vital contribution that the tourism sector makes to Wales.

2. Regrets that Wales’s tourism sector still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

3. Notes the Welsh Government’s support to the sector and the commitment to working with the sector and local authorities to:

a) introduce a visitor levy should they choose to, subject to consultation;

b) maintain the discretionary powers and guidance on council tax and second homes;

c) explore a tourism and hospitality academy to upskill the sector for the future; and

d) proactively capitalise on major events.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2, 3 and 4 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Add as new point after point 2 and renumber accordingly:

Notes the effect of cost increases on businesses, as well as the effect that the cost-of-living crisis has had on expenditure by tourists in Wales.

Amendment 3 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

In point 3, delete sub-points (b) and (c).

Amendment 4 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

In sub-point (e) in point 3, after 'major events', insert 'by promoting events which are of cultural and economic benefit to Wales'.