Cardiff Approves Visitor Levy from April 2027 2026

Key Points

• Cardiff Council has approved plans to introduce a Visitor Levy on overnight stays, effective from April 2027.
• The levy follows the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 18 September 2025, empowering local authorities to charge a discretionary fee for overnight visitors.
• A public consultation attracted nearly 2,000 responses, with 62% in favour, 33% opposed, and 5% neutral; over 90% of respondents were aware of the proposal.
• The consultation ran for 12 weeks starting 1 December 2025, involving online surveys, workshops, and stakeholder engagement, with results presented to Cabinet and Full Council in March 2026.
• Estimated annual revenue is £3.5 million, collected by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) and passed to Cardiff Council for reinvestment in tourism and infrastructure.
• Providers must begin accounting for the levy from 28 September 2026 for new bookings and changes to stays from 1 April 2027.
• The Welsh Government’s ambition is sustainable tourism growth, benefiting local communities through reinvested funds.
• Legislation sets base rates at 75p per person per night for hostels/campsites and £1.30 for other accommodation, with exemptions for under-18s in shared stays.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 27, 2026 – Cardiff Council has unanimously approved the introduction of a Visitor Levy on overnight stays from April 2027, following robust public support revealed in a comprehensive consultation. This landmark decision, enabled by new Welsh legislation passed in 2025, is projected to generate £3.5 million annually for local tourism enhancements. Nearly 2,000 residents, businesses, and visitors participated, with 62% backing the proposal.

What Triggered Cardiff’s Visitor Levy Approval?

The approval marks a pivotal step in Cardiff’s tourism strategy, building on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act 2025, which empowers councils to impose the fee after community consultation. As reported by the ItsOnCardiff team of ItsOnCardiff.co.uk, the Full Council ratified the plans after the consultation showed strong endorsement. The Welsh Government guidance emphasises that funds will be reinvested locally to bolster infrastructure and visitor experiences.

Councillors highlighted the levy’s role in sustainable growth. According to WalesOnline coverage, the decision aligns with Royal Assent granted on 18 September 2025, allowing implementation from April 2027. Over nine in ten respondents knew of the proposal, underscoring effective public awareness campaigns.

When Does the Consultation Process Begin and End?

The journey began with Cabinet seeking approval for a 12-week public consultation starting 1 December 2025, as detailed by Joseph Beenstock of Wales247.co.uk. Activities included online surveys, workshops, and direct stakeholder dialogues to ensure transparency. Business News Wales echoed this, noting the process invited feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Results shaped the final proposal presented to Cabinet and Full Council in March 2026. As per ItsOnCardiff.co.uk, 62% supported it, 33% opposed, and 5% were neutral among 2,000 responses. This high engagement rate—nearly 2,000 inputs—demonstrates Cardiff’s commitment to democratic input.

What Are the Specific Rates and Exemptions?

The 2025 Act sets discretionary rates, with Welsh Ministers able to adjust via regulations. Government sources specify 75p per person per night for hostels and campsites, and £1.30 for other accommodation, exempting under-18s in shared stays. GOV.WALES confirms local authorities retain flexibility for higher or area-specific charges under Section 34.

The WRA will administer collection, compliance, and enforcement, consulting participating councils on its corporate plan. As noted in official guidance, this structure ensures smooth operations from April 2027. Cardiff’s levy aligns precisely with these parameters, focusing on overnight visitor accommodation.

How Will the Revenue Be Used?

Proceeds, estimated at £3.5 million yearly for Cardiff, will fund tourism infrastructure and community benefits. WalesOnline reports the WRA will transfer funds directly to the local authority post-collection. The Welsh Government’s vision, per GOV.WALES, is mutually beneficial growth for visitors and citizens.

Reinvestment targets enhanced visitor quality, supporting local economies strained by tourism. As articulated in the 2025 Act guidance, revenue sustains communities hosting visitors. Cardiff Council plans emphasise preparation, with providers urged to adapt booking systems.

Who Manages Collection and Compliance?

The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) oversees the register, levy collection, and enforcement. GOV.WALES details its role in managing the scheme on behalf of councils like Cardiff. Providers must register accommodations and comply from 28 September 2026 for stays post-1 April 2027.

What Do Providers Need to Do Next?

Accommodation providers face a clear timeline. ItsOnCardiff.co.uk quotes officials stating: “Six months from now, providers with visitor accommodation in Cardiff will need to account for the Visitor Levy on new bookings and changes to existing bookings, for overnight stays from 1 April 2027. Now is the time to start preparing, and we’re here to help every step of the way.” GOV.WALES quick guide mandates accounting from 28 September 2026 for relevant bookings.

Workshops and guidance will aid compliance. Early engagement minimises disruptions, with WRA support central. Businesses are encouraged to review the full guidance for providers.

Why Did 62% Support the Levy?

Public backing stemmed from awareness of tourism’s local impacts. The consultation’s 90%+ awareness rate facilitated informed views. Supporters saw revenue as vital for sustaining attractions amid rising visitor numbers.

Opponents, at 33%, cited potential deterrence. Neutral 5% reflected balanced deliberation. Business News Wales highlights the process’s inclusivity via diverse engagement methods. Overall, the 62% favour reflects Cardiff’s tourism maturity.

How Does Welsh Legislation Enable This?

The 2025 Act, passed by Senedd on 8 July 2025, grants discretionary powers post-consultation. GOV.WALES notes Royal Assent on 18 September 2025 solidified it. Councils choose implementation, ensuring local tailoring.

Ministers can tweak rates or zones, promoting equity. The framework balances growth with community needs, as per official ambitions. Cardiff’s swift adoption positions it as a pioneer.

What Preparation Steps Are Underway?

Council teams are rolling out support. From December 2025 consultations to March 2026 approvals, timelines stayed on track. Post-approval, focus shifts to provider readiness by September 2026.

Stakeholder workshops continue, fostering collaboration. This proactive stance minimises rollout risks.

What Are the Broader Implications for Welsh Tourism?

Cardiff’s move could inspire other councils. The Act’s nationwide scope allows varied adoption, potentially standardising sustainable practices. Revenue reinvestment promises upgraded facilities, boosting appeal.

Critics warn of price sensitivity, but proponents argue modest fees enhance long-term viability. Wales247.co.uk projects £3.5 million’s transformative potential. As WalesOnline observes, widespread consultation mitigates concerns.

Who Were the Key Figures Involved?

Councillors drove the approval, with Cabinet leading consultations. No individual quotes dominate reports, but collective endorsement was unanimous. Welsh Ministers framed the legislation, emphasising local retention.

WRA executives prepare operational rollout. Journalists like Joseph Beenstock (Wales247) and ItsOnCardiff contributors provided detailed coverage.

When Will the Levy Impact Bookings?

From 1 April 2027, overnight stays incur charges. Providers account from 28 September 2026, affecting new and amended bookings. This lead time allows system updates.

Early adopters benefit from guidance. GOV.WALES stresses timely compliance to avoid penalties.