One of Wales’ longest-established camping and caravan destinations has announced it will transition to an adults-only operation later this year, citing concerns over the administration of a proposed visitor levy that could be introduced across Wales.
Dan Yr Ogof Caravan Site, located in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, said it will become an adults-only site beginning September 14. The decision comes after the Welsh Government passed legislation enabling local authorities to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays, although individual councils must still decide whether to adopt the charge in their areas.
Under the legislation, visitors staying in hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, self-catering accommodations, caravans, campervans, and other forms of tourist lodging could be charged approximately £1.30 per person, per night. The levy would apply to adults, children, and babies. Local authorities across Wales are currently considering whether to implement the tax through consultation and decision-making processes.
According to NorthWalesLive, wardens expressed concerns about collecting the levy from families with infants. Site owner Ashford Price said staff were uncomfortable with the prospect of charging families for babies, particularly in cases where infants may spend most of their stay within the accommodation itself.
Price also said the levy could place additional financial pressure on larger families during a period of ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Following discussions within the business, management decided to remove the issue by restricting future bookings to adults only.
The announcement has generated discussion among tourism stakeholders and members of the public regarding the potential impact of a visitor levy on domestic travel and the wider tourism economy.
Commenter Greebo12 said: “It’s wrong that British citizens are being asked to pay extra taxes when we already contribute through income tax, VAT, and business rates built into everyday prices. It just feels like ordinary people are being squeezed again. Businesses should also push back on anything that adds further costs to customers. We are already heavily taxed, and it’s time that was properly challenged.”
Iamright2 added: “Taxing tourists will likely backfire, with fewer people choosing to visit over time. Charging extra just to visit Wales, while also trying to encourage tourism, feels like a mixed message that could put people off altogether.”
Marg B commented: “Costs of holidays in North Wales are already rising due to increased parking restrictions and charges. As a static caravan owner I’m not directly affected by a proposed tourist tax (yet?) but parking charges make it less likely that we visit local businesses like, for example, the Red Roof cafe at Llanfairfechan or the cafe by the children’s pool on North Shore. I feel sorry for visiting families that face these charges plus tourist tax and 50 pence to use a public toilet.”
Martin P said: “It’s a false economy. I’ve already stopped going to cafes, I take a flask and find somewhere nice to sit and I look for free onroad parking and the tax hasn’t even been implemented yet. The idea that I’m going to be taxed for holidaying in my own country defies belief.”
Others raised questions about how the levy would be applied in practice. Ian Q wrote: “I get the point about the babies, but it’s likely to cause issues with people arguing over whether their child still counts as a baby or not.”
Some commenters argued that the measure could negatively affect tourism businesses. Greg S said: “The Senedd should be supporting tourism, the largest employer in rural Wales, not attacking it. Such an ill-thought out law, which should be thrown out.”
However, not all responses were critical. Mal H replied: “It is supporting tourism by raising money to provide better services. The population doubles in some areas because of tourism. Do you expect locals to pay for all the additional costs that it brings? And really £5 is nothing these days, you pay that for a coffee.”
For campground, caravan park, RV resort, and glamping operators, the debate highlights a broader issue facing accommodation providers across Wales and other destinations considering visitor taxes.
Beyond the financial impact on travelers, operators may need to evaluate the administrative requirements associated with collecting and remitting levies, communicating charges to guests, and managing customer concerns.
As local councils continue consultations and consider whether to adopt the tax, tourism businesses will be watching closely to assess potential effects on visitor demand, pricing strategies, and operational procedures.