Ashford Price, owner and chairman of the National Showcaves Centre for Wales at Dan-yr-Ogof, has renewed his criticism of the Welsh Government’s proposed tourism levy, arguing that the charge could discourage caravanners from visiting Wales.
Price said concerns about collecting the levy from families, including those traveling with babies, contributed to the decision to make the site’s caravan park adults-only.
Price said caravan park wardens had told him they would be unwilling to collect the charge from parents arriving with babies. The business opted to restrict the caravan site to adults to avoid potential confrontations over the proposed tax, with bookings already being accepted for 2027 and 2028.
The proposed visitor levy would allow local councils in Wales to charge people staying overnight in paid accommodation, according to the Abergavenny Chronicle. Under the proposed rates, caravans, motorhomes, hotels, and holiday cottages would be subject to a charge of £1.30 per person per night.
A lower rate of 75 pence per person per night would apply to tent pitches and shared accommodation, while guests under 18 would be exempt.
The distinction between accommodation types has raised questions about how the levy would apply to families traveling with young children. Earlier this year, Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd MS Iain McIntosh asked the Welsh Government whether babies and infants would be included in the charge.
In a written response, then Cabinet Secretary for Finance Elin Jones confirmed that all guests would be included in the chargeable rate for accommodation other than tents, hostels, and other shared accommodation. She also said the levy would be a tax on accommodation providers, who could decide whether to pass the cost on to visitors.
McIntosh previously criticized the approach, describing it as the Welsh Government’s “latest tax grab.”
Price has questioned the rationale for treating babies differently depending on whether they sleep in a tent or a caravan. He said: “What is the logical reasoning and difference between a baby sleeping in a tent or caravan?”
He also raised concerns about the practicalities of collecting the levy, including how park staff would verify the number of guests staying in each unit and respond if families did not declare infants. Price questioned whether a family could avoid the charge by having a mother and her babies sleep in a tent pitched alongside their caravan.
According to Price, other caravan park owners have contacted him to discuss the potential implications for their businesses. He believes the proposed charge could affect Wales’ competitiveness as a holiday destination for caravanners.
“This tax if enacted is bound to bring about a decline in the number of caravanners coming into Wales for their holiday,” he said.
“Welsh caravanning families will not be pleased when they finally realise, that even though they live in Wales, they will also have to pay this baby tax.”
For campground and caravan park operators, the proposal raises questions about guest registration, communication of additional charges, and the potential impact on family bookings.
If the levy is introduced, operators may need to clarify how exemptions apply to different accommodation types and whether the charge will be included in advertised rates or collected separately. The final arrangements could also affect booking systems, staff procedures, and the way parks explain pricing to guests.
However, the levy has not been adopted by all councils in Wales, and its implementation will depend on local decisions.
Powys County Council has said it is taking a “cautious approach” and is not proposing to introduce the levy at this stage. The council has been gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors, with the decision left to the next administration following the May 2027 elections.
A further formal consultation would be required before the charge could be introduced in Powys. Under the current timeline, 2028 is the earliest possible start date for the levy in the county.
The timing leaves caravan park operators with uncertainty over whether the proposed charge will apply in their area, what collection procedures may be required, and how it could influence demand. For businesses accepting bookings well in advance, developments in the policy and any subsequent council decisions may become important considerations for pricing and customer communications.
