Welsh Committee Calls for More Time to Review Tourism Bill, Citing Industry Concerns, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 19, 2025

For instance, the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee at the Senedd has raised its concerns about the accelerated timeframe allowed for consideration of the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation Bill, which was proposed for debate with the intention of encouraging tourism and ensuring that visitor accommodations in Wales are properly regulated. This is mainly due to the fact that the accelerated timeframe may present various challenges for the tourism industry in Wales.

The Rush to Legislate: An Unusually Short Timetable

The committee’s concerns revolve around the bill’s seven-week timetable, which they believe is too short for a thorough review. In their Stage 1 report, the committee highlighted that non-emergency legislation typically undergoes a longer, more detailed examination to allow sufficient time for businesses, tourism operators, and industry experts to scrutinize the proposals. The committee noted that such a rushed approach could potentially lead to unintended consequences, as stakeholders would have insufficient time to provide feedback, and essential details of the bill could be overlooked.

While the committee agrees with the general principles of the bill, which include efforts to boost tourism and introduce a licensing scheme for visitor accommodation, they caution that the lack of time for proper scrutiny could undermine confidence in the sector. With many tourism businesses already facing significant regulatory changes in recent years, the committee raised the alarm that the accelerated pace of this bill could add to the regulatory burden and potentially overwhelm businesses that are struggling to keep up.

Support for the Bill’s Principles But Concern Over Execution

Despite the concerns raised about the timeline, the committee is generally supportive of the bill’s main objectives. They recognize the importance of creating a licensing system for visitor accommodations, which would help ensure higher standards across Wales’ tourism sector. This initiative is seen as a way to level the playing field for businesses and improve the overall visitor experience, making Wales a more attractive destination for tourists.

However, the committee also stressed that several critical details of the licensing scheme remain unresolved. These include how the scheme will be enforced, the process for granting and renewing licenses, and the specific training that accommodation providers will need. The committee emphasized that without these details being properly defined, the legislation risks being implemented in a way that is difficult to execute and potentially harmful to businesses.

The Impact of Regulatory Overload on Wales’ Tourism Industry

Andrew RT Davies MS, the Chair of Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee, expressed concern that the tourism industry in Wales is already struggling with what he described as “policy and legislative fatigue.” Over the past few years, tourism businesses in Wales have faced a series of regulatory changes, which has led to what some businesses refer to as “regulation overload.” Davies pointed out that the tourism sector plays a vital role in Wales’ economy, but such significant legislation must be carefully considered to avoid additional pressures on an already strained industry.

He stressed that the rushed timetable of the bill had left limited opportunities for tourism operators and industry experts to voice their concerns. As a result, Davies warned that the Senedd might not have been able to provide the necessary level of scrutiny to the proposals, which could lead to poor implementation of the bill’s provisions.

Potential Financial Strain on Tourism Businesses

One of the committee’s most significant concerns is the potential cost and administrative burden the new licensing scheme could place on tourism businesses. The implementation of a new licensing system will likely require businesses to dedicate more resources to meeting compliance requirements, which could increase their operational costs. Small and independent operators, in particular, might struggle with the additional paperwork, fees, and regulatory processes involved in obtaining and maintaining a license.

Furthermore, there is concern that the licensing scheme could reduce the supply of available visitor accommodation. The committee expressed the view that some smaller, family-run businesses might find it too costly or complicated to comply with the new regulations, leading to a reduction in the number of accommodation options available to visitors. This, in turn, could affect Wales’ overall tourism offerings and reduce the diversity of choices for travelers.

Call for More Time and Clearer Guidelines

To address these concerns, the committee has recommended that the licensing scheme should not be implemented until it has been approved by the next Senedd, and they have called for a formal review of the scheme by April 2034. This would allow for a more thoughtful and comprehensive review of the bill’s impact on the tourism industry and allow stakeholders more time to provide meaningful input.

The committee also urged the Welsh Government to clarify the enforcement processes for the licensing scheme, as well as the complaints procedures that would be in place to ensure that the system operates fairly. They recommended extending the length of time between license renewals to provide businesses with greater certainty and reduce administrative burdens.

Tourism’s Role in Wales’ Economy

Tourism has long been a vital sector in Wales, contributing significantly to the national economy. The country’s scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities attract millions of visitors each year, creating jobs and supporting local economies. However, the rapid changes in regulations, coupled with the global challenges faced by the tourism sector, have placed pressure on businesses trying to stay afloat. The committee’s concerns about the rushed implementation of the tourism bill highlight the need for careful consideration of how regulations can balance industry growth with sustainable practices.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Balanced and Sustainable Tourism Growth

The committee’s review and recommendations are vital to ensuring that Wales’ tourism sector continues to grow in a sustainable way. By carefully considering the needs of businesses, addressing the potential administrative burden, and giving stakeholders more time to review the bill, Wales can create a tourism licensing system that benefits both visitors and local operators. The balance between effective regulation and the health of the tourism economy is key to ensuring long-term success for Wales as a top tourism destination.

A Critical Moment for Wales’ Tourism Future

As the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation Bill proceeds, the issues that came forth from the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee indicate that there is a level of complexity involved in crafting a bill that can benefit sectors that are both public and private. Tourism is a significant factor in Wales’ economy, and ensuring that a balance is achieved with regard to regulation, support, and satisfaction with visitors is a challenge that needs to be met with more subtlety.