Tourism proposals in Wales face greater scrutiny under new government | News
Tourism developers in Wales will need to demonstrate more clearly how new projects support local communities, jobs and culture, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields.
Plaid Cymru is leading the Welsh government for the first time after becoming the largest party in the Senedd without an overall majority.
Although no major tourism-specific policy announcements have yet been made, the direction of travel points towards a stronger focus on sustainable tourism, local benefit, Welsh culture and community involvement in planning decisions.
In Wales, tourism and hospitality employs around one in nine people, rising to one in five in areas such as Pembrokeshire and Anglesey.
Policy areas already on the agenda include the visitor levy, the 182-day limit for holiday stays and new registration requirements for short-term stays, which will come into effect from October 2026.
The planning reform is also expected to impact tourism development, with proposed changes including greater community involvement, earlier pre-application consultation, greater emphasis on the Welsh language, simplified planning processes and reform of national and regional planning frameworks.
Helen Ashby-Ridgway, planning director at Lichfields, said: “The change of government is an important moment for tourism and planning in Wales, but the direction of travel appears more evolutionary than revolutionary.
“Tourism is recognized as an important part of the Welsh economy, but future proposals will need to do more than just show visitor demand. They will need to show how development supports local jobs, communities, culture, language and long-term placemaking.
“That doesn’t mean tourism development can’t happen. It means operators, landowners and developers need to think carefully from the outset about how proposals are framed, explained and delivered to local communities.”
From October 2026, operators offering stays of 31 nights or less must register with the Welsh Revenue Authority by 31 March 2027. The resulting data is expected to help local authorities better understand the size and location of visitor accommodation, with implications for planning policy, local development plans and future investment decisions.
Helen added: “The Short-Term Accommodation Register could become an important evidence base for councils and for businesses looking to invest in Wales.
“Good data should help move the debate beyond assumptions. It can give councils, communities and industry a clearer picture of where housing is located, what demand looks like and where future growth may be appropriate.
“It will be crucial for tourism businesses to get involved early, participate in planning and clearly demonstrate how proposals will deliver economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits. This will become increasingly important as planning policy continues to evolve towards community value and local benefit.”
With Plaid Cymru in charge without an overall majority, cross-party support will likely be needed to implement future reforms. Many current policy areas, including the visitor charge and the housing registration system, continue measures developed in the previous Senedd period.
Those promoting the development of tourism and leisure in Wales must prepare for a planning environment in which community engagement, local benefit and policy alignment are increasingly important.
