New licensing rules to raise standards for Welsh holiday lets revealed
New licensing rules to raise standards for Welsh holiday lets revealed
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Holiday accommodation providers in Wales will soon need a licence to operate under new legislation aimed at improving standards and strengthening the country’s tourism industry.
The Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill, introduced by the Welsh Government, will require owners of self-contained, self-catering accommodation such as holiday cottages and flats to meet a set of safety and quality standards before being granted a licence.
To qualify, providers must demonstrate compliance with a new ‘fitness for visitor accommodation’ standard, which includes having valid gas and electrical safety certificates, appropriate insurance, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
The Welsh Government said the move is designed to give visitors greater confidence that their accommodation meets minimum safety and quality expectations.
Research carried out ahead of the Bill’s publication found that nearly two in three people planning UK trips were unaware that holiday let owners currently do not require a licence. More than 80% of those surveyed said they would be more likely to book a holiday let if a licensing scheme were in place.
Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, said: “Visitors are at the heart of this Bill. By reassuring them that visitor accommodation in Wales meets the standards they would expect, we can build confidence in the industry and support our vital tourism sector even further.
“Many businesses already do the right things. By requiring all businesses to show they meet the same standards, we’re creating fair competition that protects both visitors and responsible businesses.”
The legislation will also give future Welsh Governments the power to extend licensing requirements to other types of accommodation if necessary.
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