Visitor Accommodation in Wales – What to Expect in 2026

You may have seen increasing discussion about registration, licensing, and a possible visitor levy (often called a tourist tax) for holiday accommodation in Wales. These changes are moving forward in 2026, so we wanted to share a clear update on what’s happening, what it could mean for you, and the practical steps you can take to prepare.

The good news is that for most Dioni owners, these changes should not feel onerous. The cottages we work with are already managed professionally and will likely meet the baseline requirements with minimal (if any) additional work. And if you’re unsure about anything, the Dioni team is here to help.

1) A national register is coming (mandatory across Wales)

The Welsh Government has confirmed it will introduce a mandatory national register of visitor accommodation. This is designed to give a clearer picture of the sector and support future tourism policy.

You’ll need to register if you provide paid overnight accommodation in Wales, where bookings include stays of 31 nights or less. This free online webinar hosted by the Welsh Revenue Authority might be helpful if you’d like to find out more.

Government guidance suggests the registration scheme will open in late 2026. We will be in touch when the system goes live to guide you through the process.

2) A visitor levy may follow (only if councils choose to introduce it)

A visitor levy (tourism tax) is now possible in Wales, but it is not automatic. Each Local Authority has the power to decide whether to introduce it in their area, and to define rates and any exemptions. 

If adopted locally, the levy would typically be paid by your guests as part of their stay. Dioni would collect the payment on your behalf, passing it onto the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) who will collect and manage the levy for the Welsh Government. 

The money raised by the levy will be used to improve local tourism facilities, including toilets, footpaths, beaches, and visitor centres. 

3) A licensing scheme is being planned (details still in development)

The Welsh Government has introduced a Bill in the Senedd that would create a statutory licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales. 

The purpose of licensing is to set clear baseline standards around safety and suitability, so guests can book with confidence and the sector operates to consistent expectations.

For accommodation that falls within the scope of the new scheme, standards are expected to include:

• Fire safety: Carry out a fire risk assessment, act on its findings, and ensure at least one working, interlinked smoke alarm on every storey.
• Electrical safety: Have a valid electrical installation condition report (EICR) by a qualified person at least every five years (or sooner if specified in the report), and complete and record any remedial work.
• Gas safety: Keep a current gas safety record covering all gas appliances, pipework and flues serving the premises, in line with existing landlord gas safety duties.
• Carbon monoxide: Fit a working carbon monoxide alarm in every room (including halls and landings) that contains a gas, oil or solid‑fuel appliance.
• Insurance: Hold public liability insurance that covers third‑party claims arising from providing visitor accommodation, with more detailed cover requirements to be set out in regulations by Welsh Ministers.

Done well, these changes should strengthen Wales’s reputation as a quality destination by setting clearer baseline standards and supporting professional, well‑run holiday cottages. 

The details around licence conditions, inspections, fees and timings will be finalised through the Senedd process, and we will share further updates as they become available.

What cottage owners can do now (simple practical steps)

This is not a ‘panic list’ — think of it as a tidy-up checklist. Most owners will already have the majority of this in place.

Keep your key documents organised

A simple folder (paper or digital) is a great idea. Useful items include:

• Fire safety documentation (for example: fire risk assessment, alarm checks)
• Gas safety certificate (if you have gas)
• Electrical safety records (for example: EICR where applicable)
• Portable Appliance Testing records if you do PAT testing
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Legionella risk awareness (where relevant)
• Guest handbook (including what to do in an emergency)

A quick note on the 182 rule

These proposed changes are separate from the 182-day tax classification rules. Licensing is about standards and assurance, while the 182 threshold relates to whether a property falls under business rates or council tax.

As many of you know, the Dioni team has been leading the Let’s Review 182 campaign, calling for a fairer and more workable approach to the 182 threshold. You can find more information (including a bilingual letter template to write to your MS) here: https://www.dioni.co.uk/182-campaign-2/

Are there drawbacks?

It’s fair to acknowledge that registration and licensing may involve some additional admin, and licensing could bring new fees or compliance costs for certain businesses depending on how it is implemented.

However, for well-run cottages, the intention is not to create unnecessary red tape — it should simply formalise the good standards many owners already meet. Over time, it may also help to discourage less professional operators who cut corners, supporting the reputation of the Welsh hospitality sector as a whole.

We’re here to help

If you’d like support preparing for registration or licensing please get in touch. The Dioni team can talk you through what’s required and help you to feel confident and organised ahead of the changes.

Useful links:

Registering visitor accommodation: overview | GOV.WALES

Welsh Revenue Authority webinar guidance for visitor accommodation registration

Visitor Levy: guidance for visitor accommodation providers | GOV.WALES 

Licensing of visitor accommodation in Wales 

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