Wales’ new tourism tax is set to have far-reaching effects on young people across the country, with concerns raised about the impact on youth development opportunities. ScoutsCymru has written a letter to finance minister Mark Drakeford expressing their worry that the new visitor levy will make it difficult for young people to participate in trips, as they may be priced out of such experiences. The CEO of ScoutsCymru, Kerrie Gemmill, along with chair of the board of trustees Kirsty Palmer and chief volunteer Rhian Moore, highlighted that volunteer groups should be exempt from this tax to ensure that crucial developmental opportunities are not hindered.
In their letter to the government, they emphasized that activities like Scout trips are essential for the growth and independence of young individuals, often serving as their first experiences away from home. These trips, which typically cost £3-£4 per night, could see a significant increase in costs of up to 25%, making them less accessible to families already facing financial pressures. The volunteers at ScoutsCymru work tirelessly to ensure that all activities are inclusive, even subsidizing costs to accommodate everyone. The added levy would place further financial strain on these groups, potentially leading to cancellations of important trips.
The implications of the tourism tax extend beyond the young participants, affecting volunteer leaders who would have to navigate the administrative burdens of the levy. ScoutsCymru has urged the Welsh Government to consider exempting volunteer-run youth facilities from the tax to safeguard the developmental opportunities for young people in communities across Wales. They believe that such an exemption would strike a balance between supporting tourism objectives and ensuring the accessibility of vital youth programs.
In response to these concerns, a Welsh Government spokesperson emphasized the importance of tourism to the Welsh economy and the government’s commitment to ensuring its sustainability. The government has taken a fair and straightforward approach to the levy, aiming to keep rates low and avoid the complexity of additional exemptions. Any revenue generated from the tax would be reinvested in local areas to enhance services for both visitors and residents, aligning with the overall goal of supporting tourism while benefiting communities.
As the debate around the tourism tax continues, stakeholders are advocating for a nuanced approach that considers the diverse impacts on different sectors. The call for exemptions for volunteer-run youth facilities highlights the need to balance economic priorities with social and developmental concerns. It remains to be seen how the Welsh Government will address these issues and whether adjustments will be made to accommodate the needs of young people and community organizations affected by the new levy.