Wales may impose ‘visitor levy’ on overnight guests

[Buckman]

In France never had an issue with toilets and never came across one that was not fit for purpose. I admit I have had to use the roadside on occasions even in a town. I now carry a special bottle with me in case I don't have any change or there is no public convenience nearby. One of the joys of getting old!

 

[otherclive]

Snowdonia had a similar problem to the one described and desperately need to do something but as you rightly say it all need money.

 

[otherclive]

In France never had an issue with toilets and never came across one that was not fit for purpose. I admit I have had to use the roadside on occasions even in a town. I now carry a special bottle with me in case I don't have any change or there is no public convenience nearby. One of the joys of getting old!

One nice thing about France is that businesses like bars and cafes don’t mind if you use their facilities. In many cities they have the pay as you go ones that look like Doctor Who’s Tardis. In smaller towns there are still the little ones with “ squat” footplates, and don’t forget the “ pissoir”.

 

[Buckman]

One nice thing about France is that businesses like bars and cafes don’t mind if you use their facilities. In many cities they have the pay as you go ones that look like Doctor Who’s Tardis. In smaller towns there are still the little ones with “ squat” footplates, and don’t forget the “ pissoir”.

Here one sometimes you get a real dirty look if you just walk through to the toilet from whoever is managing the place. I guess they are trying to make you feel guilty.
Most times like very recently when the toilets on the train station were closed, I do ask and generally there is no objection, but on occasions no time to ask.

 

[Jcloughie]

When you go on some French sites they add a daily local tax. I imagine this is passed to the town hall. Perhaps it is audited randomly. The Welsh may do similar.

A welsh person, a business owner. Said they don't need restrictions which may restrict tourism. But that was just one person.

Seems on top of the occasional tourist tax we will soon face a 7 euro entry fee to enter Europe.

Britons to pay €7 to enter Europe – but UK rules out reciprocal fee

Minister rules out charges on arrivals from EU, after Brussels confirms plan

www.independent.co.uk

John

 

[otherclive]

Yes ; and we plan to introduce a similar approach for entry into UK, but the scheme is running late. In the overall cost of a trip to Europe €7 Euros is peanuts, and doesn’t the “pass” last for three years and unlimited visits, in which case even bigger peanuts. Of course the visits can only be a maximum of 90 days in 180 days but I can live with that.

ps the article is over 12 months old and has been discussed at length on the Forum.

 

[Jcloughie]

In France never had an issue with toilets and never came across one that was not fit for purpose. I admit I have had to use the roadside on occasions even in a town. I now carry a special bottle with me in case I don't have any change or there is no public convenience nearby. One of the joys of getting old!

Imho France have some of the most disgusting toilets in Europe. Though they have improved. A modern supermarket complex had one small and busy gents. They chose to fit a full sized glass door. Also, the female cleaner was mopping around peoples feet. Along the roads they make little or no attempt to conceal themselves.

In Paris, we used a clean toilet, but the ladies had to walk through the gents behind a line of men's backs, to get to their end.

No public loo to be found in Luxemburg city. There was a queue from on upstairs loo to the street in McDonald's. Not a nice place to eat.

(before I get told off I do know Luxembourg is not in France) 😊.

John

 

[otherclive]

Imho France have some of the most disgusting toilets in Europe. Though they have improved. A modern supermarket complex had one small and busy gents. They chose to fit a full sized glass door. Also, the female cleaner was mopping around peoples feet. Along the roads they make little or no attempt to conceal themselves.

In Paris, we used a clean toilet, but the ladies had to walk through the gents behind a line of men's backs, to get to their end.

No public loo to be found in Luxemburg city. There was a queue from on upstairs loo to the street in McDonald's. Not a nice place to eat.

(before I get told off I do know Luxembourg is not in France) 😊.

John

Makes me wonder then why you like France so much ?
I guess India will not be on your
“ bucket” list 🚾🚽🚻

 

[Jcloughie]

Makes me wonder then why you like France so much ?
I guess India will not be on your
“ bucket” list 🚾🚽🚻

France has many many other attractions. We don't go for the quality of the toilets. Never have.

There is much complaint about the availability of facilities in the UK. But I think, in general, we are probably better than Europe in general.

John

 

[Buckman]

Imho France have some of the most disgusting toilets in Europe. Though they have improved. A modern supermarket complex had one small and busy gents. They chose to fit a full sized glass door. Also, the female cleaner was mopping around peoples feet. Along the roads they make little or no attempt to conceal themselves.

In Paris, we used a clean toilet, but the ladies had to walk through the gents behind a line of men's backs, to get to their end.

No public loo to be found in Luxemburg city. There was a queue from on upstairs loo to the street in McDonald's. Not a nice place to eat.

(before I get told off I do know Luxembourg is not in France) 😊.

John

Tame in comparison to some places in Africa.

 

[Robert_374373903]

My son came to visit me this weekend on the CCC site and I had to pay for the three nights he stayed, thought that was normal.

 

[otherclive]

My son came to visit me this weekend on the CCC site and I had to pay for the three nights he stayed, thought that was normal.

Cannot link your post to the theme of the thread. Am I missing something as it isn’t unusual to pay for extra visitors, is it?

 

[Echodale]

I've just seen this article in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/20/wales-may-impose-visitor-levy-on-overnight-guests. It appears that it would apply to campsites. The Welsh Government have opened a Consultation process, more details can be found here: https://gov.wales/a-visitor-levy-for-wales

Interesting, a caravan site near my home has half the pitches on the Welsh side and the others on the English side of the border (Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire).

 

[otherclive]

Interesting, a caravan site near my home has half the pitches on the Welsh side and the others on the English side of the border (Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire).

That would present an interesting outcome. Perhaps a mini Offas **** would be required.

I have been censored by PC’s software 😂

 

[Dustydog]

Cannot link your post to the theme of the thread. Am I missing something as it isn’t unusual to pay for extra visitors, is it?

Didn‘t he say CCC! Cymru caravan Club Thingy🤪

 

[Parksy]

That would present an interesting outcome. Perhaps a mini Offas **** would be required.

I have been censored by PC’s software 😂

D-y-k-e

 

[Raywood]

Interesting, a caravan site near my home has half the pitches on the Welsh side and the others on the English side of the border (Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire).

This happens. We did have a Sainsbury's supermarket on the border between two councils. Basically they only licensed one half which had the off licence section and the checkouts in it. I am not sure how a campsite would be able to work it though as the Welsh pitches would in theory have to cost more and people would not stand for that.

 

[RogerL]

This happens. We did have a Sainsbury's supermarket on the border between two councils. Basically they only licensed one half which had the off licence section and the checkouts in it. I am not sure how a campsite would be able to work it though as the Welsh pitches would in theory have to cost more and people would not stand for that.

They could simply charge the same for each pitch, knowing they only need to pay the tax on the Welsh pitches.

I don't see why a tourist tax is any different to a variable rate of council tax - local busineeses will need to pass it on whatever the tax is called.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Generally tourists already seem to end up paying more than locals for most things, so I do personally feel such an additional tax is insulting, and I suspect the suggested charge,will barely cover the cost of managing scheme, so for it to be cost effective, it will almost certainly need to ramped if it is to produce a genuine income stream to the Welsh Gov't

The scheme is quite likely to drive visitors away from the Principality.

 

[Dustydog]

For decades The Welsh Government have been issuing thousands of “Enjoy A Welsh Holiday” type brochure. Allegedly Tourism brings hard cash to to the local economies. What’s changed? Brexit? Staycation? Or a lot of people with short memories.

 

[otherclive]

For decades The Welsh Government have been issuing thousands of “Enjoy A Welsh Holiday” type brochure. Allegedly Tourism brings hard cash to to the local economies. What’s changed? Brexit? Staycation? Or a lot of people with short memories.

Could it be a shortage of local authority finances as real income to the welsh government has fallen, just as it has to English authorities over the last few years. So a tourist tax properly spent could help to support areas in maintaining services and facilities.

 

[otherclive]

Generally tourists already seem to end up paying more than locals for most things, so I do personally feel such an additional tax is insulting, and I suspect the suggested charge,will barely cover the cost of managing scheme, so for it to be cost effective, it will almost certainly need to ramped if it is to produce a genuine income stream to the Welsh Gov't

The scheme is quite likely to drive visitors away from the Principality.

Paying “tourist taxes” when overseas has never deterred us from arranging holidays to where we want to go to. No mention of a tax rate has been made, but it’s hardly a deal breaker when you consider the attractions of Wales for all types of holiday. I just hope my son doesn’t levy it from us when we visit him. 😂

 

[Dustydog]

Could it be a shortage of local authority finances as real income to the welsh government has fallen, just as it has to English authorities over the last few years. So a tourist tax properly spent could help to support areas in maintaining services and facilities.

And next I’ll be reading the English will be charging the Welsh and Scots to stay in England 🙃🙃

 

[Sam Vimes]

Generally tourists already seem to end up paying more than locals for most things,

Not quite sure I understand that. They use the same shops and filling stations etc as the residents and pay the same VAT. In fact if your an overseas visitor you can often reclaim VAT on certain purchases.

A tourist in a caravan or motorhome may well bring cheaper food and fuel into our area because they've come from an area where these things are cheaper. Same can be said for those using holiday homes.

Tourists bring more wear and tear on the infrastructure of the areas they visit. This needs to be funded somehow.

 

[Dustydog]

Not quite sure I understand that. They use the same shops and filling stations etc as the residents and pay the same VAT. In fact if your an overseas visitor you can often reclaim VAT on certain purchases.

A tourist in a caravan or motorhome may well bring cheaper food and fuel into our area because they've come from an area where these things are cheaper. Same can be said for those using holiday homes.

Tourists bring more wear and tear on the infrastructure of the areas they visit. This needs to be funded somehow.

Simple. Go the whole hog and use ANPR😜