Cardiff has taken the next steps towards introducing a visitor levy for tourists staying overnight in the city.
The city council has agreed to undertake work ahead of the levy’s implementation in April 2027.
According to the application, this will take “significant work” to establish administrative capacity and prepare both accommodation providers and visitors.
The rates of the visitor levy are determined by the Welsh Government, and the decision for local authorities is to whether to implement it in their area and its implementation and administration.
The levy could generate around £3.5m a year for Cardiff, which is intended to be reinvested in the city’s tourism sector.
As determined by legislation, it will cost 75p per person per night for campsite pitches for tents as well as for shared rooms, such as hostels or dormitories, and £1.30 per person per night for all other types of visitor accommodation.
There are exceptions for people under 18 and staying in a campsite pitch or in a shared room, anyone who is staying more than 31 nights from a single booking, or for those staying in emergency or temporary housing arranged by the local authority.
Cabinet member for investment and development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said the levy would “provide meaning and dedicated resources to promote Cardiff as a destination”.
He also emphasised how money raised through the levy could “dress Cardiff in a way that makes it attractive while people are here” they decide to come back.
During the cabinet meeting, council leader Huw Thomas said he was “very pleased to see Cardiff leading the way in Wales” in regard to the visitor levy.
Previously a public consultation on the topic generated close to 2,000 responses.
According to Cllr Goodway, during the consultation, the council heard “support for a visitor levy but with important conditions attached” such as the levy being used transparently to invest in the city’s tourist sector.
He also said it would help the city “secure major events”.

Post Office Seeks New Operator in Dinas Powys as Village Faces Loss of Its Last Branch
Gardening team praised after helping police clear fallen tree near St Brides Major
Specsavers calls on children in Barry to design Wales Deaf Rugby World Cup shirts
Whitmore High Named One of UK’s Best Workplaces for Development
Steel Signing Marks Major Milestone in St Richard Gwyn School Redevelopment
Two Rescues in Record Heat as Volunteer Teams Respond to Afternoon Emergencies
Police find evidence of a large-scale cannabis cultivation at Riverside Place property fire
Network Rail confirm closure of Brookside level crossing in Dinas Powys
Police given powers to ask people to leave Comeston Lakes Country Park
Planned children’s role play centre could be given the go-ahead by Vale Council
Marie Curie Garden Fayre deemed huge success
Council seeks views on Future of Colcot Sports Centre and Buttrills Playing Fields
First Minister quizzed on further devolution, budget decisions, and misinformation in FMQs
Extreme heat leads to changes to services and closures
Severe Heat Warning Set to Disrupt Rail Travel Across South Wales This Week
Communities asked to support older people across Wales during severe heat warning
Caribbean Community Wales Brings Wales‑Wide Launch to Barry This Weekend
Community Award winner calls for sanitary bins in men’s toilets after living with prostate‑cancer‑related incontinence
Cardiff Airport Backs Holiday Safety Campaign Honouring Rhoose Teenager Tom Channon