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Licensing of holiday lets in Wales will protect tourists and drive up standards in the industry, the Welsh Government has said. An “Airbnb law” to be introduced to the Senedd this month will outline a mandatory licensing scheme for certain types of visitor accommodation. The bill aims to ensure holiday lets are “fit for visitors” by setting out legal standards for fire, electrical and gas safety, with rules on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It will also require lets to have public liability insurance. Licensing is among a raft of tourism regulation introduced by the Welsh Government designed to upgrade the sector and support local communities. Critics have accused Cardiff of “suffocating” the industry with red tape, introducing registration and licensing merely as a necessary prelude to the forthcoming £1.30-a-night visitor levy . But Mark Drakeford, cabinet secretary for finance and Welsh language, said licensing will create “fair competition”. He 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.” Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community The new licensing scheme will cover self-contained, self-catering accommodation like holiday cottages and flats. If passed, the regulation will allow future Welsh Governments to extend licensing to other types of accommodation. According to Cardiff’s own research, more than 80% of domestic visitors would be more likely to book accommodation if they knew it was legally compliant with health and safety. Nearly two in three people planning UK trips were unaware that holiday let owners don’t currently need a licence. Under the bill, the Welsh Government would be given powers of enforcement, including to enter and inspect properties as well as issue penalty notices for offences. A public register of all licensed properties will also be established. Providers will be required to pay a fee for their licence – and face fines for non-compliance. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
