Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans has reiterated his support for the local tourism industry, warning that current government policies risk damaging a sector that plays a key role in the Welsh economy.

Speaking during a visit to Fforest Fields, a family-run campsite and glamping site in Hundred House, Mr Evans marked Wales Tourism Week by calling for changes to what he described as “disastrous” policies introduced by the Welsh Government.

Tourism supports more than 150,000 jobs in Wales and accounts for around 5 per cent of the country’s GDP. But Mr Evans said Labour’s proposed tourism tax and the 182-day occupancy rule were placing significant strain on local businesses, many of which are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we welcome Wales Tourism Week, this is a good opportunity to say thank you to everyone involved in the hospitality and tourism sector for their hard work and determination to succeed, despite a swathe of Welsh Labour policies that are hurting this vital sector,” said Mr Evans.

“With tourism accounting for 1 in 7 jobs in Wales, this is vital for the Welsh economy, to support local businesses and provide jobs. The Welsh Labour Government should think again about their disastrous tourism levy and reduce their ridiculously high 182-day occupancy rates. I, along with my Welsh Conservative colleagues, have called for the threshold to be reduced to a more manageable 105 nights, in line with HMRC rules.”

Mr Evans has also urged Powys County Council to reject the introduction of a local tourism levy, citing Pembrokeshire Council’s recent decision to make use of discretionary powers to rule out the tax.

“They can do this, they should do this, and save hundreds of jobs and secure the future of many businesses throughout Powys,” said Mr Evans.