Business
Welsh Government’s tourism tax plans move closer with rates set to rise

PLANS to bring in a tourism tax cleared the first hurdle in the Senedd, with the Welsh Government set to raise the rate to £1.30 per night per person.
Senedd members voted in favour of the tourism tax bill following a debate on April 1 during which ministers announced plans to raise the rates to create an exemption for children.
If the bill completes its passage through the Welsh Parliament, £1.30 per person before VAT could be charged on overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.
An estimated £264m would be raised if all councils chose to introduce the levy in the decade to 2035, against total costs of £313m to £576m, according to an impact assessment.
Mark Drakeford led the “stage-one” debate on the general principles of the bill, which would also establish a mandatory register of visitor accommodation providers.
Pointing out that visitor levies are common across the world, the finance secretary stressed councils would have an option rather than an obligation to bring in a levy.
The former first minister argued the levy – which he said would cost less than a sausage roll – will be simple, straightforward and fair, with lower rates than in comparable destinations.
On calls for children to be exempt, Prof Drakeford said an amendment would exempt under-18s from the lower band, with the rates each rising by 5p from £1.25 and 75p.
“I must emphasise that any reduction in the broad base of the levy has to be made up by higher charges on those visits that remain in scope,” he said.
He told the Senedd a power for councils to charge a premium on the rates will be retained.
The Conservatives’ Sam Rowlands warned that tourism providers are deeply concerned about the proposed tax, with the sector accounting for around one in eight jobs.
The shadow finance secretary said the Welsh economy can ill afford an annual £47.5m hit, urging ministers to “axe the tax” and opposing the “assault” on the tourism sector.
Mr Rowlands stressed that already under-pressure tourism providers pay into the system through VAT, national insurance, corporation tax and business rates.
While welcoming moves to exempt children from the lower rate, the former council leader raised concerns about education and voluntary organisations being hit by the tax.
His colleague Janet Finch-Saunders described the tax plans as disgusting. “Shame on you,” she said, accusing members on other benches of letting tourism businesses down.
She warned Wales could become a “no-go area” with tourists deterred by the tax, voicing concerns about projected costs of up to £576m over the next decade.
The tourism tax bill was introduced as part of the Welsh Government’s co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru between 2021 and 2024.
Luke Fletcher, the party’s shadow economy secretary, said: “The reality is that the current way in which we do tourism isn’t sustainable in the long term.”
Pointing to a tourism tax introduced in Manchester in 2023, he told the Senedd: “Wales isn’t acting in isolation here but is moving in step with places both in and outside of the UK.”
His Plaid Cymru colleague Siân Gwenllian argued raising a small levy would improve the visitor experience and services for people living in an area all year round.
Senedd members voted 40-15 in favour of the bill, with one abstention.
The bill now moves to stage two, detailed amendments in the finance committee, before a further amending stage in the Senedd chamber and a stage-four vote on the final version.
Business
Beggars Reach Hotel sold to local business family for £950,000

A WELL KNOWN countryside hotel and event venue has been sold to local operators in a deal brokered by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.
Beggars Reach Hotel, located in the village of Burton and set within seven acres of landscaped gardens, has been acquired by a local business family with a strong track record in hospitality and retail. The family also owns an established fish and chip restaurant in the seaside town of Tenby, as well as other commercial property interests in the region.
The popular hotel features 30 en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant, bistro-style breakfast room, and several function and event spaces – including a light-filled Orangery. With its sweeping views of the surrounding South West Wales countryside, Beggars Reach has become a sought-after venue for weddings, leisure breaks, and corporate events.
The property also holds planning permission for twenty additional guest rooms and a spa facility, offering the new owners scope for further development.
The transaction was supported by Christie Finance, who secured funding for the buyers within weeks of the sale being agreed.
Sam Roberts, Senior Broker at Christie & Co, said: “After the previous owner acquired the business through us early last year, unforeseen personal circumstances led to the need for a resale. We launched a full marketing campaign, which attracted strong interest, and we were able to secure a suitable buyer quickly. It has been a pleasure to assist with the sale of Beggars Reach for a second time, and we wish the new owners every success in taking the hotel forward.”
Tamara Ryan, Finance Consultant at Christie Finance, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to support our client with this acquisition. As an experienced and ambitious local business partnership, they have exciting plans for the hotel. We secured highly competitive funding within a few weeks of the offer being accepted, reflecting the strong appetite in the market for hotel investment.”
The hotel was sold off an asking price of £950,000.
Business
Valero refinery escapes Trump’s new tariffs

Fuel imports spared as US tries to avoid price hikes
THE VALERO oil refinery in Pembroke has escaped the impact of Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on UK and EU goods, following confirmation from the White House that all oil, gas and refined fuel imports will be exempt from the new trade restrictions.

On Wednesday (Apr 2), Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports into the United States, with higher duties targeting key trading partners including Britain and the European Union. The move has sparked fears of a deepening global trade war, with UK manufacturers, farmers, and exporters among those facing fresh barriers to the American market.
However, a White House official told Reuters that energy imports would be excluded entirely from the tariff measures. The exemption, which applies to crude oil, natural gas, petrol, diesel and jet fuel, is designed to prevent supply disruptions and price spikes in the United States, particularly on the East Coast, where fuel imports from Europe play a vital role.
Relief for Pembrokeshire
The announcement is a major relief for Pembrokeshire, where the Valero refinery at Rhoscrowther remains one of the area’s largest employers. Hundreds of local jobs depend directly on the refinery, with many more supported through contractors, hauliers, suppliers and businesses tied to the energy sector.
A local business owner in Pembroke Dock said: “This is brilliant news for the area. Valero keeps a lot of people in work around here, and the last thing we needed was more uncertainty from across the Atlantic.”
While other Welsh exports—including lamb, steel and whisky—face an uphill battle under the new tariffs, Pembroke’s key fuel production facility has been spared thanks to a combination of its strategic importance and ownership.
American-owned, Atlantic-focused
Valero Energy Corporation, which owns the Pembroke site, is a US-based multinational headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company is one of the largest independent refiners in the world, and acquired the Pembroke refinery in 2011 from Chevron for $730 million.
The deal also included a vast logistics and retail network across the UK and Ireland, including four product pipelines, 11 fuel terminals, a 14,000-barrel-per-day aviation fuels business, and more than 1,000 Texaco-branded forecourts—making it the largest branded dealer network in the UK.
At the time of the acquisition, Valero’s Chairman and CEO Bill Klesse said the move would allow the company to supply the US East Coast market more competitively, particularly after exiting US East Coast refining operations in 2010. “The Pembroke refinery remained profitable even during the depths of the economic downturn,” Klesse said. “We expect that it will be immediately accretive to earnings per share.”
Fuel to flow when economics align
The Pembroke refinery has a processing capacity of 270,000 barrels per day, making it one of the most complex and flexible in Europe. It produces around 3.6 million gallons of petrol and 2.2 million gallons of diesel daily and can process more than 60 different types of crude oil.
While exact export volumes to the United States are not publicly disclosed, the site is considered a key part of Valero’s Atlantic Basin margin optimisation strategy—designed to move fuel between Europe and the US when market conditions are favourable. Europe remains a major supplier of refined fuel to the US East Coast, where refining capacity has declined.
An energy analyst told The Herald: “Even if Pembroke isn’t exporting to the US every day, it’s a crucial part of Valero’s strategy. When the economics make sense, diesel or jet fuel from Wales can and does flow to the US. That’s why the White House exemption matters—it keeps those channels open.”
Wider Welsh economy still exposed
While Valero and the Pembroke refinery are protected under the exemption, other Welsh sectors are now facing harsh realities. Exports such as Welsh lamb, whisky, steel and car components are now subject to tariffs that could reduce competitiveness in one of Wales’ most important markets.
Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick said: “Donald Trump has launched a destructive trade war that threatens the jobs and living standards of people right across Wales. This needs to be brought to an end quickly, and the Prime Minister should be forming a coalition of allies—Canada, Australia, the EU—to stand against this. If the Government gives in to Trump’s threats, it will only encourage more bullying tactics in future.”
Looking ahead: volatile politics, stable demand
Although energy has been exempted for now, industry insiders warn that volatility remains high.
“The US exemption is about fuel supply and domestic prices,” the analyst added. “If demand or political calculations shift, exemptions could change too. Wales can’t afford to be complacent.”
One refinery worker put it more bluntly: “We’ve dodged this bullet, but with Trump, the safety’s always off.”

Business
Old Pembrokeshire coastguard’s cottage ideal for those on lookout for coastal retreat

AN IDYLLIC former coastguard ‘s cottage in a tiny Pembrokeshire village could prove to be ideal for someone on the lookout for a coastal bolthole.
The cosy cottage, nestled at the heart of historic Bosherston, with its parish church dating from the 1200’s, is in the world-renowned Pembrokeshire National Park.
The village is close to the National Trust’s tranquil Bosherston Lily Ponds, three flooded limestone valleys resplendent with the colour and heady scent of lilies in June and teeming with a multitude of wildlife all year round.

The area near the village is renowned as a centre for intrepid rock climbing pursuits on challenging nearby sheer coastal crags.
Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the singular property, said: “The Haven is a gorgeous cottage in one of the prettiest parts of Pembrokeshire. The former coastguard’s cottage does need refurbishment and updating but once complete could make an ideal coastal retreat or holiday home.
“The property currently provides a lounge, kitchen area and three bedrooms also has an outbuilding at the rear which was previously been used as an office. It has two store rooms, a toilet and office area.

“The historic building has planning for a new access, an extension, a loft conversion and alterations to the property.
“Situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park as well as being close to Bosherston Lily Ponds it is also near to the awesome Broad Haven Beach and contemplative St Govan’s Chapel.
“The cottage’s lawned grounds are enclosed by a wall and fencing. Given the tourism in the area the property could be developed into lucrative holiday rental.
“Bosherston is a tiny village just five miles south of the county town of Pembroke. Two miles to the south of Bosherston, nestled within the steep cliffs is St Govan’s Chapel. It is free to visit, although the only access is down steep steps carved into the side of the cliff. Barafundle Bay is just around the corner and there is a wealth of other sandy beaches and glorious coastal paths and walks, nearby

“Complete with period fireplace and cooking range, Haven is listed for sale with a guide price of £149,000.”
The coastguard’s cottage, together with some ninety other varied lots, will be offered for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions online starting at 12 noon on Thursday April 15 and ending from 5pm on Thursday, April 17.
Picture caption: Bolthole: This cute, former Pembrokeshire coastguard’s cottage is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £149,000.
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