TOURISM developers in Wales are likely to face greater pressure to show how new projects benefit local communities, support jobs and protect Welsh culture, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields.

Plaid Cymru is leading the Welsh Government for the first time after emerging as the largest party in the Senedd, although it does not hold an overall majority.

No major tourism-specific policy announcements have yet been made by the new administration, but Lichfields says the direction of travel suggests a stronger emphasis on sustainable tourism, local benefit, the Welsh language and community involvement in planning decisions.

Tourism and hospitality is a major part of the Welsh economy, employing around one in nine people across Wales, rising to about one in five in areas such as Pembrokeshire and Anglesey.

Key policy areas already affecting the sector include the visitor levy, the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation, and new registration requirements for short-term visitor accommodation, which are due to come into force from October 2026.

Planning reform is also expected to have implications for tourism development. Proposed changes include stronger community involvement, earlier pre-application consultation, greater emphasis on the Welsh language, simplified planning processes, and reform of national and regional planning frameworks.

Helen Ashby-Ridgway, Planning Director at Lichfields, said: “The change in government is an important moment for tourism and planning in Wales, but the direction of travel looks more evolutionary than revolutionary.

“Tourism is recognised as an important part of the Welsh economy, but future proposals will need to do more than show visitor demand. They will need to show how development supports local jobs, communities, culture, language and long-term place-making.

“That does not mean tourism development cannot come forward. It means operators, landowners and developers should be thinking carefully about how proposals are shaped, explained and brought to local communities from the outset.”

From October 2026, providers offering stays of 31 nights or fewer will need to register with the Welsh Revenue Authority by March 31, 2027. The data collected is expected to help local authorities better understand the scale and location of visitor accommodation in their areas.

Lichfields says this could influence planning policy, local development plans and future investment decisions.

Helen added: “The short-term accommodation register could become an important evidence base for councils and for businesses looking to invest in Wales.

“Good data should help move the debate beyond assumptions. It can give councils, communities and the industry a clearer picture of where accommodation is located, what demand looks like and where future growth may be appropriate.

“For tourism businesses, the key will be to engage early, take part in plan-making and show clearly how proposals deliver economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits. That will become increasingly important if planning policy moves further towards community value and local benefit.”

Because Plaid Cymru is leading without an overall majority, cross-party support is likely to be needed to deliver future reforms. Several current policy areas, including the visitor levy and accommodation registration system, continue measures developed during the previous Senedd term.

Lichfields says those bringing forward tourism and leisure developments in Wales should prepare for a planning environment where community engagement, local benefit and policy alignment carry increasing weight.

MILFORD HAVEN ROUND TABLE is asking residents in Hakin and Hubberston to help keep roads clear ahead of this Saturday’s Carnival Procession.

Organisers say the event is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with a large number of floats, lorries and support vehicles expected to make their way through Hakin before the procession begins at Waterloo Square.

Residents living along Gelliswick Road, Rectory Avenue, Glebelands and Picton Road, particularly near the junction with Observatory Avenue, are being asked to avoid double parking or parking on pavements where possible between around 11.45am and 1.00pm.

The route being used by the floats and support vehicles is shown on the map.

Some of the vehicles involved are large, and organisers say keeping the roads as clear as possible for the short period will help ensure the procession reaches Waterloo Square safely and on time.

Milford Haven Round Table said the carnival “belongs to the whole community” and thanked residents for their continued support.

They added: “Your understanding and cooperation, even for this short time, will make a huge difference and help make this year’s Carnival another fantastic day for our town.”

Residents are also being encouraged to share the message with friends, family and neighbours who live along the affected roads.

A NEW YEAR’S EVE drive has resulted in a 12-month road ban after a motorist was found to be more than twice the legal cannabis limit.

Ridwan Rahman, 20, was stopped by police as he drove his Vauxhall Astra along Steynton Road, Milford Haven, on January 1.

“Police noted the car accelerating away from traffic lights in an erratic manner,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When officers asked the vehicle to stop, they smelt cannabis coming from inside.”

A blood test later showed Rahman had 5.2mcg of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in cannabis, in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Rahman, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to drug-driving. He was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who disputed the prosecution’s claim that he had been driving erratically.

“He does not accept that he was driving in an erratic manner, nor that he accelerated away from the traffic lights,” she said.

“The officers told him he had been stopped because the vehicle’s registration plate light was not working.”

Rahman, of Carbon Close, Newport, was fined £323 and ordered to pay a £129 court surcharge and £85 costs.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.