FUW calls for controls on holiday homes

A Welsh farming union wants all holiday accommodation providers in Wales to be registered to protect legitimate rural diversifications.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is concerned that a growing number of owners of second homes are renting out their properties as holiday accommodation but these often fail to meet strict quality criteria.

The union suggests this poses a threat to Wales’ pristine image as a top tourist destination and has voiced its concern to Wales’ minister for business, enterprise, technology and science, Edwina Hart AM.

FUW farm diversification committee chairperson, Deilwen Breese, says all holiday accommodation in Wales should be registered.

“Many registered accommodation operators are concerned that the growing trend to advertise homes as holiday lets, or even gardens to pitch tents, presents unknown standards to visitors and may put legitimate tourism businesses at a competitive disadvantage in terms of business rates, compliance with safety certificates and grading fees,’’ she says.
 
The FUW had previously raised this issue with the Welsh Government and contributed to the Wales Tourist Board’s report on the Statutory Registration of Tourist Accommodation in Wales.
 
“Given the concerns raised by members, the union believes that consideration should be given to revisiting the WTB report with a view to introducing some form of compulsory registration in order to maintain and enhance tourism provision in Wales,” added Mrs Breese.