Gwynedd councillors have agreed to run a public consultation on whether to introduce a 'tourism tax'.

It comes after Anglesey Council decided this week to run a similar exercise on whether to charge visitors for overnight stays.

Conwy County Council is also following suit with its own public consultation, following a meeting on Thursday.

Welsh Government legislation means that from next year, councils will be able to charge £1.30 per person per night for overnight stays in most accommodation, including hotels, and 75p in campsites and hostels.

So far, just one local authority in Wales - Cardiff - has already confirmed it will introduce the visitor levy from April 2027 onwards.

Cyngor Gwynedd says introducing the fees would support "a more sustainable visitor economy" for the county.

Cllr R. Medwyn Hughes, cabinet member for the economy, said: "The tourism sector is an important part of Gwynedd's economy."

"Many people depend on it for their livelihood, and many businesses have invested heavily in the field. But we are also aware that there are challenges linked with tourism."

"The Visitor Accommodation Act requires providers of visitor accommodation across Wales to register as part of a national system. This act also allows local authorities – such as Cyngor Gwynedd – to charge a visitor levy on people who come here to stay."

"We have been working closely with the sector and with our partners such as the Eryri National Park Authority, the Welsh Revenue Authority and neighbouring councils as we prepare to submit this report to the council."

"The levy has the potential to generate significant income, which will be reinvested in the industry and in the communities affected by visitors."

A report discussed by councillors on Thursday suggested money collected from the levy could be used to support businesses, events and communities, improving facilities such as public toilets, footpaths and public transport.

It also suggested investing in projects which support the Welsh language and cultural heritage as well as responding to visitor pressure on the environment and nature.

But opponents such as the TaxPayers Alliance argue the levy risks becoming "another tax that damages economic growth" and puts "further pressure on struggling businesses".

The lobby group claimed this week that tourism in Wales would stand to lose an estimated £359 million if the levy was implemented.

An Anglesey Council report raised concerns over how visitors would respond to the levy, along with the impact on tourism businesses, particularly smaller accommodation providers.

Notably, the council has stressed there's been no decision yet and any decision on introducing the levy in the future "would only be taken after careful consideration" of feedback and supporting evidence.

In Gwynedd, council chiefs say the business sector and local residents will be able to have theri say through a series of events and drop-in sessions along with a questionnaire.

If the council decides to adopt it, the earliest it can be introduced in Gwynedd will be 1st October 2027.

Cllr R. Medwyn Hughes added: "All responses will be carefully considered as one part of the process, before the matter returns to the full council for all elected members of Cyngor Gwynedd to make a final decision on whether to adopt the tourism levy or not."

The public consultation is expected to begin next Wednesday and run for eight weeks until Wednesday 15th July.