An increasing number of second homes in Wales are being used as holiday accommodation in a trend which fails to meet strict quality criteria and poses a threat to Wales' pristine image as a top tourist destination, the Farmers' Union of Wales warned today.
"We have made representations to Edwina Hart AM , the minister for business, enterprise, technology and science, to voice our concerns as a union over the increasing number of second homes in Wales which are unregistered and do not meet the stringent legislative and quality criteria adopted by legitimate operators," said FUW farm diversification committee chairperson Deilwen Breese.
"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 etc."
The FUW has a long-standing policy which would require all holiday accommodation in Wales to be registered, in order to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe, high quality experience whilst operators are able to compete on a level playing field in terms of business overheads.
"The union has previously been in discussion with the Welsh Government over this issue and contributed to the Welsh Tourist Board's report on the Statutory Registration of Tourist Accommodation in Wales which considered the steps necessary to implement such an approach 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.