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Retail & Consumer

Visit Wales urged to create alternative accommodation platform to save tourism firms from paying commission to booking giants

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders says the sector will need support after being hit by the Covid-19 crisis

(Image: Visit Wales)

A call has been made for Visit Wales to create its own online accommodation search and booking platform to help tourism firms avoid paying fees to online holiday giants.

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has asked the Minister for Economy, Transport, and North Wales Ken Skates to look at how he can expand the role of Visit Wales so it can offer greater support to businesses in a sector hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Welsh Government said Visit Wales - the government's tourism arm - was working to support businesses at this difficult time and was looking at potential changes to its website.

Usually packed places like Abersoch have been left quiet due to the lockdown(Image: Arwyn Roberts / North Wales Live)

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “Once accommodation is allowed to re-open many will reserve and pay for their hotel room through online booking platforms.

“This can see our local businesses losing a good percentage of the fee to commission.

“This can change, and Visit Wales play a bigger role in revitalising the sector by enabling its global audience to book accommodation on the website.

“Given that Visit Wales is funded by taxpayers, an accommodation search and booking facility should be developed and provided commission free to our hospitality sector”.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “We know how difficult this is for the tourism sector – and we are working with businesses to make sure we can give them the support they need when it is safe for them to start welcoming visitors.