A new law aimed at improving tourism standards across Wales has been passed by the Senedd — a move that could have a significant impact on popular destinations across North Wales.

The new legislation will introduce a licensing system for visitor accommodation, starting with self-catering properties such as holiday cottages and flats. Under the plans, owners will need to prove their properties meet strict safety standards before they can welcome guests.

That includes having valid gas and electrical safety certificates, carbon monoxide alarms, appropriate insurance, and fire safety measures in place.

The changes are expected to be particularly relevant in North Wales, where tourism is a major part of the economy. Areas such as Llandudno, Anglesey, and Eryri (Snowdonia) have seen a surge in holiday lets in recent years, with many communities balancing the benefits of tourism against concerns over housing availability and standards.

The Welsh Government believes the move will help boost confidence among visitors. Research suggests more than 80 per cent of UK holidaymakers would be more likely to book accommodation if a licensing scheme was in place.

Cabinet Secretary Mark Drakeford said the new system will help ensure fair competition and raise standards across the sector.

He said many providers already meet high standards, but the legislation will ensure consistency and protect both visitors and responsible businesses.

While the move has been welcomed by some in the tourism industry, particularly those already operating to high standards, others have raised concerns about the potential impact.

Some holiday let owners and small operators in North Wales worry the added regulation could bring extra costs and administrative pressure, particularly for those running a single property or relying on seasonal income.

There are also concerns that tighter rules could reduce the number of available holiday lets, which some fear may affect tourism capacity in peak seasons — a crucial time for coastal towns and rural communities.

However, others argue the changes are long overdue. In parts of North Wales, the rapid growth of short-term lets has been linked to rising house prices and fewer homes available for local people, with calls for stronger regulation increasing in recent years.

Tourism bodies have also pointed out that maintaining high-quality accommodation is key to protecting Wales’ reputation as a destination, particularly as competition for visitors continues to grow.

The licensing scheme is not expected to come into force until 2029, giving property owners time to prepare. It will also build on a national register of visitor accommodation, creating a publicly available directory for travellers.

For North Wales, where tourism supports thousands of jobs and businesses, the new law represents a significant shift. Whether it ultimately boosts the industry or places added pressure on providers will become clearer in the years ahead.

What is certain is that the region — already one of the UK’s most loved holiday destinations — will remain firmly in the spotlight as Wales looks to shape the future of its tourism sector.