AN AM met with a zoo's senior management team to discuss how the a tourism tax would impact the attraction.

Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, is a "staunch" opponent of proposals to introduce a tourism tax and is calling the "barmy" idea to be scrapped. He visited the Welsh Mountain Zoo to discuss their views on the plans and also, what they hoped this year would bring.

In October 2017, finance secretary Mark Drakeford announced four tax ideas that the Welsh Government would develop further in the coming months.

The ideas included: Vacant land tax; Social care tax; Disposable plastic tax and Tourism tax. One proposal will be put to the UK government this year to test the Wales Act powers.

Jennifer Jesse, director of operations and administration at the zoo, said: "As an important tourism attraction, we are keen to engage with local politicians regarding any developments that may affect us as a charity.

"The proposed introduction of a tourism tax is something we are very concerned about. We are certain that it would have an impact on the number of visitors enjoying a holiday in North Wales and this will then of course have an effect on the Zoo’s visitor figures.

"Just this year North Wales was named in the list of top ten regions for 2017 by Lonely Planet and we should be capitalising on this, not introducing a tax that will discourage visits to the region."

Mr Millar said agreed that a tourism tax would be "devastating" for the Welsh Mountain Zoo and other tourism related visitor attractions.

"Any extra charges on holiday accommodation will mean that visitors have less to spend in the local economy in our shops, cafes, restaurants and attractions," he said.

"For many families every penny matters when it comes to planning an annual holiday so if it’s cheaper to visit Morcombe Bay than Colwyn Bay then it’s simple to see how North Wales would lose out if a tourism tax is introduced."

The zoo said they will be making some "exciting" announcements during early 2018.

Jennifer added: "The details of which are currently being finalised."