The BBCChildren from low-income families could miss out on school trips if a tourist tax is introduced in Wales, ministers have warned.
Scouts Cymru said young people could be missing out on the “life-changing experience of camps and overnight stays”.
A center which runs residential courses for schools across the UK said the potential levy of 75p per child per night could make the trip unaffordable for some.
The Welsh Government said it had adopted a “fair, straightforward approach” to applying the levy.
One teacher, who has been bringing pupils from England to the center since 1979, feared some schools may choose not to visit Wales to avoid the extra costs.
If the proposals are approved, there will be guests in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Pay tax of £1.25 a night from 2027.With a reduced rate of 75p for hostels and campsites.
Local authorities will decide whether to introduce charges in their areas.
Scouts Cymru criticized a potential “two-tier system” that could disadvantage the poorest families.
The organization said it wanted urgent talks with the Welsh Government.
Wales Chief Volunteer, Ryan Moore said: “These simple overnight experiences offered to young people as part of Scouting, are often children’s first experience of being away from home in their local community.
“This important development milestone could be jeopardized by these additional costs.”
Gareth Davies, manager of Arete Outdoor Center in Llanrug, Gwynedd, said many of the visitors were children from disadvantaged backgrounds – for whom even a few pounds could make a difference.
The center is already run by a charity, which last month paid for 10 children from low-income families to enjoy a week’s stay.
Mr Davies said: “We will be facing a bill of around £8,500 for the whole year, which we will either have to absorb ourselves, or we will have to transfer the parents of the pupils, who are already on it. Struggle is deprived
“So that will definitely have an impact on our numbers.”
The center charges between £290 and £330 for a week-long residential stay, during which children try out activities including climbing, hiking and kayaking.
A seven night stay will add £5.25 per child.
Mr Davies called for external residential centers to be exempted from the levy, saying: “My biggest fear is that because of this price increase pupils are not coming, and therefore missing out on essential academic learning. are missing out on what we have to offer.”
Children from Nunnery Wood High School in Worcester have been visiting the Llanrug center since 1974.
Former teacher Karen Humphreys has accompanied the pupils almost every year since 1979, and said the week-long stay was often one of the highlights of her school life.
Speaking on a gorge walking expedition with pupils near Dolgarrog, Conwy, he said: “I think for some pupils, some of them never actually leave Worcester. They’ve never climbed a mountain. See, they’ve never been abroad… experience they won’t be able to replicate in their future.
“If you meet people in their 40s and 50s, which I do, the week they remember is this week.
“They don’t remember much about maths, but they do remember going to North Wales.”
His main concern was that the levy would “disproportionately affect the lowest income earners”.
He believed that some schools might be drawn to centers in England if costs were higher in Wales, adding: “I don’t think they will get as good an educational experience as they would here. “I don’t think there’s anything to compare with coming up in the mountains of North Wales.”
Student Elizabeth, 12, said the idea of a tourist tax was “good”, but added: “I think it should be discounted for educational purposes, because I think it would reduce the number of visitors to North Wales. will.”
Asked for his opinion on a potential extra 75p per night, 13-year-old Alfie said: “If you make it more expensive it will be more difficult for people to go on these trips.”
Ben, 12, said his mother and two sisters traveled to Llanragh when they were young, and the trip to school had become “a bit of a tradition”.
He said: “Increasing prices may be a bit overwhelming for people who can afford to move here.”
It’s not just the outdoor education sector that opposes the levy.
Nicky Williamson, from the Professional Association of Self-Caterers for Wales, said: “The whole sector and hospitality in general is against the levy.
“These are not good times, and we are also concerned about the burden on low-income families and small businesses.”
It said, for example, someone spending £300 on two nights in a Cardiff hotel would pay £2.50 plus VAT, while a family of four self-catering for a week on a £300 holiday. Will pay £35 extra. .
Wallis George, of Welsh language campaign group Cwmdeithas Yr Iaith, said the tourist tax was “long overdue” and rejected suggestions it would deter visitors.
He said that I think these fears are baseless.
“The experience of mainland European countries and regions is quite the opposite, as it is used as a revenue stream to improve the tourist experience. But it will also preserve the natural environment and the built environment. That’s what attracts people to come here in the first place.”
The Welsh Government said: “The Bill proposes to keep rates low by avoiding the need for further exemptions and zero rates, which would add complexity to providers and visitors.
“As set out in the bill, any money collected must be reinvested in the local area to provide and improve services for visitors and residents.”