Taxi operators fume over abuse of courtesy car agreement by hotels |03 September 2020
It has been brought to the attention of this newspaper that at least one tourism establishment in the country is presently operating six (6) courtesy cars to transfer clients, instead of two as per the tourism policy on vertical integration.
As a result, taxi operators are being affected, especially in the current difficult times due the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which is affecting the local tourism industry, the country’s main source of income.
When contacted, the chairman of the Seychelles Taxi Operators Association (STOA) Frank Kilindo said he has already written to the general manager of the hotel in question, making a formal complaint and expressed his dismay regarding the activities which he describes as illegal.
Mr Kilindo explained that if the particular hotel refuses to cooperate, the STOA will have no choice but to take appropriate action.
“After all, we have to protect our businesses as well, because if other hotels do the same and provide their own transfer service to clients, the taxi business will cease to exist,” added Mr Kilindo.
He also explained that under the law, only taxi operators are among the only three parties allowed to transfer clients from one point to another on a commercial basis, with the other two being the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) and omnibus service.
According to the tourism policy on vertical integration (1.7 – Hotel/Courtesy Cars (Chauffeur-driven) five star hotels are allowed to have a maximum of two (2) courtesy cars.
It further states that five star hotels may own a maximum of two (2) courtesy cars for use by the hotels’ clients only as courtesy service (complimentary); in line with specifications set by the department of transport; while the hotel shall thus not charge clients for use of these cars.
The tourism vertical integration policy was designed to try and ensure that locals also can have a chance to fully participate and benefit so that the whole economy gains from tourism and that the consumer is best served through competition and diversity.
In general, the policy is that tourism operators should use the services of other service providers as much as possible, exceptions may be allowed for those on islands other than the three principal ones.
The aim is to ensure no one has a monopoly or dominant market position and unfair advantage and that everyone can operate and compete fairly, notwithstanding situations where it may not be in the best interest of the country to prevent cross-ownership or integration. The policy statements in the paper try to balance out all the concerns so as to create an environment where all can benefit.
Roland Duval