Minister Lovell and members of the Taxi Association and Tour Operators Association View photo »

Minister of Tourism the Hon. Harold Lovell on Wednesday called a press conference to relay the terms of agreement between Taxi Drivers and other stakeholders who will be affected by a fare increase which comes into effect on December 15th, 2005

According to the Tourism Minister, the tourism sector is very important and it is critical to build an effective partnership to move the product forward. The advocacy of partnership and collaboration on behalf of the Minister resulted in the arrangement whereby a 20% increase for independent travelers will come into effect as of tomorrow. However, the understanding is such that in consideration of tour operators and excursionists who have already sold group tours and excursions, the increase will have a two pronged approach.

An increase of 10% will be implemented on the 15th of December, and on the 15th of April 2005, another increase of 10% will be implemented. The Tour Operators have agreed to absorb the initial increase so as not to put a strain or pass on this increase to the visitor after contractual arrangements have already been entered into.

Minister Lovell says that everyone has had to make a sacrifice to come to an agreeable position, and as such this is a proud moment for the industry to recognize that all partners have sat together to look at each others needs and apply commercial common sense in reaching an amicable agreement.

Bill Francis, Taxi Driver of the year as awarded by the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association, spoke on behalf of the National Taxi Drivers Association. He congratulated the Hon. Minister of Tourism for the work he has done in moderating the dialogue over the past few months.

He says that the Taxi drivers have been suffering for the past few months in relation to the hike in gas prices as well as the fact that they have not had an increase since 1998/99, and an increase was due. The deal was worked out to save tourism he said.

Representation was also made on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Tour Operators Association in the person of Patrick Ryan. He thanked all parties for the dialogue which in the beginning proved to be hectic. Already Tour Operators are interested in finding out about taxi rates for the 2007 ICC World Cup Cricket.

As a result of the success of these negotiations Minister Lovell has initiated the need for monthly forums among all stakeholders in provision of transportation for stability in the pricing structure. These partners are of course inclusive of ground handlers, tour operators, excursionists and the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board.

He says that all new arrangements coming out of these forums will be decided upon 12 months prior to implementation.

Digital photos by Samoya Kirby

For further information contact:

Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

Contacts:

773-1788 (cell) 462-0480 (office) 460-6093 (fax)

Email: samoya.kirby@antigua.gov.ag