In a recent development, tourism transport professionals have lodged a formal complaint with Fatima Zahra Ammor, the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity. This complaint addresses the alleged inappropriate behavior of tour guides in Setti Fatma, who are reportedly refusing to accompany tourists and provoking professional drivers and transport agency operators. Such conduct has led to drivers receiving warnings from local law enforcement due to these ongoing issues.
The complaint highlights a troubling situation where some drivers are compelled to accompany tourists, only to find law enforcement waiting for them outside the tour guides' association. This refusal to assist tourists not only disrupts the drivers' work but also tarnishes the reputation of the tourist area. The transport professionals have called for an investigation into this behavior and the establishment of regulations to prevent such incidents from recurring. They have also expressed concerns about tourists being provoked in the area due to inflated meal prices imposed by restaurant owners.
In their complaint, the drivers are demanding that the law be enforced against those tour guides who refuse to fulfill their duties, including the potential revocation of their licenses. Additionally, the document stresses the need for training for tour guides on how to interact professionally with drivers and transport agency operators, prioritizing those with professional qualifications. Furthermore, they have called for a reassessment of the fee currently set at 300 dirhams, which they believe is excessive for a walking duration of just one and a half hours.
In contrast, Mohamed Benadi, the head of the tour guides’ office in Setti Fatma, has stated that some tourism transport drivers are attempting to overstep their professional boundaries by encroaching on the legally defined roles of tour guides. This behavior creates an illegal overlap between professions, negatively impacting the quality of tourism services and the adherence to the regulations governing the sector. He emphasized that the role of a tourism transport driver should be limited to transporting tourists and ensuring their safety during transit, while the responsibilities of guiding, instructing, and providing explanations are strictly within the purview of a certified guide. Benadi also pointed out that the insistence of some drivers on accompanying tourists outside this framework represents a clear violation of existing laws.
Benadi noted that this matter has now become a serious topic, expected to be presented to the relevant ministry soon for intervention and necessary actions to ensure that each party's professional competencies are respected. He underlined the importance of enhancing monitoring and activating deterrent measures against anyone found to be in violation, particularly as some drivers seek to take tourists to specific restaurants for personal gains.
The spokesperson further indicated that professionals would not hesitate to resort to legal action should there be any deliberate harm or malicious falsehoods directed towards tour guides, defending the dignity of workers in this sector and protecting their legitimate rights, thus ensuring the continued professionalism of the tourism industry in regions that still offer credible local products.
As reported by hespress.com.
