The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is concerned about Barbados’ competitiveness  as a destination and about what it feels is lack of proper consultation on key issues including the recent increase in taxi fares.

The concerns were articulated by the chair of the BHTA, Rene Coppin on VOB’s Down to Brasstacks call-in program.

Mrs. Coppin insists the association supports a rate increase for the taxi operators but takes issue with how it was done.

She believes they are significant implications for the tour operators who bring thousands of visitors to Barbados which she indicates is a destination that has challenges in terms of its value for money proposition.

The BHTA Chair believes such developments have implications for Barbados’ competitiveness.

Meantime transportation operator, Stevon Roberts, who owns a number of taxis,  criticizes the hoteliers’ request for a three month delay.

He takes issue with the argument that the increase will hurt the profits of other tourism players.

Transportation operator, Stevon Roberts