Thiruvananthapuram (lamba safar): In a major labour-friendly initiative in the tourism sector, Kerala Government has made it mandatory for classified hotels and other tourist accommodation units in the state to provide restrooms and other basic facilities for tourist taxi drivers carrying domestic and foreign tourists in their vehicles.
The decision was taken in view of the vital role played by taxi drivers in the tourism industry, ensuring safe and comfortable movement of tourists across state. The difficulties faced by tourist taxi drivers were taken upon a priority basis by Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas during his interactions with the stakeholders including drivers’ unions.
The Minister had convened a meeting to look into the issue in January this year. Following discussions, the authorities concerned were directed to work out the guidelines for ensuring clean restroom facilities for taxi drivers, as part of initiatives to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all stakeholders in the tourism sector.
“Taxi drivers are an integral part of Kerala Tourism and this decision meets their long-pending demand of facilitating the basic amenities for them,” the Tourism Minister said.
“The taxi drivers have a vital role in ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience to tourists. They safely take tourists to the destinations of their choice and also share basic information about the places of their visit. The government is implementing an assurance given to the drivers through this order. This will help enhance the enjoyment of tourists as well” Shri Riyas said.
The Government Order issued in this regard the other day said “all the hotels and tourism accommodation units in Kerala shall henceforth provide ample rest room facilities including bathroom facilities for taxi drivers who transport domestic and international tourists to various tourist destinations in and around the state.”
The Tourism Department also has plans to issue special Identity Cards for tourist taxi drivers and hold awareness sessions for them.
