What's going on?

This month focuses on What's Going On within the Regulatory Directorate of the MTA.

Timeshare harassment

The Enforcement Unit regularly performs spot checks at sites normally frequented by Outside promotional contacts (OPC’s) to ensure as much as is reasonably possible that tourists are not harassed. Observing OPC behaviour to ensure that they are abiding by the strict code of conduct is a difficult unrewarding job but a job that has to be done to contain the damage caused by irresponsible timeshare promoters . Heavy fines are being imposed and the licences of repeat offenders are permanently revoked. Several OPC and Marketing Companies were fined around Lm 6,000.00 for not complying with the current legislation.

Two trained inspectors will be shortly engaged specifically to monitor OPC. Their role will be to patrol and book. Timeshare companies have promised to financially support this initiative. Till now nothing materialised out of this promise! Nevertheless MTA will proceed with its monitoring programme.

Renewal of Licences

A number of tourism operations are dragging their feet on the timely payment of licences and contributions. This is creating an unjust and uneven playing field leading to further abuse of the system. MTA will not tolerate this untenable situation. A massive exercise is at hand to address this issue. Operators without a valid licence for the current year are risking sanctions and heavy penalties following criminal court action.

Revised Standards for the Catering Sector

Together with the major stake holders the Regulatory Directorate is working on revising the catering regulations that would result in a more proper classification system which will include quality differentiating criteria. This legislation will introduce the concept of quality of service and quality of amenities in the legislation. In the process we are trimming down the regulation to make it simpler, less restrictive, eliminating overlaps with other enforcement departments like the Health Department. It will also create a more level playing field between take-aways, snack bars and restaurants.

Organised Tours without a licensed guide

All Tour Excursion operators are being warned that it is illegal to organise tours without engaging the services of a tourist guides who are in possession a valid licence issued by the MTA. Foreign tourist guides, including those with an EU citizenship, cannot guide in special designated locations unless, of course, they are in possession of a licence issued by MTA. Tours organisers in breach of the law run the risk of very heavy fines and repeated offences may result in the revocation of the licence.

Inspections will be heavily stepped up and anyone disregarding this advice will face criminal court action with very heavy penalties. One such tour organiser was recently fined Lm50. MTA appealed against this mild penalty and the Court of Appeal upheld our Appeal fining the perpetrator Lm500.

This issue is available at: 0704.