REPORTS of unruly and uncompetitive
behaviour from a “trio” of merchants
operating at Port Chalmers wharf at Port Otago
in New Zealand has led wharf authorities to
impose a blanket ban on all tourism operators
spruiking their wares directly at the port.
Complaints and expressions of concern had
been received from passengers, cruise lines
and even Cruise New Zealand, the port said.
According to the Otago Daily Times, increases
in competition for tourist business led to a few
taking some drastic measures to impact on the
successful operation of their competitors.
These actions reportedly included car
blocking and one man sleeping in his tour bus
overnight to ensure he was first in line for
passengers arriving on a ship in the morning.
The new rules stipulate that bookings for
shore excursions will be taken by Dunedin City
Council, who will take a commission before
dividing tour business among the operators
who work at the port during peak season.
