This package tour affects the operations of legitimate taxi drivers who are deprived of passengers, said Rabby Syed, Saipan Taxi Association president.
The tour agencies use their own business cars and buses to transport tourists, he noted.
“I think they are not following the regulation because they operate a tour package and deprives legitimate taxi drivers of their livelihood,” Syed said.
Some taxi drivers not affiliated with the association also have a similar complaint.
Syed’s group has 20 members.
A tour agency executive, who declined to be identified, told Variety that a package tour is part of their promotional efforts of tour agencies.
More tourists, especially the group tourist, prefer a package tour because it is more convenient and economical, the executive said.
The package tour consists of transport services, activities or outings and plane tickets.
Officials of the Department of Commerce and the Marianas Visitors Authority recently met with the taxi operators to address their concerns, Syed said.
Syed said they will also ask the Division of Immigration about the immigration status of the tour agencies’ bus drivers.
