SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Salem is proposing a three-tier licensing fee for tour companies and guides that would go into effect next year, and tour guides in the popular travel destination have been voicing their opinions on the proposal.
The ordinance was discussed at the April 11 city council meeting after Mayor Dominick Pangallo sent councilors the proposed amendments to the code around public guides.
The mayor proposed three tiers for public guide licenses between $150 to $350 depending on the group size, as well as an increase in violation fines. These changes would begin in January 2025.
Part of the reasoning behind the licensing change and fee increase is because of the growing number of guides in the Witch City. “The number of licensed guides has increased from 28 when the Ordinance was first adopted in 2006 to 175 this year, prompting a need to increase enforcement to keep pace,” said Pangallo in his letter to city councilors.
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However, some tour guides in Salem have expressed their surprise at the ordinance and the hope that the changes don’t hurt their industry.
Rebecca Johnson is a tour guide with Witch City Walking Tours, and she said she wants the council to make sure they include the people affected by this ordinance in conversations about it.
“I just hope for a continued open dialogue between the tour community, the residents, and the city council because I think we are all on the same team and there’s a lot of good that can come from this conversation.”
She added, “I just hope we can all be part of making the experience for the guests and the residents as positive as possible.”
Fellow tour guide Diane Sanchez also shared her reactions to the proposal. “Please hear us before you go making changes potentially to our business and our livelihood.”
For Diane, she was also concerned with tour guides being able to make a living. “I also want my fellow tour guide even from another company to earn his or her living, absolutely.”
Diane added that tour guides like her just want to be part of the conversation.
The ordinance has been sent to the Community and Economic Development Committee for review and more public comment.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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