In Bruges a city guide has been issued with a charge sheet because his group included two people too many in violation of a new by-law limiting the number of tourists per guide group in the West Flemish capital to 20. The case is now being considered by an official, who must determine the size of any fine. The city of Bruges says it has no plans to amend the regulations for the time being.
Bruges city guide faces fine after tourist group exceeded new limits on number of participants
Colin Clapson
Published:
According to the guide, the two visitors only joined the group later on, causing him to unintentionally exceed the 20-person limit.
But alderwoman Minou Esquenet with special responsibility for tourism is clear. “Whether it’s two or twenty people too many, a guide should always know exactly how many people they are guiding.” She believes guides must always be vigilant, for example even if a client sends them out with too many people. “If people who have got lost join the group, you really should say: ‘Sorry folks, you’re not part of the group’.”
“We introduced the restriction after consulting with all the guides’ associations. They agreed. There was also broad support in the municipal council for the measure, which is intended to address residents’ complaints about large tourist groups.’
The rule has been in force officially since 1 March. The city council provided for a transition period of at least six months, as groups often book well in advance.
The city council leaves the handling of fines entirely to the official responsible. "They will decide entirely independently on the size of the fine, taking the circumstances into account," says Esquenet. "We never intervene in breaches of such regulations, whatever they may be. As far as the current fine is concerned, we must wait and see whether the circumstances will lead to a more lenient fine than is usually the case.’
"No reason to make adjustments"
The guides’ associations would like to consult with the city authorities with a view to amending the regulations. Esquenet is, in principle, open to this, but does not wish to act hastily. “We are not going to simply scrap an agreement reached after lengthy consultation just because of this one case. Moreover, so far only three breaches of the new regulations have been recorded in total.”
“Look, there is frequent consultation with the guides. Another meeting is scheduled very soon. I am prepared to discuss everything. But at present, I see no reason to make any changes,” she concludes.