Coach operators could be forgiven for concluding that travelling abroad for overseas coach tours is a complication they could do without, writes Simon Ingham, Edwards Coaches Commercial Manager
It’s not my intention with that heading to get you thinking about the song by The Clash.
However, the title and content that follows reinvokes the dilemma that coach operators faced pre- and even post-Brexit: Should we continue to offer overseas coach tours or would we be better off focusing our efforts on the domestic market?
At a recent industry evening event was a presentation on vehicle security and the consequences of bringing clandestine entrants into the UK from abroad.
Sound guidance was provided on avoidance measures to prevent associated large fines faced by the driver and operator should an undocumented migrant be brought into the UK.
There was mention of an incident whereby one driver became aware of a clandestine on their vehicle. The driver did the right thing in reporting it to the relevant authorities and yet still faced a fine — as did the operator.
Had the driver not been aware of the illegal entry or simply not reported it, they arguably would not have been subject to the handover of a monetary penalty. That said, they would have risked a harder-hitting outcome.
It raises the question as to whether it is fair for a driver and operator to be penalised for doing the right thing and reporting their find, even after conducting the relevant preventative measures and checks.
Another consideration for operators arranging overseas coach tours is the 90/180-day rule. The ruling determines the maximum amount of time that non-EU/EEA nationals can spend within the Schengen area during a specific period.
Operators need to be mindful of the rules and police the number of days away a European tour driver spends in applicable areas. Moreover, the upcoming implementation of electronic measures at borders is likely to automate the calculation of periods of stay within the EU.
If those are the biggies, isn’t that enough to put anyone off European tours? I’ve not yet mentioned the threat of port delays, complexities in customer recovery if a breakdown occurs and ferry cancellations due to bad weather.
I’m not suggesting for one minute that our European programme is to be curtailed, but we need to continue to be on the top of our game, working with multiple authorities to ensure that we keep delivering seamless travel experiences and memorable holidays for our valued customers.
That said, isn’t it just easier to serve the UK market? In our experience, there is still a huge demand for breaks to the traditional bucket-and-spade destinations as well as more contemporary offerings including trips to the likes of Warner Bros Studio Tour and other UK theme parks.
It is very pleasing to see multiple towns, cities and attractions being awarded Confederation of Passenger Transport “Coach Friendly” status.
The work conducted by the sub-national transport body Peninsula Transport is impressive in helping to ensure that coaches continue to contribute to tourism in the South West, and is perhaps setting a blueprint for others to follow elsewhere.
It’s also pleasing that recent snags in Bibury have been worked upon. However, we are still faced with the growing threat of UK tourist taxes which may put people off. Is this enough to dissuade us from serving our home market? Of course not.
For us and others alike, we don’t want to be a one-trick pony and serve either the UK or the EU. We want to have our eggs in more than one basket. Variety is the spice of life and we find a good balance through the operation of UK and European tours, local bus services, and scheduled coach contracts, as well as private and executive hires.
When faced with the question of “should I stay or should I go?”, for us at least, the answer is “go, go, go”. That is, as long as we are as prepared as we can be for all eventualities, monitor developing situations and keep up to date with associated industry legislation to avoid “the clash”.
