Scottish holidaymakers visiting the Canary Islands are being warned about a rise in illegal tours operating without proper licenses and training. These 'pirate tours' are targeting tourists at cruise ship ports, offering guided experiences despite lacking qualifications. The Professional Association of Tourist Guides (APIT) in Lanzarote has raised concerns about the impact on the island's reputation and urges visitors to only use trusted tour companies.
Scottish holidaymakers heading to the Canary Islands have been issued an urgent safety warning regarding illegal tours operating in the islands. The Canary Islands have long been a popular destination for UK tourists due to their year-round sunshine and proximity to the UK. However, travellers are being urged to exercise caution when booking sightseeing and activity tours, as there has been a surge in so-called 'pirate tours'.
\The Professional Association of Tourist Guides (APIT) in Lanzarote, a popular island in the archipelago, has reported that unlicensed operators are targeting visitors at Arrecife port, where cruise ships dock. They warn that these individuals are offering guided tours despite lacking the necessary training and licenses. Reports even suggest that holidaymakers are being crammed into overcrowded vehicles described as 'sardine cans'.\The Canarian Weekly newspaper relayed the APIT's concerns that Lanzarote's reputation as a 'premium' destination is being negatively impacted by these practices. APIT President López-Braña expressed his dismay, stating, 'This paints an unacceptable picture for a destination like ours, where untrained individuals feed tourists falsehoods about our island.' There are now calls for local authorities to implement stricter measures to combat these illegal operations and raise awareness among visitors. The advice remains to only utilize reputable and trusted tour companies
CANARY ISLANDS TOURISM ILLEGAL TOURS SAFETY WARNING SCOTLAND
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