SVG Tourism Authority launches two-week vehicle inspections

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), said it has initiated a comprehensive two-week inspection of taxis, tour buses, and short-term vehicle rentals across mainland St. Vincent and Bequia. The inspection which started on Monday, October, 7, will run until Friday, October 18, 2024 on the mainland; and from Monday, October 14, to Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in Bequia. These inspections are a key part of SVGTA’s ongoing commitment to upholding safety, quality, and service standards within the transportation sector, which play a vital role in enhancing the overall tourism experience, the Authority said in a release.

The Authority has set out a set of key requirements for Operators as follows:

• Operators must present valid Vehicle Insurance and Red Cross certificates.
• All vehicles must be equipped with a fully stocked first aid kit.
• A functional and up-to-date fire extinguisher must be present in each vehicle.
• The vehicle’s interior and exterior must comply with the standards for taxi operators and the code of practice for short-term vehicle rentals.

The SVGTA is urging all vehicle operators in the specified categories to treat these inspections with the utmost seriousness, as they are critical for maintaining the high standards of service that both visitors and locals expect. Persons requiring additional information may contact the SVG Tourism Authority at (784) 456-6222 or email svgta@discoversvg.com.