The Hotel Union of Lanzarote and La Graciosa (Hostelan), an integral part of the Tourist Federation of Lanzarote, has denounced the "persistent and aggravated situation of the taxi service on the island", and has expressed its "deep concern about the negative impact" that it is having on the tourism sector and, in particular, on the hotel industry.
"Despite repeated complaints and denunciations, the situation remains the same," lamented the president of Hostelan, Orlando Ortega.
The complaints from establishments and clients focus mainly on the poor attention of the switchboard, where waits of between 20 and 30 minutes occur just to get the phone answered. Once contact is made, the response is often that the taxi will be sent "when one becomes free", which leads to further delays for an indefinite time.
The hotel employers' association explains that this situation causes direct damage to the hotel industry and restaurants, especially in tourist areas such as Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen: it entails "cancellations of reservations from clients who cannot get a taxi to get to the establishment or complaints from those who finish their dinners or lunches and cannot return to their accommodations."
Hostelan considers it imperative to improve the taxi service, firstly with the urgent implementation of the platform announced by the Cabildo.
"Digitalization and the implementation of new channels that facilitate the request for the taxi service are essential," they point out, insisting that it is not admissible to have to invest up to half an hour just to get in contact by telephone.
On the other hand, they emphasize the need to address the waiting times for the effective arrival of the taxi. "The current situation is unsustainable for our businesses and damages the image of Lanzarote as a tourist destination. We need immediate and effective solutions from the authorities," demands Orlando Ortega.
Hostelan thus reiterates its call to the Cabildo of Lanzarote and the City Councils to act with agility and coordination, promoting structural solutions that guarantee a modern, accessible taxi service adapted to the real needs of the destination, both for tourists and residents.
