Today 200 cruise coaches: “Back to pre-covid levels”

Friday 7 June 2024 — 11.04am

“Today is the first day of the 2024 cruise season in which we can say we have returned to pre-Covid levels, with approximately 200 coaches organized by the Cruise Service in Bus between the ports of Livorno and La Spezia”: he speaks with appropriate satisfaction Pasquale Scalesiapresident of the most important consortium of tourist buses in Tuscany which is based in Livorno, in a press release sent by Cna on 7 June on the day in which it can

once again look to the future with a certain optimism. “We certainly cannot claim victory – he continues – because the international situation has a huge impact on this sector made up solely of foreign tourists, including many Americans. Some destinations are off limits, others could become so, but Tuscany, of which Livorno is the main sea port, is currently once again reaching the attendance numbers of the pre-pandemic period. The work of our consortium now permanently includes the ports of Livorno and La Spezia thanks to consolidated relationships with the main tour operators and we carry out a great logistical job which provides employment on days like these to

hundreds of people alongside including drivers, tour guides, companions and ground staff. Unfortunately – states the president of CSB bitterly – we could do even more and even better, but we are plagued by the lack of drivers: we have local companies that have buses stopped because they have no drivers, and we are thus forced to bring buses from outside too province and sometimes region, with a significant reduction in revenues and a significant increase in logistical work. Being a driver is a good job even for young people, well paid, with certain and controlled working and driving times, with vehicles in which technology is increasingly advancing, giving

assistance in the safety and comfort of driving and travel. There is work, obviously you need a professional category license and driving experience, but our companies are willing to pay for the course and immediately hire on a permanent basis so as to help the new recruits grow professionally”. “That of passenger transport logistics – he adds Alessandro Longobardi union coordinator of CNA transport – it is a sector that in Livorno has significant numbers of coaches, NCCs and taxis and offers a basic service for cruise tourism. The view that these activities take tourists away from the city must be corrected, because they actually serve those people who arrive in Livorno with the sole purpose of visiting other destinations in Tuscany, giving work to local companies and employees. If well organised, that service will leave Livorno with the memory of an excellent port. Instead, there is a need to increase the mobility and tourist offer for all those who have perhaps already been to Florence and who can combine a visit to Pisa or Lucca with a visit to Livorno, or for tourists who for various reasons in this port of their cruise they don’t buy tours on board and still go down in search of something characteristic or good, all things they can find in Livorno. The cruise passenger – concludes Longobardi – must be pampered and interested with attractive proposals, where he must arrive with maximum efficiency in mobility and on this last point our companies are at the top”.