Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Savannah’s Walking Tours!
Hey there, folks! If you love Savannah, you know that its walking tours are some of the most fun and exciting ways to explore the city’s history and hauntingly beautiful scenery. But it seems that change is in the air as the city’s Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) gears up to vote on a pilot program that could shake things up for nighttime walking tours in the downtown area.
What’s the Buzz?
During a recent meeting, TAC discussed the idea of setting new rules regarding the hours and locations of walking tours that run through some pretty popular residential areas. This came about after feedback from local residents, who have raised concerns about an influx of tourists wandering the streets late at night. With complaints mostly rolling in after 10 p.m., it’s clear that something needs to be done to keep the peace!
Proposed Restrictions
So, what’s on the table? The committee is looking into establishing certain boundaries for walking tours after the clock strikes 10 p.m.. Initially, city staff suggested that tours should stop south of Liberty Street and east of Lincoln Street during those late-night hours. That means vibrant places like Taylor, Lafayette, and Madison Squares would no longer host nighttime tours, effectively curtailing lively foot traffic.
But hold on! That’s not the only idea floating around. Another suggestion from a TAC representative is to adjust these boundaries to stop tours even further south of Oglethorpe Avenue and east of Abercorn Street. This alteration would cut off access to notable spots like the Colonial Park Cemetery after darkness falls. It seems the residents have some strong feelings about where these tours should and shouldn’t go!
Finding Balance
Charlie Brazil, a tourism representative on the TAC, feels optimistic about these changes. “We think this is a really good intermediate step,” he shared. He believes the geographic and time restrictions could offer substantial relief to annoyed neighbors while still allowing visitors to soak in Savannah’s charm.
Public Meetings Galore!
Before any decisions are made, the city plans to hold a couple of public meetings to keep everyone in the loop—especially walking tour companies. With around 80 registered walking tour operators in Savannah, it’s crucial to ensure that their voices are heard too! Currently, the TAC has only two representatives from this group, so these additional discussions will foster a sense of fairness and community engagement.
What Does the Future Hold?
But wait, there’s more! The pilot program may also pave the way for broader changes if these regulations prove effective. Potential ideas could include mandatory in-ear technology for tours with over ten guests and possibly lowering the cap on guests allowed from 30 to somewhere below. Whispers suggest this has stirred some concern among tour operators, who worry about how these changes might affect the overall customer experience and their bottom lines.
It’s clear that Savannah is taking thoughtful steps toward balancing its rich tourism industry with the well-being of its local community. Whether the walking tours will continue to thrive or make adjustments, one thing’s for sure—the charm of Savannah is here to stay! Stay tuned as the TAC votes in January, and let’s keep wandering down these vibrant streets, whether day or night!
