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Candidates call for spreading visitors, regulating tour group behavior and raising fees for out‑of‑town tour operators
Summary
Forum candidates suggested dispersing tourists across more Salem sites, tighter regulation of tour guides and higher fees or ticket taxes on tour companies to cover city costs for sanitation, police and toilets.
Candidates weighed resident concerns about tour groups, crowding and municipal costs against downtown businesses’ commercial interests. Erin Jaroski proposed encouraging visitors to disperse to Lafayette Park, the Bay and Canal Street to reduce congestion in the Essex Street/Samantha statue area. John Newhall and Andrew Smith suggested tour guides help direct visitors to other parts of the city and noted guides’ recommendations can shape visitor flow.
Several candidates sought stronger regulation of out-of-town tour operators. Cindy Jerslow said she would like “to put a moratorium on the tour guides” and noted more than 300 guides are currently listed with the city. William LeGault advocated studying a ticket tax on tours to generate revenue for police overtime, public works and bathrooms, arguing Salem’s visitor numbers are large and the city captures limited direct revenue.
No candidate proposed banning tours outright. Proposals ranged from better queue management and additional public restrooms to permit caps, higher bus-parking fees and possible fines for tour groups that obstruct sidewalks. Candidates said changes would require ordinance or permitting changes, enforcement resources and coordination with tourism stakeholders.
