|
TACA
Proposes Cutting Prices To Promote Central
American Tourism
TACA
airlines has announced a new program to generate
more tourism in Central America with its "Vive,
vuela: Centroamérica es tuya" (live, fly;
Central America is yours) program that is
pretending to cut ticket prices from 20% to 64%
for travel to and from Central America.
The announcement was made Wednesday night in San
Salvador, the home country of the airline, that
operates throughout Central America, in the
presence of TACA officials, and ministers, vice-
ministers and representatives of tourism in the
region.
The airline's president, Roberto Kriete,
stressed the importance of state support for the
program, asking for the support of the various
Central American countries for the program.
"The tax significantly increases the price of
the ticket, in some cases as much as 40% of the
price", said Kriete.
Kriete added that the airline tested the market
for the program during Semana Santa (Easter
Week) and the May long weekend and in both cases
found that Costa Rica was the preferred choice
destination by many travellers with 1.316
passengers taking advantage of the promotional
price to Costa Rica.
Fernando Naranjo, president of Taca Costa Rica,
added that the program is important for the
Central American countries to get a bigger share
of visitors and of course that brings in more
tourism dollars and more tax dollars for the
countries visited.
As of yesterday it was unknown is Costa Rican
officials will reduce the tax imposed on airline
tickets and airport fees.
Allan Flores, vice minister of Tourism, the
lowering of taxes is a matter for the Ministrio
de Hacienda (Revenue ministry).
"We can consider the possibility that there can
be some additional benefit to Central American
tourism, but it does require some study", said
Flores.
The vice-minister added that it is important
that Costa Rica promote itself independently.
"What we are saying is that each destination has
its own identity and not to reach a position of
all being alike", said Flores.
|
|
