Fernandez Calls for Lower Regional Airfares During Caribbean Tourism Forum

2
Minister Fernandez/photo ABT Live

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez joined fellow Caribbean tourism leaders this week in New York to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the region’s tourism industry and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly crowded global market.

Fernandez participated in a ministerial panel during Caribbean Week in New York that focused on country branding, competitiveness and tourism growth across the Caribbean.

During the discussion, he outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s approach to sustaining tourism growth, including efforts related to national branding, infrastructure development, public-private partnerships and improving the quality of life for residents.

The minister also addressed the issue of regional connectivity, arguing that Caribbean governments must take a more serious approach to reducing the high cost of intra-regional air travel.

Fernandez said the future of Caribbean tourism remains promising but stressed the importance of greater collaboration among regional governments in developing policies and strategies to expand the sector.

The panel formed part of activities marking Caribbean Week in New York, which brings together tourism officials, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the region to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Caribbean tourism.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]

2 COMMENTS

  1. I remain convinced that either these people have absolutely no clue about what is taking place or these trips they go on are just joy rides. Doesn’t the Minister know what is the central issue affecting ticket prices..IT IS TAXES. What has ABLP done as a start to dealing with this issue so that other governments can consider doing? NADA, ZILCH, so to be asserting that because it makes good sound bit means absolutely nothing to those in the know. Enjoy your trip and happy shopping!!!!

  2. @. Well said. Something like 50% of regional ticket prices are due to taxes. Caribbean governments are very fond of indirect taxation, which disproportionately affects lower income households. They then turn around and blame the high cost of living on everything other than their policies.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here