Make regional airlift attractive

If this island wants to reap the full benefits from the tourism sector, then it is going to have to address the issue of regional airlift.

This is according to the Chairman and CEO of Soco Hotel, Ralph Taylor, who was one of the panelists at the discussion on ‘Meeting the Development Needs of the Region’, which was a part of the Alumni Symposium held under the theme of ‘Taking the Region Forward: An Alumni Perspective’ organized and hosted by the 70 Anniversary Committee in collaboration with The UWI Alumni Association (Barbados) Chapter as part of the 70th anniversary of the UWI.

“We cannot get tourists if you do not have transportation. Therefore, the region has to address the problem of regional airlift. We need to address not only airlift to the region, but airlift within the region.”

He said that there needs to be a detailed evaluation of the international air transport to the Caribbean as well as an examination into having a regional air carrier traveling to international markets. “This would provide the region with a level of control over its destiny and a level of vertical integration in the market places that are deemed desirable,” he said.

Furthermore, it is imperative that this regional carrier operate at competitive prices in order to encourage its use, the Soco Hotel CEO said.

“There is a dire need for a regional carrier to operate at a competitive price to drive regional businesses and create international linkages at a price point and with realistic connections to be a force in the global arena. Competitive pricing would encourage tourists to take dual destination holidays, an opportunity that is largely lost at present due to the complexities of booking.”

He continued, “The reason that dual destination holidays is limited at present is that the consumer does not want to waste time with the inconveniences and lack of integration in the global distribution network. There is also the additional cost associated with the experience, so that the consumer takes another option by booking elsewhere.”

Another thing that would help is waiving associated taxes and in this regard, Taylor called on the Government to assist.

“The average air ticket on LIAT today to travel for 30 to 45 minutes between the Eastern Caribbean islands is between US $250 and US $500 per ticket, of which approximately 50 per cent represents taxes paid to regional Governments. This has been a killer in regional travel and international connections. It is a damper on regional travel when travel to Miami/New York and the like is at a competitive price or sometimes less expensive. Governments should waive taxes on regional travel in the interest of the bigger picture.”