Sunday, May 25, 2008

TCB Offers Statement on Fuel Costs and Effect on Bonaire Tourism

As everyone is well aware, the rising cost of fuel will have a negative effect on different industries, including those of aviation and tourism.  In all of the important markets for Bonaire (North America, Europe, and South America), one can already see consequences.  In the North American market, fuel prices already rose 40%, causing the closure or bankruptcy of some companies, while others strive to continue.

Recently, the islands of the Caribbean were informed that many airlines which fly to the islands from the United States would need to take severe measures because of the rise in fuel costs.  The Caribbean, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), should be alerted to these drastic measures, which may include cancellation of services or routes which don’t have sufficient capacity, or the removal of airplanes from service, thus reducing flights.  With those airlines that continue to service the islands, passengers can expect higher airfares.

Upon receiving this warning from the CTO, the Tourist Corporation Bonaire (TCB) has been in contact with its North American airline partners, which are mainly Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Eagle, and the good news is that preliminary indications are that Bonaire will have minimum changes.  TCB continues in negotiations with the airlines to determine what effects there may be and what actions may be necessary.  TCB will take the necessary steps to guarantee airline capacity for the North American market, which showed a 19.4% increase in 2007. 

To view the TCB release (in Papiamentu), click here, available in PDF format.  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)