Dear Sir:
Despite assurances by Minister of Tourism, Noel Lynch that intra Caribbean airfares would not be allowed to escalate in the wake of a LIAT/Caribbean Star merger and the re-branding on BWIA into Caribbean Airlines, fares within in the region are the highest on record.
Take a return flight from Barbados to St. Maarten as an example.
US$390.55 with Caribbean Airlines (the only non stop option), which includes a massive US$132.55 in taxes!
Click on to 'latest offers' on the Caribbean Airlines website and you will find the taxes payable for Barbados departures are the second highest of all the destinations offered within the region.
Every indicator shows that Barbados is going to suffer a very soft tourism summer after the mixed 'fortunes' of hosting the CWC Cricket Matches and intra Caribbean travel has traditionally been the lifeline for many of our accommodation providers and ancillary services.
Those Barbadians contemplating a long weekend away to a neighbouring island are now faced with inhibitive departure and other taxes, and unless this issue is addressed, it will certainly restrict any meaningful growth in travel throughout the region.
Adrian Loveridge
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