Tourism Minister Stands By Airport Charge

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Tourism News

Monday, 19 November 2012 02:30

By Carol Williams

Antigua St. John's - Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation John Maginley continues to defend the Airport Administration Charge in the face of criticism by stakeholders that its recent introduction could spell trouble for visitor arrivals to the country.

The minister contends that tourists will continue to come here once their expectations of travel are met. And while he admitted that the cost of regional travel is high, he challenged the suggestion that taxes account for 60 per cent of ticket costs.

The charge was implemented on November 1 at a cost of US $37.50 for each passenger arriving and departing though the V C Bird International Airport. The minister told the Big Issues programme on Observer Radio on Sunday that the additional US$23 raised from each ticket will go towards upgrading the airport facility and ensuring it remains up to international standards.

"I understand that airlines have a challenge with that but they also have a challenge with us not being able to supply them with a safe runway..." he said. "We're doing what needs to be done to make sure the V C Bird airport is at international standard."

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