Tourism Needs Boost To Face
Economic Crisis
Better credit terms, lower interest rates and longer repayment
periods is what the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur) is telling
the government is required to boost the local tourism industry.
"We suggest to the Government to renew the conditions credit terms
for the resorts, lower interest rates for at least three years and
longer terms to repay, given the international financial crisis,"
said Silvia Carboni, director of Canatur.
The director also suggests that the government write off some debts
to help stimulate the sector even further.
According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), tourism could
come to a standstill and even contract as the economic recession
continues around the world.
Carboni added that the sector requires a big boost by the state
banks - the Banco de Costa Rica, the Banco Nacional and the
Bancredito - as well as the Banco Popular.
The Canatur head said that a healthy tourism industry will mean the
creation of more jobs.
Many hotel operators are reporting declining numbers, some as high
as 50% less in the 2009 high season over 2008.
This year no reservation is required at most hotels and resorts, as
empty rooms, suites and villas are common.
Many tourist operators are hoping for the situation to improve,
especially for "Semana Santa" (Easter week).
So far none of the major hotel chains have laid off employees,
preferring to cut work hours and no overtime. However, that
situation could change quickly if the rooms continue to stay empty.
During his speech last Thursday, Costa Rican president Oscar Arias,
touched on the subject of the recession hitting the tourism sector,
however, did not include in his "Plan Escudo" any specific
provisions for the tourism industry.
The president predicts a reduction in tourism as the overall economy
goes into a slump, which will mean less foreign investment,
translating into higher unemployment and increased poverty.
For his part, the ministro de Turismo, Carlos Ricardo Benavides,
feels that the government has included measures in its "Plan Escudo"
for the tourism sector by asking the state banks to lower their
interest rates.
Benavides, did however, concur with Canatur that the banks needs
will need to be pressured to offer the tourism industry more
favourable credit terms.
The minister says that the situation of less visitors than last year
will not so severe that it will mean closures of hotels and/or mass
layoffs.
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