Hotel sector reported damage after closure of three air routes

During this holiday season The hotel sector was affected in the country due to the closure of three important air routes such as Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic. This was announced by the president of the National Federation of Hotels of Venezuela (Fenahoven), Alberto Vieira.

In his opinion, this season was significantly affected after the decisions taken by the national Executive, once the electoral event was over. In addition, there was a decision to close air operations to three main destinations. “This had a considerable impact,” he said.

He stressed that, according to information from the Venezuelan Association of Airlinesabout 15 thousand seats were lost weekly. “People who were visiting Venezuela had to postpone and cancel their reservations at our establishments”he said in an interview with journalist Eduardo Rodríguez for a private Venezuelan media outlet.

Hotel federation reported damage to the sector after closure of three air routes

Vieira said the sector expected to reach five or even 10 percentage points above the previous month. “We did not meet our forecasts. We are around 29% overall in the country.”

“Caracas, which had been maintaining an occupancy rate above 50%, dropped to 45% in August. For September, the same rate will be maintained,” he said.

He compared that in 2023, hotels were 5% below. Therefore, he advocated promoting connectivity and a work plan that allows strengthening tourism service providers.

He stressed that high rates for public services and the tax burden affect the sector’s operations. They believe that there are decisions that affect their rates.

“We want to have competitive prices to provide the service we must provide to our customers, as well as to meet the quality standards that are necessary in our establishments,” Vieira concluded.