A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling on the government to take all proactive measures [within its control] to lower the cost of air-travel to and from Guyana.
In a press statement, the main opposition political party said, “Taking into consideration that a round-trip economy class ticket from Guyana to the United States of America now costs over $1100.00 USD; and that the government of Guyana gets 15% of the base fare plus levies a departure tax of $4000.00 Guyana Dollars; APNU is of the opinion that such a steep rise in the cost of international air travel must be addressed immediately.”
APNU notes that high travel taxes in the Caribbean has caused and will continue to cause severe decline in intra-regional and international travel.
According to the party, “In Antigua the ticket tax is 10% of the base fare; Grenada charges 6.7% of base fare; Jamaica (inclusive of passenger service and security fee, Airport improvement fee, stamp tax, passenger facility charge, aviation service charge) -10% of base fare plus a travel tax of 3%; Trinidad and Tobago –passenger service charge $4.4% and St. Lucia-Travel Tax 4%.”
The Party is convinced that with lower taxes, more persons will be encouraged to travel and this surge will serve as a cushion for any potential loss of revenue.
“With competing airlines operating out of Cheddie Jagan International Airport last year, Guyana gained more than $1B in Travel Voucher Taxes alone.
APNU therefore strongly recommends that the government of Guyana reduce the travel voucher tax.” APNU noted that the reduction in the travel voucher tax will reduce the base price of an airline ticket and this will have an immediate, positive effect on the number of persons opting to travel to and from Guyana.
