QCOSTARICA — Cheaper flights for travel in Central America could become a reality despite the government’s opposition.
Legislator Eli Feinzaig, of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), assured that the Legislative Assembly has the necessary votes to overcome an eventual veto by President Rodrigo Chaves.
Feinzaig expressed his confidence that the bill, which establishes reduced fares for airline tickets within the region, approved in the second debate by at least 34 legislators, will be imposed even if the president decides to block it.
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“We have contemplated the possibility that President Chaves decides to veto the bill for low-cost flights in Central America, and we believe that there is a high probability that this will happen. However, we are prepared for the eventuality. We have more than enough votes to reseal the veto and continue breaking the record of the president with the most vetoes rejected by the Legislative Assembly,” said the legislator.
The initiative proposes a maximum rate of ¢25,000 colones (US$50), each way, which is equivalent to a total cost of $100 for a round trip within Central America.
Currently, a flight to and from San Jose to Nicaragua, for example, can cost four to five times the proposed low-cost, or two to three times to destinations such as Panama.
This benefit would be achieved through a reduction in departure taxes and airport fees for flights with final destinations in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Flights to and from the Dominican Republic and Central America would be around $120 return due to differences in rates.
The initiative, however, has generated criticism from the Executive Branch and the tourism sector.
Both the government and industry representatives have warned that this reduction could encourage tourists to stay less time in Costa Rica, affecting the local economy. “We want tourists to stay and spend in Costa Rica, and not come for a couple of days and go to another place in Central America,” President Chaves has stated in the past.
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