BRAZIL--Four major Brazilian wholesalers (travel agent firms and tourism-related companies) are now on board to strengthen promotions between St. Maarten and Brazil with American Airlines.
The wholesalers will assist in driving some of the Brazilian airlift to St. Maarten via Miami on American Airlines. If Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson is successful in securing a twice-weekly year-round flight from GOL airlines today, the American Airlines deal will complement that service.
Wholesalers MMP Gapnet, Master Turismo, Monark and Nascimento have also guaranteed their services in St. Maarten’s efforts to secure the GOL flight. Their cooperation in promoting the destination is vital to Richardson and Tourism Bureau Head Regina Labega, who can now meet with GOL with significant support from the Brazilian tourism market already secured.
Richardson said he had met with American Airlines Director of Sales in São Paulo, Brazil, Jose Roberto Trinca and they had agreed to the joint promotions for the Brazil-Miami-St. Maarten flight. Details of the joint promotions will be released at a later date, he said.
“This just gives us additional options as we try to expand our presence in the South American market. We already have a long-standing relationship with American Airlines; this is a win-win for St. Maarten and the airline,” Richardson said.
He added that he remained confident going into today’s meeting with GOL executives, who have expressed that they will be seeking assistance from St. Maarten in aggressively marketing the flight to ensure its success.
“Our combined efforts with these wholesalers, along with South America’s largest wholesaler CVC and our representative Ricardo Ramon, are a clear indication of our commitment to make any potential agreement work. Like I’ve said before, we recognise the importance of this market and we will do what’s necessary to make it a success,” he said.
The GOL flight will be via Bogotá, Colombia, to St. Maarten. The current seasonal charter flight from Brazil executed by CVC using a GOL aircraft is completely booked.
