Some of the most notable effects caused by the spread of covid-19 is the cancellation of at least 8,000 hotel nights in Costa Rica, and the interruption by Iberia of its flights from Madrid to Guatemala and San Salvador.
Businessmen in the region agree that due to the virus that has been spreading from China, supply chains have been interrupted, which is combined with a drop in the transit of people, causing losses to the tourism sector.
Iberia increased the weekly number of flights from 4 to 7, implying an 80% increase in the supply of seats.
According to the airline's representatives, the route between Europe and Central America has a high potential for growth, and the profile of passengers who demand flights do so for business or vacation.
Regarding the increase in the number of flights between Spain and the Central American country, Luis Gallego, president of Iberia, explained to Prensalibre.com that "... Guatemala and El Salvador are strategic for the company and since November it will operate a daily flight."
In the first three months of 2012 the number of travelers increased by 8%, while airlines operating at La Aurora Airport increased the frequency of their flights.
Statistical data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation shows that the companies Copa, United, Aeromexico, Iberia and Interjet have increased their flights to and from La Aurora Airport from 36 daily flights to 48.
Starting October 1st, the Spanish airline will operate a flight between San Salvador – Madrid and will inaugurate non-stop flights between Spain and Panama.
The Salvadoran flight will make a small stop in Guatemala, while the return flight will be non-stop between El Salvador and Madrid.
In October, the company will inaugurate non-stop flights between Spain and Panama, which were previously routed through Guatemala.
Starting on July 2, the company will increase by five the number of flights between the City of Guatemala and Madrid, via Panama.
In addition to the current schedule of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sunday will be added.
Herbert Hernández writes for Prensalibre.com: "Another novelty in addition to the fact that Iberia will incorporate departures and arrivals to Guatemala, San José, Costa Rica, and Panama is the ability to do billing through the Internet at www.iberia.com."
Iberia airlines and the Central American Tourism Agency have signed an agreement to promote Central America in Europe.
Based on the agreement, the airline's logo will now appear next to the Central American Tourism Agency (CATA) on promotional materials for the European Market and at International tourism fairs where CATA will promote the regional as a mulitple destination.
The Spanish airline will operate a fifth weekly flight to Guatemala and Panama on Sundays.
The fourth frequency was added only last May, which indicates the success of this route.
According to Iberia, the figures speak for themselves. In 2007 Iberia carried 253,000 passengers between Central America and Europe, a 17.5 per cent rise on 2006, with average seat occupancy of nearly 90 per cent.
Spanish airline Iberia has added a fourth weekly flight to its Madrid-Panama City schedule.
The new flight will increase the capacity on the route by 14,000 passengers or 27 percent. The Madrid-Panama City route includes a stopover in Guatemala City.