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travel
news review
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28
April '99
The collapse in March of Peru's
international airline, AeroPeru, is proving to have long-term effects
for the country's tourism industry. With only one airline, AeroContinente,
offering domestic flights, visitors are competing to find a seat on flights
and paying high fees for the privilege. Because the airline is not connected
to international booking systems, many foreign travel agents are having
a difficult time making reservations or even determining what flights
are offered. Some agents have cancelled tours because they are unable
to arrange transport for their clients. AeroPeru's officials are looking
for a new partner in the hopes of restarting the airline, but in the meantime,
most travellers will have to take to the ground and explore the slower
means of travelling in Peru.
22
March '99
AeroPeru, Peru's oldest airline, officially closed last week. All international
flights were cancelled on 9 March and the airline continued honouring
tickets for national flights until 13 March only on the main flights to
Iquitos, Cuzco and Arequipa. Passengers holding tickets for other flights
can request refunds after 15 March at the main office in Lima. Having
vanquished their main competition by offering bargain fares to travellers,
AeroContinente, now the main national airline, immediately raised the
price on their fares.
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