The Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Gol Airlines of Brazil yesterday held a joint media launch of Gol's weekly flight from Sao Paulo to Tobago.
The launch took place at the Renascence Hotel, in Sao Paulo and was attended by the Brazilian media, tour operators and travel agents as well as stakeholders from the Tobago tourism sector.
Administrator in the Division of Transport Oscar Braithwaite told the media of the strong ties between T&T and Brazil and said the flight significantly helps to open up the South American market to Tobago.
"This flight will allow Brazilians to travel, without visas, between Tobago and Sao Paulo in half the time it currently takes. The flight starts at an introductory offer of just US$599 return and is part of the strategy of the Division of Tourism and Transportation to have greater access to the Latin American market.
"Brazil is the gateway to South America and a leader in this region and we are delighted to have this partnership with your leading airline," he said.
Braithwaite said T&T is a major exporter of LNG to Brazil and there are good links between this country and its South American neighbours.
Gol's commercial director for international flights Oscar Tejada said Tobago has become the 16th international destination the airline flies to and the flight will originate from Sao Paulo on Saturdays and return to Brazil from Tobago on Sunday mornings starting on January 31.
"The flight from Sao Paulo to Barbados will take five hours 40 minutes and then there will be a 50 minute lay over while passengers disembark and others come onto the plane. Then the flying time to Tobago will be 50 minutes. We want this flight to work and we feel there are real opportunities for Brazilians to visit Tobago now that there are direct flights." Tejada said.