FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DUTCH AIRLINE KLM EXTENDS FLIGHT SERVICES TO PORT OF SPAIN

Port of Spain, September 5^th, 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts and Tourism Trinidad Limited are delighted to announce that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, in a move that underscores the growing appeal of our captivating islands, is expanding its flight services to Trinidad and Tobago, from operating three flights per week to four flights for the balance of 2023.

Since 2^nd quarter 2023, KLM has been operating an average of 12 flights per month to Piarco on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sunday from Schiphol, Amsterdam, St. Martin and then to Piarco. The average load factor for these flights was 80 percent of the marketed seats for our route. With the return flight having an estimated load factor of 90 percent per flight. It can be noted that there would be a further expansion of the schedule for January and February 2024 with the addition of a fifth flight for period.

This also means that there will be a total of 212 flights from KLM this year with the addition of the fourth flight October.

This expansion comes on the heels of Tourism Trinidad’s successful participation in Vakantiebeurs 2023, a leading European tourism fair held in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts led a delegation to the tourism fair and also had fruitful discussions with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ executives at the airline’s headquarters.  During this meeting, the airline expressed their satisfaction with the performance of the Amsterdam to Port of Spain route indicating that it performed ‘above their expectations’.

The local team effectively conveyed the rising demand for this route, aligning with Trinidad and Tobago’s broader tourism strategy, which targets the Dutch and European travel markets. The partnership with KLM, offering direct flight connectivity, is poised to significantly boost visitor arrivals, particularly from the Benelux region. It is expected to continue driving tourism and economic growth in Trinidad and Tobago.

This strategic partnership aligns seamlessly with Trinidad and Tobago’s overarching tourism strategy, focusing on the development of Dutch and European travel markets. It also allows for businesses to have direct access to the European traveller.

Minister Mitchell, expressed his pleasure about this expanded service, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome KLM’s extended flight services to Trinidad and Tobago. This development reflects our nation’s increasing appeal as a premier tourist destination. We believe that improved connectivity will not only promote cultural exchange but also drive economic growth and tourism in both of our countries.”

Carla Cupid, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Trinidad, added, “This is a monumental moment for the tourism industry in our country. KLM’s direct flights provide European travellers with easier access to our rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and vibrant atmosphere. We eagerly anticipate building stronger partnerships with KLM and other stakeholders to showcase the exceptional experiences awaiting visitors in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Travelers from around the world now have greater opportunity to discover the unparalleled beauty and culture of Trinidad and Tobago, now more accessible than ever with KLM’s expanded flight services.

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