A stalwart euro could bring tourists to the Caribbean

The Caribbean could pan out to be a place of choice for European tourists if the Old World’s currency continues its rising trend against the U.S. dollar, a situation that’s already causing wariness among Spanish hoteliers.

Some experts claim the reevaluation of the euro against the greenback occurred in the recent months –around 20 percent of its face value- has wound up being a new threat for the tourist sector on the eve of the upcoming high-peak season in such places as Spain’s Costa Blanca.

Uncle Sam’s money goes on to be the currency of choice in the Caribbean and taking advantage of this situation, the region has launched out an offer policy in an effort to try to seize on the biggest chunk of the market possible among European travelers who prefer spending their spare time in sun-and-beach destinations.

Right now, some traditional areas as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Mexico –whose hotels are either owned or run by Spanish chains- are offering a July special 9-day all-in travel and stay package for just 700 euros with the high-peak season now in full swing. These are slightly higher prices than those found in Spain’s Costa Blanca, but very aggressive given the exoticism of spending some vacations in a paradise-like beach, “even though you could stay in a deluxe flophouse that you sometimes don’t want to leave,” the connoisseurs point out.

Pere Joan Devesa, chairman of Hosbec –an association clustering all Benidorm hotels- admitted “there’s no doubt that if the euro gets stronger than the dollar, there’ll be a somewhat timely detour. However, count me in among those who believe we need a mighty currency in the long run.”

Mr. Devesa avowed “what we need to do is keep up the hardworking to make tourists choose our destination because of its quality and service.”

Other sources pointed out “the Caribbean is highly interesting because of its out-of-the-way looks. Low prices make it twice as much competitive, but we should bear in mind there’re not so many return travelers going there. Nevertheless, there might be a somewhat timely detour along the way.”