Venezuela received this Tuesday, for the first time in 15 years, a cruise with almost 500 European tourists, who in the coming days will visit the Venezuelan island of Margarita, Nueva Esparta state.
The tourists, from Germany, Spain, Belgium, France and Italy, were received at the International Port of El Guamache (Nueva Esparta state) by the Ministers of Tourism and Transportation of Venezuela, Alí Padrón and Ramón Celestino Velásquez Araguayán, respectively. . representatives of local authorities, deputies and tour operators.
“We started the year happy, receiving this cruise with 498 tourists, mostly German. We broke the cellophane of sanctions and coercive measures,” Tourism Minister Alí Padrón told reporters, stressing that it is the result of a joint effort by local authorities and that “it is the first cruise ship of many to come.”
For his part, the Minister of Transportation, Ramón Celestino Velásquez Araguayán, explained that it is the “Amadea cruise” whose arrival “opens up a range of tourist opportunities” for the country.
“The boat brings tourists from Spain, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. This will benefit tourism in all of Venezuela, not only in the state of Nueva Esparta, because with these cruises the country will be exposed to citizens who want to travel and learn,” she said via Twitter.
In statements to journalists, the Minister of Tourism, Alí Padrón, explained that visitors will tour the Lagoa de La Restringa National Park, El Agua beach, the cities of Porlamar, Juan Griego, Pampatar and La Asunción, to see the spaces historical, gastronomic routes and other local attractions.
“We are working with the Ministry of Transport and Bolivarian of Portos (Bolipuertos, state) to adapt the necessary spaces and provide first-class attention to tourists,” said Alí Padrón, who stressed that it is “a great investment” of the Venezuelan government.
On the other hand, he explained that Venezuela plans to sign an agreement with Poland for “direct flights between Warsaw and Porlamar (Nueva Esparta), with 300 passengers a week.”
Upon arriving at Margarita, the visitors attended a sample of local crafts.
According to local authorities, more than 140 soldiers and officials from different security agencies carry out security operations for visitors along five tourist routes in Nueva Esparta.
Source: TSF
