(Jamaica Observer) Jamaican and Trinidadian entrepreneurs are potential investors in an airline carrier aimed at tapping into the South American market.
The Brazilian Ambassador to Jamaica, Antonio F Da Costa e Silva Neto, revealed last week that one investment group has specifically set its sights on Brazil, South America’s largest market with a population of almost 200 million.
“We are of the understanding that there is one company — which is Jamaican and Trinidadian — that is looking at building an airline for the South American market,” Da Costa e Silva Neto said at a recent Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica breakfast meeting.
“Their idea is to fly from Sao Paulo (Brazil) each day to a different Caribbean destination,” the ambassador said.
The disclosure followed an assessment by Da Costa e Silva Neto describing Jamaica as having failed to seriously tap into Brazil’s lucrative tourist market, with just a mere 1,431 Brazilians visiting Jamaica from January to November 2011.
The diplomat suggested that the lack of a direct flight between the two countries is an impediment to Jamaica’s attracting Brazilian tourists.