Press Release - San Pedro Tourist Guide Association - November 25th,
2003 - In a recent meeting (November 1st, 2003), organized by the San
Pedro Tourist Guide Association (SPTGA), six major tour operators met
and discussed several problems related to the following four large
services provided by them: Manatee Snorkel Tour, Altun Ha Jungle River
Tour, Lamanai Jungle River Tour, and Cave Tubing Tour. During the
discussion, four major issues were determined to be sources of these
service problems: inflation, fuel price, license fees, and park fees.
Details of these issues included: Inflation - Generally, inflation has
been on a very fast rise in the last 20 years and none of these trips
have had a price increase. Therefore, trip expenses grew, making the
profit margin minimal. Fuel Price - The price of fuel has drastically
risen in the last 20 years and the selling price of these tours has not
risen to compensate for the extra expense. License Fees - It is a
mandatory requirement to obtain a tour guide license, tour operator's
license, and third party insurance that make the cost of operating
higher, yet the selling price of these tours has not risen to
compensate for the extra expense. Park Fees - The cost of visitation to
either archeological, or marine sanctuaries has made the expense more,
yet the selling price of these tours has not risen.
Due to these four factors, the operators agreed to adjust the selling
price of these tours. The following will represent Present Cost - (PC)
and New Selling Price - (NSP). Manatee Snorkel Tour: PC - US$75, NSP -
US$100; Altun Ha Jungle River Tour: PC - US$60, NSP - US$80; Lamanai
Jungle River Tour: PC - US$125, NSP - US$140; Cave Tubing Tour: PC -
US$140, NSP - US$160.
The San Pedro Tourist Guide Association supports its members in this
much-needed change and regrets any inconveniences caused due to this
price adjustment effective December 20th, 2003.
Through this medium, the SPTGA thanks you for your understanding and
support. May we all enjoy a very healthy and prosperous 2003-2004
tourist season.
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