«From next July 1st the entrance to the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum it will cost 16 euros. It’s about an increase of 23% – currently the cost is 13 euros – which we learned of in a completely casual manner, considering the absence of any official communication from the Park management, by visiting the platform for purchasing entrance tickets online”. He states it Maurizio Maddaloniowner of one of the major travel agencies operating in the incoming and cruise sector, as well as managing director for institutional relations of the Fiavet Campania Basilicata and president of Real Site Foundation of Carditello.
«Let’s not go into the details, but…»
«We don’t know the reasons for the increase – observes Maddaloni -. And we don’t want to express judgments in decisions that are not our responsibility. But some reflections need to be made regarding pricing policies in the tourism sector, which risk making Naples and Campania less competitive compared to other destinations which, on the contrary, enjoy the support of substantial incentives and promotions. However, what leaves tourist operators extremely perplexed – continues Maddaloni who is also the delegated councilor for institutional relations at Fiavet Campania Basilicata – bordering on irritation, is the practice, now widespread and reprehensible, of applying increases in the midst of season! Tourism is planning. And it must be taken into account that tourist packages and related services are sold at least a year in advance. Conferences are held, interviews are held, the new extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the sites in our region are presented to the whole world and there is no opportunity to share some fundamental decisions with those who actually bring tourists to the sites”.
«The discomfort of tour operators»
“Let it be clear – he continues in his analysis – that we are not prejudicially against increases, especially if accompanied by greater usability of the site and better services, but such increases must be planned, shared and communicated in time”. And it must be added that, with the next increase which will come into effect on July 1st, operators will have to face the inconvenience of having to communicate to foreign Tour Operators the change compared to contracts already stipulated. Very often, these adjustments are not accepted and the increased costs must be covered by Travel Agents.”
«We need an institutional discussion table»
«In reality – the reflection of Giuseppe Scanupresident of Fiavet Campania Basilicata – in addition to many beautiful words for tourism, there would be a need for greater political recognition and adequate attention and sensitivity for us tourism operators, on the part of those with institutional responsibilities. They asked us to promote the internal areas and the minor cultural and archaeological sites but, if we don’t work as a team and everyone continues to operate alone, it is better for us to sell already consolidated products which require less effort” “We feel – concludes Maddaloni – the need to establish a discussion table to establish rules and methods for correct and effective institutional relations and collaboration”
