Herculaneum
“From next July 1st, entry to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park will cost 16 euros. This is a 23% increase – currently the cost is 13 euros – which we learned about 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”. This was stated by Maurizio Maddaloni, owner of one of the major travel agencies working in the incoming and cruise sector, as well as managing director for institutional relations of Fiavet Campania Basilicata. “We don’t know the reasons for the increase – observes Maddaloni -. And we don’t want to express judgments on decisions that are not our responsibility. But some reflections need to be carried out 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 of Fiavet Campania Basilicata – bordering on irritation. , it is the now widespread and reprehensible practice of increasing prices in the middle of the season! And it must be taken into account that tourist packages and related services are sold at least a year in advance , the new extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the sites of 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”. “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 higher costs must be covered by Travel Agents, also to avoid damage to the image of their companies and our tourist destinations, and judgments of superficiality or – worse – commercial incorrectness, by foreign tour operators”. “In reality – the reflection of Giuseppe Scanu, president 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 tourist operators, given how much responsibility they have the institutions. They have 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, we will be better off selling already consolidated products which require less effort” “We warn – concludes Maddaloni – the need to establish a discussion table to establish rules and methods for correct and effective institutional relations and collaboration”
