Discount carrier Southwest Airline's daily non-stop flight from Belize to Houston was officially launched today at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. The first flight - which was full - landed after 3 this evening and a ceremony was held to commemorate Southwest's arrival in Belize. Today we spoke with Director of Tourism Karen Bevans and she told us how this new flight will benefit regular travelers and boost the tourism industry.
James Ashworth, Managing Director, Customer Support & Services - Southwest Airlines
"This is historic for south west as well because it is our first time in Belize and it is really good for us because we like to connect people to what's important in their lives. And we believe that there is a lot of Belizeans that would like to get to the states and there are a lot of folks from the states that would like to get to Belize. So it is exciting for us."
Courtney Weatherburne
"So in terms of Southwest is a discount carrier. Tell us about the services that will be provided."
James Ashworth
"Well Southwest, we have what we call the Southwest effect. When we enter a market, we bring fares down by approximately thirty percent; we have no bag fees, no change fees and we have world class customer service. So for us, it is bringing a great product to a great market."
Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism
"As Southwest already mentioned it definitely will be beneficial to the Belizeans. I must say first of all. Must lower fares. Free baggage, change seats, change dates, change anything free of cost and I am sure Belizeans were looking forward to that. That will also bring about a new turn or a new paradigm shift in the market, because then the competing airlines will of course do something to match that or to keep in line 
with competition, all to the benefit of Belizeans. As we always say competition brings benefit to the public and to consumers and this is what we want in the industry. This will help to grow the industry and we were looking forward to it. Today its reality."
Bevans also RAVED about the increase of overnight tourist arrivals from June to September. September alone saw a 19.3% increase in overnight tourism. It has been a good year so far in the industry and she told us how this new flight will further increase the number of overnight arrivals.
Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism
"I think a couple months ago, we did an interview and at that time, we had like a one percent reduction in arrivals. I am pleased to say that September we have a 19.3 percent increase in arrivals. And that is an indication that things are changing, the market is changing and Southwest will just compliment that. Lower fares will definitely put more heads in beds because that is what we are all looking for international. The tourists are looking for that and definitely we can see major benefits for Belize."
Southwest connects to 95 destinations in 7 countries.
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