Dear Source:
Kimberly Samuel's letter to the Source encouraged Crucians to lobby without ceasing until the Government puts together a plan to attract more direct flights, and lower-cost flights, to St. Croix.
I believe that if there were regular, low-cost flights between St.Croix and major hub cities in the states, Crucians would travel more frequently, thus increasing the volume and supporting the low-cost flights.
However, lobbying the government alone will not bring the flights. We need to determine through market survey exactly how many Crucians would travel at various price-points. This is essential information, as airlines won't fly to places that don't make them money. Airlines fly to places where they can fill the seats.
Additionally, lowering the airfares will open the gateway to St. Croix as a tourist destination. The more people who travel to St. Croix on a direct, inexpensive flight, the more people will learn of all that St. Croix has to offer.
I would encourage the lobbying effort that Ms. Samuel advocates, and add to it a plan to determine how many Crucians would travel at various price-points. UVI faculty and students know who to do this kind of market research, and it is crucial to make our case to the airlines that we plan to attract.
Craig Barshinger
St. John
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