Despite the need for more funds to complete the Argyle International airport in St.Vincent, Tourism Minister Cecil “Ces” McKie believes the tourism sector will get a significant boost once work is completed on the facility.
He says the the ministry anticipates between 190,000 and 250,000 tourist arrivals by air annually within the first two years of the airport’s completion.
Currently, the country gets, on average, 80,000 visitors annually via air transportation, he said.
According to the minister, construction is “progressing on schedule,” with the terminal building expected to be completed by the end of the year and “the strip and other amenities will be completed early next year the latest.”
“I am very confident that will be realized,” said the tourism minister, referring to the US$80 million still needed.
He said nationals in the Diaspora are excited about the international airport, primarily because “people outside are more familiar with the hassles of getting home.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has assured Vicentians that international standards are being maintained in the facility’s construction according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.
