CARACAS, Venezuela, March 23 (UPI) -- Tourism to Venezuela could drop about 10 percent due to new visa requirements imposed on U.S. citizens and the ongoing tension between governments.
Venezuela is the only country in the world that has not seen tourism increase since 2009. Other nations have seen an average tourism increase of six percent annually, according to El Carabobeño.
With one U.S. dollar officially worth about 6 Venezuelan Bolivares, the incentive for Americans to visit the country for a cheaper vacation would be expected, but the new visa requirements inhibit that demand.
President of Conseturismo, a tourism consulate, Ricardo Cusanno said bureaucracy diminishes desire for Venezuela as a tourist destination. He projects that tourism to the country will decrease by 10 percent due to the visa requirements placed on U.S. citizens.
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The government wishes to increase tourism potential for the country, so cohesive policies to meet that goal are needed, according to Cusanno.
No a invasión pero si a muchos turistas de USA gastando y disfrutando la #VenezuelaTuristica ProgresoyBienestar sobre política @ppenzini
— Ricardo Cusanno (@RicardoCusanno) March 20, 2015Visa requirements can include proof of rent or home ownership, bank statements, criminal records and proof of employment -- which can be difficult to acquire, especially if already abroad.
Security and economic issues plague the nation. Venezuela has the world's second-higest homicide rate, according to Venezuelan Violence Observatory, a non-governmental organization.
Long lines to acquire food at supermarkets are now commonplace. The chaotic currency exchange created by currency controls in Venezuela can cause a McDonald's Happy Meal to cost anywhere from $27 at the official exchange rate or 90 cents at the black market rate.
Even if a visa is acquired, getting to Venezuela may still be an issue. Companies like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa and Alitalia have either reduced or altogether cut flights to Venezuela after citing that the Venezuelan government owes airline companies about $4 billion.
