Q & A with Joan PlaExec of Catalonian Tour Operators Viatges, Trekking & Adventures

by Jose Carlos de Santiago

Central America is seething with potentials for trekking and adventure travel. That´s the conclusion drawn by Joan Pla, a man who knows the ropes in this particular business. About those possibilities in the region and the road that segment is taking he spoke with Caribbean News Digital in this exclusive interview.

CND: Will you briefly explain what the company you represents does exactly?

JP: Our agency has been in the trekking and adventure business for 26 years, spanning the whole world, but basically focused on the Third World, from Africa and Asia to South America and Central America.

CND: What have you learned about Central America since CATA started operations in Spain?

JP: We´ve been working in Guatemala and Costa Rica for a number of years. We weren´t aware of the other countries. I know about Panama, but we hadn´t drawn a bead on it until now.

CND: Are you pleased with the information you´ve received so far? Do you believe it´s useful information? I mean, the info you get from CATA.

JP: Well, the information I´m getting from CATA is the one that was relayed to me at the Central America Travel Market. I get the bulletins on a somewhat regular basis, but they´re fine, even though that´s complementary information.

CND: Do you think that the opening of a Central America Office in Europe and the marketing of Central America as a whole region are positive steps?

JP: I think it´s a good idea for them.

CND: Do you believe Central America can be sold as a multi-destination choice?

JP: Absolutely. Chances are we´ll be probably introducing a new combined program now.

CND: Will you combine Central American destinations or rather destinations from both Central America and Latin America?

JP: No, only Central American destinations.

CND: Are you aware of some of TACA´s options specially designed for the Central American market?

JP: Honestly, I´m not.

CND: What, is your view, should be done to further spread knowledge of Central America in the Spanish market?

JP: I think what CATA is doing is just fine. All you need is time because this is a long and thorny process we´re talking about. It´s an uphill battle, I mean, to put an array of new destinations on the map for Spanish tourists.

CND: Perhaps yours is one of Spain´s first trekking agencies. What´s your contribution? What do you do that makes tourists buy your travel packages?

JP: Well, we try to piece together a travel package that sounds good to us. We try to do things the way we believe the public wants to have them. Destinations that are good to us are also good to the public, to our customers.

CND: Are you working with other travel agencies?

JP: Basically, we sell everything directly through us. However, we do receive some collaboration from a few agencies.