Buenos Aires, Nov 20 (EFE) .- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) acknowledged today the "enormous tourist potential" of Argentina but urged it to apply rates and taxes "more competitive "and increase investment to have" modern "airport infrastructures.

The study" The Importance of Air Transport in Argentina "(the importance of air transport in Argentina), carried out by Oxford Economics for IATA and presented today in Buenos Aires, highlights the important impact of aviation and related tourism in the country's economy and in the employment.

Thus, as specified, these sectors contribute 9.600 million dollars, equivalent to 1.7% of gross domestic product (GDP), and generate 300,000 jobs.

However, in his opinion, the advantages could be "even greater" if Argentina had "modern" airport and air navigation infrastructures and applied "more competitive" rates and taxes with respect to others countries of the region.

According to the study, the quality of infrastructure in Argentina, both land and air, is an obstacle to the development of aviation due to the "precariousness" of the country's air traffic management system ", which causes unnecessarily long flight times, additional costs for travelers and airlines and excess emissions of CO2.

Although efforts to change the situation are recognized, "lack of investment is perceived for years."

"Given this scenario, Argentina must focus its efforts on improving the main airports in the country, "says the report, which recalls that according to the World Economic Forum, the high passenger rates and taxes on tourism in Argentina place it at number 130 out of 136 countries.

Argentina possesses "all the ingredients to become a regional aviation power" and its "vast territory makes air links in the interior of the country they are vital, "Cerda recalled.

He also stressed that he has an" enormous tourist potential "thanks, among other things, to a growing economy.

" Sin However, air transport is underdeveloped. Aerial connectivity and enjoy the many advantages it provides, "he concluded.