The British airline First Choice Monday inaugurated its first direct flight between London, England and the northwestern Guanacaste capital city of Liberia.

The airline plans to offer weekly flights with room for 258 passengers, according to a statement from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).

Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides said the route will expand travel options for European tourists.

“We are confident that First Choice will allow Costa Rica a better positioning in the English market and will also contribute to a better rate of growth,” Benavides said.

ICT hopes this new flight will bring at least 6,000 tourists to the country during the first year.

During 2006, Costa Rica received 235,000 European tourists, 28,000 of whom came from England, the statement said.

ICT statistics indicate that European tourists here have an average age of 37 years and an average income of $57,000 per person and $100,000 per family.

-ACAN-EFE