Economy
The board of directors of the Venezuelan Association of Five-Star Hotel (Avecintel), agreed in its regular meeting "to forward a reassurance message" to the sectors affected by the government move to expropriate the Margarita Hilton resort.

Rafael Gascón, the president of the association, said that the government should clarify to workers the terms of the process and secure their labor rights.

As for the shareholders of the hotel, Gascón said that "the government should give them a compensation" that meets their expectations, based on the value of the shares.

He added that the state-run company Venezolana de Turismo (Venetur) owns several five-star hotels in the country. However, there are other major hotel chains in the Venezuelan market such as Hesperia, Marriott, Embassy, Lido, Sambil, among others, which provide services.

"The most efficient tourist operators will be the most successful. Hopefully, we all point to the same goal," Gascón said.

Labor liabilities
Meanwhile, the heads of the Federation of Workers of the state of Nueva Esparta, Fetraesparta, requested the government to pay labor liabilities to Margarita Hilton workers.

Lorenzo Salazar, the president of Fetraesparta, showed concern about "the government's decision to expropriate the Margarita Hilton hotel and its facilities."

He said to the Venezuelan radio network Unión Radio that he is concerned about the future of 600 workers and taxi drivers who work in the hotel. "It was not the right decision, although some say that there was a consensual agreement with the owners."