Ecuador's president offers 40% off fuel to U.S. and Euro carriers who schedule direct flights

Ecuador's president is offering a temptation for airlines that schedule routes to his country: cheap fuel.

Rafael Correa says the government will offer a 40 percent reduction in fuel prices for direct routes to and from cities such as Los Angeles, Vancouver, Frankfurt or Rome.

He said in a regular weekly broadcast Saturday the benefit would last for five years and airline would have to promise to fly at least three times a week, but did not go into details.

Correa says the aim is to improve connections, productivity, tourism and education in the country.

Ecuador promotes tourist attractions such as its Galapagos Islands and rainforests, as well as picturesque cities such as Quito and Cuenca.