ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

WestJet Airlines inaugurated its twice-weekly service to Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday October 28, 2012, adding 7,000 seats to air travel between Canada and the destination this tourist season.

The commencement of this bi-weekly service, which originates from Toronto, ushers a new relationship between WestJet Airlines and the nation.  The addition of this service comes after months of negotiation and shared interests.  Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. John Maginley was instrumental in securing the additional airlift and noted, “The Canadian tourist market has proven to be a reliable one, as it has weathered the economic recession and shown double digit growth of arrivals year after year.” He continued that, “research has shown that the Canadian market has not reached its full performance potential, therefore securing additional airlift from Canada provides a means of ensuring that the destination is poised to take full advantage of the performance of this market.”

The WestJet flight 2555 carrying 141 passengers and crew were treated to a special Independence Welcome, where the twin-island’s hospitality was showcased in full practice.  Canadian passengers received a warm welcome with specially-decorated check-in queues at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, they also received specialty Antigua & Barbuda branded gifts in-flight, and this culminated with a cultural show put on at the V.C Bird International Airport upon arrival into Antigua.

Erica Henry-Jackman, Director of Tourism for Canada commented, “It was through successful negotiations and diligence that we were able to bring WestJet Airlines on board as an official carrier to Antigua and Barbuda.  The Canadian market is one of our key growing source markets and WestJet Airlines is giving us the opportunity to further capitalize on this.”

WestJet’s entry into the market also brings its subsidiary WestJet Vacations, which offers vacation packages with partner hotels and tours on the island. Westjet Vacations currently partners with 10 hotel properties on island.  The new service opens up the destination to WestJet’s large network and loyal customer base and will support the country’s efforts to increase visitor arrivals from the Canadian market.

The introduction of WestJet to Antigua and Barbuda is of much interest to locals and residents of neighbouring islands with friends and family in Canada, due to WestJet’s special introductory fares.

Noted as one of the largest carriers in North America, WestJet flies more than 420 flights daily across Canada, the Americas and the Caribbean utilizing its fleet of 98 Boeing 737 Aircraft.  WestJet Flight 2555 departs Toronto at 9:30am and arrives in Antigua at 2:02pm. The return, WestJet Flight 2556 departs Antigua at 3:05pm and arrives in Toronto at 8:27pm every Sunday and Wednesday.

Visit www.westjet.com for more details.