Air Canada has revealed it will up its daily direct services between Sydney and Vancouver during the next ski season, as it targets Aussies tempted by Canadian slopes.
The increased schedule of 10 weekly Boeing 777 flights will run from December 16 until January 30.
General manager Australia and New Zealand Jeannie Foster said the hike meant more convenience for Australians heading to the destination’s snow fields.
“Air Canada is the only airline to offer direct daily services to Vancouver from Sydney,” she said.
“Our direct services to Vancouver save our customers travel time, and of course our excellent network throughout Canada will get you to your favourite ski resort as quickly as possible for no extra cost, whether it be in Kelowna or Kamloops.”
Meanwhile, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) branded the increase “very encouraging” and was hopeful it was driving good visitation from the Australian market.
“Air Canada has made a business decision based on the numbers coming in from Australia,” managing director Donna Campbell told Travel Today. “It’s clear they’re doing well out of the Australian market.”
Australia remained among the top three source markets for Canadian ski resorts last season, she revealed, despite significant competition from other ski destinations.
But she was confident that consistently good snowfall, increased air capacity, and arrival times that meant skiers could be on the slopes the same afternoon, would further enhance the destination’s appeal.
CTC will also undertake an online campaign over the coming months to promote Canadian ski product locally.
