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Tag: Sunwing

  • WestJet celebrates addition of flights to Mexico from Vancouver

    Airline brings more sun and leisure connections to B.C.’s Lower Mainland

    VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated an expansion to its winter schedule serving British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, further enhancing its sun and leisure connectivity from Vancouver International Airport to some of Mexico’s most popular destinations. Additionally, as part of its connectivity to Mexico, WestJet has added weekly non-stop service between Vancouver and Ixtapa.

    “We are thrilled to bring more opportunity for our guests across B.C.’s Lower Mainland to seamlessly connect to their favourite destinations across Mexico this winter,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development. “In alignment with our strategy, we are proud to add Vancouver to the list of Canadian communities through which we are creating extensive and affordable opportunities for our guests to plan their winter getaways.”

    Network details

    RouteFrequencyStart Date
    Vancouver – Cancun9x weeklyYear round
    Vancouver – Los Cabos11x weeklyYear round
    Vancouver – Ixtapa1x weeklyFriday, December 22
    Vancouver – Puerto Vallarta9x weeklyYear round 
    Vancouver – Mazatlán2x weeklyFriday, November 3
    Vancouver – Huatulco4x weeklySunday, October 29

    With a 14 per cent increase to its capacity serving Mexico from Vancouver International Airport this winter, the airline will provide the most seats connecting Vancouver to Mexico than any other airline.

    Further enhancing its sun and leisure connectivity from the Lower Mainland region, WestJet’s network expansion also brings increased sun flying options from Abbotsford this winter.

    RouteFrequencyStart date
    Abbotsford – Puerto Vallarta2x weeklyTuesday, December 5
    Abbotsford – Los Cabos1x weeklyMonday, December 4

    WestJet Group capacity

    In addition to WestJet’s new sun connections serving the Lower Mainland, Sunwing Airlines, as a new but integral part of the WestJet Group, is further strengthening the regions leisure travel opportunities with an extensive winter schedule serving Vancouver International Airport. Learn more about Sunwing’s winter schedule. 

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • Sunwing unveils its 2023-2024 winter schedule featuring service from 23 Canadian airports to 26 sun destinations, bringing more vacation options to Canadians

    Amid continued demand for sun travel, Sunwing’s capacity grows by 15% over last winter season

    TORONTO, July 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid strong, continued demand for leisure travel to sun destinations, Sunwing Vacations is unveiling its 2023-2024 winter schedule featuring flights on board Sunwing Airlines from 23 airports from coast to coast to 26 sun destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the U.S. Notably, Sunwing’s overall capacity is growing by 15% over the previous winter season, including more travel options to the customer favourite destinations of Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Orlando, Florida. What’s more, Sunwing will be servicing Canadians with packages to over 700 hotels, the largest assortment of any vacation provider in Canada.

    New for this winter season are packages to the Cuban destinations of Cienfuegos along with Manzanillo de Cuba. Sunwing customers have a deeply rooted affinity for Cuba, due to its combination of beautiful beaches, rich history and unbeatable price points on vacation packages. This winter, customers travelling from Toronto and Montreal can look forward to booking winter escapes to these two sun destinations.

    Canadians can expect a sizeable expansion in vacation options for destinations in Pacific Mexico, including Los Cabos, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, and more options for travel to Puerto Plata, located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.

    “As the leading vacation provider in Canada, we’re thrilled to deliver more vacation packages and flights to Canadians this winter season, including furthering our commitment to servicing our customers in key regions such as Atlantic Canada and the Prairies,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations. “We are growing capacity from last winter and thrilled to be returning to pre-pandemic travel levels, with more great packages and affordable travel options available to our valued customers this winter, including Cienfuegos and Manzanillo de Cuba which are new for this year, in addition to offering more flights to key areas within Pacific Mexico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Orlando in Florida. With our ongoing commitment to offering competitive pricing on sun packages, we encourage our customers to book their winter getaways early to unlock the most value on their preferred travel dates and to their destinations of choice.”

    Additional highlights from Sunwing’s winter lineup:

    • 23% growth in capacity for Cuba, supplemented by a marked expansion in flight service to Cayo Largo along with the new additions of Cienfuegos and Manzanillo de Cuba
    • 26% growth in overall capacity for Atlantic Canada, including a significant lift (more than 30%) in each of Fredericton, Halifax and Gander
    • 24% growth in overall capacity in Western Canada and the Prairies combined, including more flight service from Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, regions where Sunwing has a longstanding presence and continued commitment to providing its customers with affordable sun vacations
    • Sunwing Airlines is also ramping up its recruitment efforts, hiring for pilots and seasonal cabin crew positions across the country for the upcoming winter season

    Sunwing customers can lock in great savings on their dream winter escapes by booking on Sunwing.ca or through their local travel agent. Plus, customers can look forward to the Sunwing Guarantee on their vacation packages, which includes the first bag checked for free (a value of $100-plus roundtrip), complimentary airport transfers in destination for packages with flights on Sunwing Airlines, exclusive resort perks and extras, and more!

    About Sunwing Vacations

    As the leading tour operator in Canada, Sunwing Vacations has more vacation packages to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our knowledgeable destination management partner, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • The WestJet Group bolsters commitment to accessible air and leisure travel through integration of Sunwing Airlines and Swoop

    Tour operator Sunwing Vacations to continue its independent operation, joining forces with WestJet Vacations to offer most affordable packaged tours to Canadians

    CALGARY, AB, June 19, 2023 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today confirmed future plans to provide reliable and affordable travel to a broader spectrum of guests and communities across Canada and beyond, through combining the best of every airline across the WestJet Group, including Sunwing Airlines and Swoop into one product offering.

    “We are confident that the future integration of Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group, following that of our ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop will significantly enhance our ability to provide affordability and choice to our guests,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “The integration of all jets from Sunwing Airlines, Swoop and WestJet into one fleet will provide us with the scale to enhance our collective operational resilience, while offering more affordable fares and vacation opportunities across our entire network.”

    While the integration of Swoop is anticipated to conclude by the end of October 2023, Sunwing Airlines will not start integrating before 2024 and remains business as usual at this time. 

    The tour operator business, Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations together will form the leading tour operator in Canada and will continue to operate independently under their existing and respective brands, as integral parts of the WestJet Group. As a result, both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations will significantly expand vacation offerings to even more communities across its extensive network as well as offering affordable vacation packages from communities in Canada on a year-round basis, which were previously seasonal.

    Furthermore, through leveraging the ultra-low fare products pioneered by Swoop and affordable vacation packages offered by Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group will begin providing ultra-affordable fares and increased affordable vacation packages across Canada through the entirety of its 180 aircraft.

    “Competition amongst air carriers in Canada has never been healthier and after a challenging three years, aviation is back, with passenger traffic doubling in Canada since March 2022,” continued von Hoensbroech. “As the strongest airline in Western Canada and the biggest vacation provider across the entire country – the integration of Swoop and eventually Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group will enhance affordability and serve to increase choice for Canadians for their air travel and vacation plans.”

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • Sunwing proves sequels can still top the charts with the return of its second annual Sun Week, bringing more incredible savings, contests and epic giveaways this summer

    Customers can book during the tour operator’s biggest event of the year for their chance to win

    TORONTO, May 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwing customers can look forward to the seven hottest days of summer as the tour operator brings back Sun Week, a weeklong extravaganza of big deals, big contests and an even bigger grand prize. Kicking off May 29, 2023 until June 4, 2023, Canadians can book their hard-earned summer getaways with Sunwing to the southern destinations they love, from Cancun to Cayo Largo, Punta Cana, Montego Bay and more, and enjoy additional savings up to 50% per person* on applicable all inclusive vacation packages.

    Following Sun Week’s inaugural success, Sunwing has doubled down to make an even bigger splash this summer. Whether toying with the idea of a last-minute getaway or planning ahead for that end-of-summer escape, customers who purchase a vacation package or flight only during Sun Week will also be entered to win one of 33 exclusive prizes expertly designed to help them find their feelgood in paradise with Sunwing. Customers will have the chance to win gift cards from Sunwing, Vanilla Visa, Indigo, Walmart and SkipTheDishes, each worth $250 in value, in addition to five pre-paid vouchers for an exhilarating NexusTours excursion and two complimentary vacation packages for two to Punta Cana and Cayo Largo. With every contest comes an epic grand prize and this Sun Week, the tour operator is upping the ante with the giveaway of three free all inclusive vacations to one lucky winner.

    “We’re thrilled to be back this summer with Sun Week, our biggest event of the year with limited-time savings and incredible giveaways our customers definitely won’t want to miss,” says Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunwing. “In addition to exclusive Sunwing vacation package perks, like the first checked bag free, we’re excited to gear up for the feel-good contest of the summer and help our customers experience more resorts that won’t break their budget, have more fun right on site and find more adventure in the destinations they love, like Cancun, all while having the chance to win and get the most out of their summer with Sunwing.”

    Canadians are encouraged to look beyond their local watering holes this season and consider a summer getaway to the tropics instead with a wide selection of sought-after hotels and destinations suitable for every price point. Budget-friendly travellers with a focus on mindfulness will adore the picturesque location and serene atmosphere of Cayo Largo, with vacation packages available at the family-friendly Memories Cayo Largo and Starfish Cayo Largo. Those in search of day-to-night excitement, both on and off property, will love Cancun’s variety of hotels with tons of on-site programming and easy access to local attractions and adventure nearby, like Iberostar Paraiso Beach or Sandos Caracol Eco Resort.

    Sunwing’s second annual Sun Week is live from May 29, 2023 until June 4, 2023 and open to legal residents of Canada. Savings apply to bookings made on applicable packages during this time period, for travel between May 29, 2023 and December 17, 2023. Every customer who books a vacation package or flight only within these dates will automatically receive ten contest entries while non-purchasing customers, also eligible to enter for Sunwing’s Sun Week, are limited to one entry per day and must complete a contest form found on Sunwing.ca*. Contest winners will be announced on June 22, 2023.

    Beyond Sunwing’s epic seven-day summer giveaway event, the tour operator helps make customers’ vacation dreams come true year-round with added perks they can feel good about, including their first checked bag free at a value of $100+ roundtrip, roundtrip transportation in destination* and unbeatable rates on change and cancellation protection.

    *Terms and conditions apply.

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • Sunwing and Hyatt Inclusive Collection deliver the vacation goods this summer with the chance to win an all inclusive getaway to Mexico

    Plus, Canadians can book their dream vacation package at an attractive price with reduced rates for May

    TORONTO, May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This May, Sunwing customers can experience what sweet dreams are made of with Hyatt Inclusive Collection in stunning destinations beloved for years, from the ever-so-popular Cancun to Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Costa Rica’s biodiverse landscapes and beyond. Whether tapping into their spontaneous spirit or planning ahead for their future getaway that can’t come soon enough, Sunwing inspires Canadians to dream to win this May with exciting booking incentives that sweeten the deal.

    In addition to limited-time rate reductions on family-friendly and adults only resorts in sought-after tropical destinations, travellers who purchase a Hyatt Inclusive Collection vacation package at select Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas properties by May 31, 2023, for departures by December 15, 2023, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a free seven-night all inclusive getaway for two at Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club in the heart of Tulum. Non-purchasing customers are also eligible but limited to one entry during the contest period and must complete a contest form on Sunwing.ca*. This boho-style resort, reflective of Tulum’s natural elements, is the perfect place to unwind with a range of adults only amenities that add to its serene ambience, from the lazy river to its cenote-style pool, luxurious on-site spa, exclusive dining experiences and more.

    Hyatt Inclusive Collection offers Canadian travellers immersive, elevated experiences that turn moments into lifetime memories, plus Unlimited-Luxury® vacations that cater to every need. With Sunwing, customers can look forward to the true meaning of hospitality at Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas, best-in-class brands where lavish amenities, reservation-free dining at gourmet restaurants, exclusive Preferred Club room categories and more thoughtful touches await guests of all ages.

    Paired with the exciting month-long incentives from Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Canadians can enjoy more perks and more value when travelling with Sunwing, including their first checked bag free at a value of $100+ roundtrip. The Sunwing Guarantee also includes transportation from the airport to the hotel and back and the lowest price on change and cancellation protection with Sunwing’s Worry Free coverage options.

    For more information or to find your feelgood on a Hyatt Inclusive Collections escape, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact a travel agent to take advantage of great rates and the chance to win a stay in paradise.

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • WestJet Group completes acquisition of Sunwing

    Transaction signals bright future for WestJet Group’s ambitious growth strategy and creates new opportunities for leisure and sun travel across Canada
    WestJet Group and Sunwing to maintain independent operations, while working collaboratively to combine complementary strategies for a gradual and effective transition

    CALGARY, AB, May 1, 2023 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. The transaction, originally announced in March 2022, combines the two Canadian aviation and leisure travel success stories, and will bring greater choice, competitive airfares and increased direct access to sun destinations to Canadian travellers. In addition, it positions Sunwing to continue its growth across Canada and permits the newly merged company to protect jobs.

    Initially, the airlines will continue independent operations, maintaining a sharp focus on providing an exceptional guest experience and ensuring safe operations. As the two entities transition from competitors to collaborators, the combination of these businesses will be planned in a way that positions Sunwing as an instrumental pillar of the WestJet Group, and prioritizes the experience of a growing number of guests.  

    “As we have set out on our new strategic trajectory for the WestJet Group, investing further in leisure and sun flying across Canada is a critical driver for growth,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. “It brings me great pleasure to welcome Sunwing to the group, adding 18 Boeing 737s, 2,000 employees and Canada’s largest vacation tour operator and significantly expanding our footprint in Eastern Canada. Together, we will strategically enhance our sun and leisure offerings to bring even more affordable and accessible travel opportunities to Canadians.” 

    Stephen Hunter, formerly the CEO of Sunwing Vacations, has been appointed CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business, responsible for all tour operating and vacation package businesses of both the Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations brands.

    “The combination of our complementary businesses marks an important milestone that will enable us to fast-track our growth plans and provide Canadians with more affordable vacations to more destinations than ever before,” said Stephen Hunter, CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business. “I am thrilled to join forces with WestJet and, in doing so, create even more opportunities for our people and deliver greater value for Canadian travellers.”

    As previously announced, the WestJet Group’s newly combined tour operator businesses, comprised of WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, will be headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and will continue to operate a Montreal office. In the coming years, the Vacations Business expects to facilitate new flying and new employment opportunities by retaining Sunwing’s aircraft in Canada year-round, among other sources of anticipated growth.

    “We are excited to welcome Sunwing’s employees to the WestJet Group of Companies; throughout the planning of this transaction, we have been continually impressed by their expertise and experience in the vacations industry,” concluded von Hoensbroech.” We look forward to working alongside them to deliver memorable services to an expanding number of Canadians.”

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  
    Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet  
    Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet and twitter.com/WestJetNews 
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    Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet  
    Read the WestJet Newsroom at westjet.com/en-ca/news  

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • Sault airport CEO hopes Sunwing merger could lead to return of WestJet

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  • Government of Canada approves acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines by WestJet Airlines Ltd. with strict terms and conditions

    Government of Canada approves acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines by WestJet Airlines Ltd. with strict terms and conditions

    Transport Canada

    OTTAWA, ON , March 10, 2023 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada’s priority is to ensure a safe and competitive air sector for travellers, workers and communities. It is also committed to supporting Canada’s aviation industry, while creating good, middle-class jobs for Canadians and building an economy that works for everyone.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that following Transport Canada’s assessment of the public interest, which incorporated the findings of the Commissioner of Competition, and consultations with Canadians, consumer protection groups, unions and industry, the Government of Canada has approved the acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines by WestJet Airlines Ltd., subject to strict terms and conditions that are in the interest of Canadians.

    The decision to approve this acquisition was not taken lightly, especially considering the delays and bottlenecks experienced by travellers last summer, as well as the customer service and communications challenges by Sunwing during the recent holiday season. In determining the proposed purchase is in the public interest, the government considered a broad range of factors, such as levels of service, social and economic implications, the financial health of the air transportation sector, and competition.  

    Given the current air sector landscape, it was important to ensure that the final agreement offered the best possible outcome for Canadians. The acquisition will help maintain the stability of the sector as Sunwing will continue to provide more affordable vacation packages to Canadians, while being financially supported by WestJet.

    The acquisition will also result in enforceable terms and conditions intended to protect the interests of travellers. These strict terms and conditions include:

    • Extending Sunwing vacation package offerings to five new Canadian cities;
    • Maintaining capacity on routes most affected by the merger;
    • Increasing regional connectivity;
    • Improving baggage handling for better passenger experience;
    • Maintaining a vacations business head office in the Toronto area and a regional office in the Montreal area for a minimum of five years;
    • Increasing net employment by 20 per cent over three years in the Toronto office;
    • Ensuring better passenger experience by investing in IT technology solutions to improve Sunwing’s communications;
    • Supplying airfare data on vacation packages for monitoring of post-acquisition price trends; and
    • Gradually ending Sunwing’s seasonal leasing practice to protect Canadian jobs.

    The Government of Canada is also working on significant reforms to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations to ensure passenger rights are even more protected. These changes will place Canada at the forefront of passenger protections globally and, together with other steps to be taken, will help prevent the frustrating experiences of passengers last summer and over the holiday season.

    Quote

    “Today’s decision was not taken lightly, especially in light of everything that happened over the holidays for those who flew with Sunwing. After considering the pros and cons, we have made the decision that will allow Sunwing to continue to provide affordable vacation packages to Canadians, create more good jobs, and protect current jobs as well as Canadians who have already purchased tickets. The agreement will also be accompanied by strict terms and conditions to ensure the public interest, including with regard to competition, connectivity and baggage handling.”

    The Honourable Omar Alghabra                                      
    Minister of Transport

    Quick Facts

    • The assessment of the public interest involved rigorous analysis and consultations with Canadians and stakeholder groups. Online public consultations ran from May to July 2022.
    • In the absence of this acquisition, Canada’s air transport sector could have faced greater instability, including job losses, a significant reduction of affordable vacation offerings, negative impacts on passengers, and the Government not being repaid sizable loans.
    • Sunwing is a privately owned travel company founded in 2002 with headquarters in Toronto and a regional office in the Montreal area. Sunwing currently employs approximately 2,200 people.

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

  • Sunwing flights back on schedule after cyberattack caused system-wide failure

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