Extra Air Canada Seats For Large Conference

March 22, 2019

One of the largest conference groups in the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s five-year history begins arriving on the island today and Air Canada is flying in hundreds of seats of added capacity to meet the demand.

“The Canadian Construction Association [CCA] expects about 700 guests for its annual conference, consisting of delegates, delegates’ families and facilitators. It will take place March 22 to 28, 2019, at Fairmont Southampton Resort,” the BTA explained.

“Air Canada typically flies non-daily between Toronto and Bermuda in March, on a 146-seat Airbus 320. However, over the next week the carrier has increased aircraft size and frequency of flights.

“On days when service is already scheduled, a 200-seat Airbus 321 will fly instead of a smaller Airbus 320. Meantime, on days previously without service, flights are now planned, also on the 200-seat aircraft.

“The extra flights and bigger planes have satisfied the spike in demand generated by the conference without displacing Canadian leisure travel business. It took about a month of discussions between tourism officials, the airline and the CCA event planner to make it happen. The first of the Airbus 321 flights arrive today, branded as Air Canada Rouge.”

“We are very grateful to our partners at Air Canada for stepping up with extra capacity to satisfy this demand because group travel is critically important to Bermuda’s tourism success, particularly at this time of year,” said Kevin Dallas, Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO.

Minister of Tourism and Transport Zane DeSilva said: “This is an excellent example of collaboration between our tourism stakeholders. Working together, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Air Canada devised a solution that benefits all.

“Facilitating a larger plane ensures our regular travellers and those attending the conference will not be inconvenienced. This is a win for Bermuda and strengthens our relationship with Air Canada and the Canadian Construction Association.”

“Typically, when a big group fills our larger properties it channels a bump in leisure business to smaller properties. This, in turn, has a positive impact on tourism small businesses island-wide from transport to retail to excursion providers,” Mr. Dallas said.

The BTA noted, “CCA event planners have been especially adept at building an itinerary that allows delegates to experience the island’s culture.

“The schedule includes a night out at the National Museum of Bermuda, a beach party with an ‘ugliest Bermuda shorts’ contest and a presentation on the island’s maritime heritage by Bermudian Dr. Philippe Rouja. Additionally, in the lead-up to the conference, there was a monthly prize draw for conference registrants to win a daylong mini-car rental to explore the island.”

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Comments (9)

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  1. scooby dee says:

    Sweeeet.

  2. Just Do It says:

    Mr.Desilva please notice you said BTA and Air Canada. See, no PLP needed. Please stay away from the BTA and let them do what they do!

    • Trump supporter says:

      They’ll still try to take credit.dreamers.

  3. lav says:

    But, some ‘real’ bermudians seem to hate Canadians…..I guess it’s like the gays, Bermuda doesn’t want you, just your money.

  4. St.George's Passport and Immigration Control says:

    Please note,the plp had nothing to do with this!

  5. Joe says:

    Can’t help but think Aecon had some influence on the location choice.

  6. Faus Johnson says:

    Canada has strong connections to Bermuda. Tourism used to be strong but has faltered due to low prices in
    Cuba , DR & Mexico. There used to be direct return flights from Halifax-NS to Bermuda on Saturdays and the flights were always full university students, business people and Touirists. Bermuda was the Honeymoon Capital for
    Atlantic Canada! Well no more ! To get to Bermuda now one must leave Halifax at 0500 in order to catch an
    0815 from Toronto! Our 2 hr &20min flight has turned into a 8 hour ordeal! Bring back the direct flight and we’LL be on
    It!! F Johnson Pictou NS

  7. Micro says:

    This is news because? Every airline changes equipment based on demand, the 737-Max8 was originally scheduled to fly the next few days.

  8. In Mark's Opinion says:

    Great news for Bermuda.