fp Turks and Caicos

Robert Palmer, Manager of Public Relations for WestJet told the “fp” in an exclusive interview that these fares, “Reflect the fact that we want to encourage people to take advantage of this great new service.” While many are focusing on the “doom and gloom in the economy”, Palmer says there are always opportunities in times of economic downturn. “There are some unbelievable deals in the travel market right now, which are allowing people to do things they would not have been able to do. We want to be a part of helping them, like visiting the Turks and Caicos.”

In their largest new schedule announcement to date in WestJet’s 13 year history, Palmer says they expect the Turks and Caicos to be one of the most sought after destinations. WestJet has developed an aggressive corporate strategy to pursue market share in what they call “sun destinations”. Palmer says, “The Turks and Caicos Islands are a very big part of that strategy, not only bringing Canadians to Provo, but bringing the local TCI population to Canada.”

The new service will not only offer those from Toronto service to the TCI, but according to Palmer, “Coming out of Toronto, being the largest Canadian city with the busiest airport, offers tremendous opportunity for connections. We service 66 cities, half of which are in Canada. With over three dozen Canadian destinations this new route will offer plenty of opportunities for people to visit the Turks and Caicos.”

While this new service offers excellent potential for new tourists to visit the TCI, it also is a large nod to the tourism industry. Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association CEO, Caesar Campbell told the “fp”, “The TCHTA welcomes the addition of WestJet's Toronto service to the Turks and Caicos Islands this fall.”

Palmer says WestJet chose to add service to Providenciales based on several factors, all of which point to increased interest in travel to the Turks and Caicos. “When we look at potential new destinations, we look at a number of factors. What we think is going to be popular based on guest feedback, popularity of a destination and infrastructure locally,” Palmer said all played an important role in WestJet’s decision to add this route.

Palmer said the “amazing” hotel and resort offerings in the Turks and Caicos, as well as the substantial tourism infrastructure made it more attractive for WestJet to bring people to the TCI. Palmer also confirmed the great relationship and helpfulness of the local government and tourism board contributed to the decision.

The new service will be starting out as a seasonal destination. Beginning in November and running through the end of May, WestJet will be flying each Wednesday and Saturday direct from Toronto to Providenciales. The approximately four hour flight will be aboard one of the low-cost airlines 79, 737 Boeing Next Generation aircraft.

WestJet’s service will be on either the most common 700 series - 136 passenger, or 800 series - 166 guest aircraft. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided during air service, sandwiches and additional larger snacks are sold in-flight. WestJet touts their all leather seats as some of the most spacious in the industry, offering additional legroom. They are also the only airline in Canada to offer 24 channels of live satellite television on every seat. Another added bonus on WestJet is their luggage policy. Each passenger is allowed two free carryons and two free checked bags as long as they are under the 50lbs per piece limit.

This new air service to the TCI is a first step towards an increase in tourism and provides a positive economical outlook for the end of 2009. Campbell confirms, “Canada is a growth market for the TCI and this increase in airlift will certainly drive more visitors and business to the destination.”