Increased Air Access from Downunder

Air Canada
Air Canada has announced a new daily non-stop service between Vancouver and Sydney on their new 777 aircraft, starting December 16, 2007. 

Air Canada will be the first airline to offer a non-stop service between Canada and Australia which will reduce more than three hours off the current one-stop routing via Honolulu, in addition to avoiding U.S. Customs and Security procedures by flying direct to Canada.

Tourism British Columbia and Air New Zealand are working with partners Air Canada, Travel Alberta and the Canadian Tourism Commission to develop an advertising campaign to promote this new route including outdoor billboard sites, print, online and lift advertising.  Air Canada in conjunction with Tourism BC will also be running an agent incentive familiarization tour in late January.

 Air New Zealand
On November 2, 2007, Air New Zealand began providing three non-stop flights, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between Vancouver and Auckland from November through to March and July through August. Service will be twice weekly for the remaining months.

Customers on the new Air New Zealand service will experience the Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which accommodates 313 passengers and features a variety of entertainment options. The new route reduces flight time to a just over 14 hours, down from an average of 20 hours with previous itineraries.

Tourism British Columbia and Air New Zealand continue to work with regional and city partners on a number of marketing activities to promote this new route including 7 media visits over the past year, resulting in tremendous coverage in the New Zealand market.  When the inaugural flight landed in Vancouver on November 2nd, on board were 60 of New Zealand’s top performing travel agents as part of a Super FAM to BC. Tourism BC will continue to work closely with Air New Zealand to ensure the ongoing success of their new route.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler Honored with AAA Five Diamond Award®

Four Seasons Resort Whistler received the Five Diamond Award® by the American Automobile Association - Canada's only resort to receive the honour. This accolade places the resort on the world map as an exclusive year-round destination.

"Four Seasons Resort Whistler sets a new standard for luxury mountain accommodation." said Scott Taber, general manager. "We dedicate this award to our employees who make it happen and create incredible experiences for our guests. It is their unwavering attention to detail and ongoing commitment to service that has earned us this prestigious recognition. We attract the best, we strive for excellence and we go for gold everyday."

Representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA Five Diamond Award® winners make up just 0.27 percent of the 60,000 Diamond Rated® lodgings and restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. "Five Diamond establishments reflect the characteristics of ultimate luxury and sophistication," said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Tourism Information Development. "The physical attributes of these properties are extraordinary in every manner, and personalized services for guests consistently exceed expectations of even the most refined traveller. To achieve and maintain this level of service is an amazing accomplishment, and AAA is pleased to honor these establishments as Five Diamond Award recipients."

For more information visit www.fourseasons.com/whistler