Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, is setting its sights south with newly added flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from Hamilton, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Abbotsford, B.C.
“As Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, we are thrilled to be expanding sun-flying this winter,” said Bob Cummings, President of Swoop. “With winter weather upon us, demand for leisure travel down south is reaching new heights and we’re proud to meet that demand with this added capacity.”
The “ultra-not-expensive airline” recently completed a significant fleet expansion, inducting six new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to meet demand for ultra-low-cost leisure travel. Beginning in January, Swoop will restart service from Hamilton to Montego Bay. The ULCC will also add new frequencies to popular published routes from Hamilton to Punta Cana, Toronto to Cancun, Winnipeg to Puerto Vallarta, Edmonton to Mazatlán, as well as Abbotsford to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
Canadians can unlock exclusive discounts at all-inclusive resorts when they book their flight as part of a Swoop Getaway*. For added convenience, Swoop flights to warm and sunny destinations are also available through WestJet Vacations.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Chris McQueen/Unsplash Photo
“We’re excited that travellers can once again take advantage of convenient flights to Jamaica as Swoop resumes its popular service between Hamilton and Montego Bay in the new year. The restart is indicative of the growth ahead for our travel and tourism industry in 2023 and comes just in time for travellers looking for a Caribbean destination this winter. Sun-seekers across the region will now have a low-cost option to enjoy the relaxing beaches and exciting attractions that the vibrant city of Montego Bay has to offer.” – Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
“We are thrilled to see Swoop’s continued investment in the Hamilton community with the return of Swoop service to Montego Bay and added frequencies to Punta Cana. People from across the region enjoy the ease, convenience, and comfort of flying out of the John C. Munro International Airport right here in Hamilton. Increased Swoop services to popular destinations creates more jobs and boosts our local economy.” – Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton
With a one-way, all-in price to sunny escapes starting at just $159 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable a vacation can be this winter.
†For travel between January 5-February 28, 2023 | Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until December 15, 2022 (11:59 p.m. MT) or while seats last. | Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
*Swoop Getaways packages are only available at www.flyswoop.com.
avid Hotels Toronto – Vaughan Southwest (CNW Group/IHG Hotels & Resorts)
IHG LAUNCHES AVID HOTEL BRAND IN CANADA
A new hotel brand has landed in Canada. As the newest mainstream brand from IHG Hotels & Resorts, avid hotels was designed for travellers who want a hotel stay that provides the type of hospitality they value most – the basics done exceptionally well – at a fair price.
avid hotel Toronto – Vaughan Southwest, the first Canadian avid hotel, located just a 15-minute drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport, will serve business and leisure travellers looking for a quality hotel at an excellent value. The hotel offers 119 right-sized rooms, as well as an indoor pool and a 24/7 gym facility.
Rooms at all avid hotels are designed with sleep in mind, from black-out blinds to top-of-the-line mattresses. Guests can also enjoy the latest technology in their rooms, including streaming service access so that you can stay up to date on your favourite shows while you’re away. avid knows that their guests are busy. In turn, they offer a high-quality grab-and-go style breakfast bar and 24/7 coffee bar access at all locations.
avid hotel Toronto – Vaughan Southwest is excited to welcome guests to their hotel this winter. Guests are encouraged to explore local hot spots including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, Casino Woodbine, and for the outdoor lovers; Kortright Centre for Conservation. In the summer, make sure to visit local favourites such as Canada’s Wonderland, Wet n’ Wild Waterpark, and Legoland Discovery Centre.
The brand recently celebrated the opening of its latest hotel in Guadalajara, Mexico, and plans to expand its Canadian presence with forthcoming properties in Woodstock and Belleville, Ontario, and Lethbridge, Alberta.
Passenger information board at Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
TORONTO PEARSON AIRPORT EARNS ACCESSBILITY HONOURS
On December 6, 2022, Toronto Pearson International Airport became the first airport in North America and second in the world to receive the Airports Council International (ACI) accreditation under the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program, a first-of-its-kind program dedicated to airport accessibility.
The program is designed to help airports measure, evaluate, and improve their accessibility management and culture. It is the only international assessment or accreditation program dedicated to airports’ accessibility to passengers with disabilities.
“As the largest airport in Canada, we are leading the way in providing equal, respectful, and professional treatment that extends to our passengers and our employees,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “We are proud to be the first airport in North America, and the second airport globally, to receive this accreditation with ACI. While we are proud of this recognition, our entire ecosystem plays a role, and we will champion accessibility with our partners and advocate until there is joy from the beginning to the end of everyone’s travel experience.”
ACI’s AEA program launched earlier this year and provides a continuous path of improvement for airports in accessibility and passengers with disabilities, including people with physical and non-apparent disabilities.
“At Pearson, accessibility is about creating an experience that enables everyone to participate fully in the exploration of travel, as well as the enjoyment of reuniting with friends and family,” said Kurush Minocher, Director, Passenger Experience and Development, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “We thank ACI for recognizing our efforts, but more importantly our partners in accessibility that helped make this possible. I am truly appreciative of the hard work and dedication of our collective teams as we embark on a journey to become the most accessible airport in the world.”
The program is based on existing international best practices and recommendations, including those in the ACI Airport and Persons with Disability Handbook, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and Universal Design concepts.
