Calgary has introduced an innovative initiative aimed at attracting international travelers for extended stays. The newly launched Calgary Stopover Program invites passengers to linger in the city while traveling on multi-city itineraries without incurring additional flight costs.
Introduction to the Calgary Stopover Program
This initiative is a collaboration between several key players, including WestJet, the Calgary Airport, Tourism Calgary, and the Calgary Hotel Association. It targets travelers who are transiting through Calgary, encouraging them to “put Calgary in the middle” of their journey. This gives them an opportunity to explore the city’s diverse culture and attractions before continuing their travels.
Why Calgary?
According to Alisha Reynolds, CEO of Tourism Calgary, the aim is to redefine Calgary’s image. “It’s an invitation to experience Calgary,” she emphasizes. The city is being portrayed not just as a stop on the way to a destination, but as a vibrant place filled with adventure and diversity.
Partnerships and Offers
- 19 exclusive hotel deals available through the Calgary Hotel Association for eligible WestJet flights.
- The Calgary Attraction Pass, which offers discounts at various attractions throughout the city.
Potential Impact
Last year, over half a million passengers passed through Calgary’s airport on their way to destinations in Europe or Asia. Chris Hedlin, Director of Air Service at the Calgary Airport Authority, highlighted the potential benefits: “If we can convert just a small percentage of these connection passengers to local visitors, we can drive significant hotel nights, attraction spend, and economic benefit to our region.”
Program Launch and Future Developments
The Calgary Stopover Program is starting as a pilot project. The initiative will evolve and adapt based on feedback from community members and partners. WestJet’s Vice President of Partnership and Loyalty, Steve McClelland, expressed optimism about the program’s potential to foster connections between travelers and the city. “They turn a connection into a visit, and hopefully a first visit into a return visit,” he stated.
Calgary’s efforts aim to leverage its unique offerings and welcome international travelers, enhancing both tourism and the local economy.
