WestJet Toronto Trade Expo Shows off Suppliers, Honours Agents

WestJet gave away dozens of exotic trips and great prizes on a night when travel agents from the Toronto area picked up valuable information on the airline's programs and dynamic growth plans.

At a meeting attended by nearly 400 southern Ontario agents and media, WestJet sponsored displays from 70-odd suppliers, allowing agents to get up-to-date information from important clients. Among the destinations manning booths at the International Centre in Mississauga were Jamaica, Barbados, Las Vegas, Orlando, Saint Lucia and Hawaii. Resorts on hand included Sandals, Hard Rock Hotels and Barcelo.

WestJet also feted agents with food and drink and great prizes for tickets and posh hotel stays around the world, not to mention valuable WestJet dollars. Canadian agents can book tickets for June trips between May 8 and 22 and get 45 per cent off on Plus Lowest seats and 30 per cent off Econo and Econo Lowest tickets.

When it comes to on-time performance, Clementino said WestJet is "ten points better than its largest competitor, which I forget the name of." She also WestJet Encore recently was named top on-time carrier in North America.

Surveys show more than 90 per cent of Canadian travel agents are extremely satisfied with WestJet, she said. But the company still has a bevy of programs aimed at supporting agents, not to mention great commissions.

"We also have the best rewards program of any airline, anywhere, with no blackouts," Clementino said.

Not content to rest on its laurels, WestJet is adding new lounges in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto and is improving the airport and in-flight airline experience.

Travel agents in Toronto were told that WestJet will soon take delivery of their 787 planes, which will enable the airline to fly such routes as Vancouver-Sydney, Vancouver-Hong Kong and Toronto-Delhi.

They're also bringing in Swoop Air, which debuts next month as an ultra-low-cost alternative to suit economy-minded Canadians.

"You can service anyone with the WestJet family," WestJet's Jane Clementino told assembled agents in a room that was packed to the rafters.

The new 787 Dreamliners, which are being unveiled in Calgary on May 8, will feature lie-flat seats and "the most innovative pods ever seen."

Details on where the new 787's will fly should be unveiled in October or November. Once they're flying, WestJet will start selling inbound Canada packages that agents can sell.

As well as all those advantages, WestJet also boosted service to Europe, Orlando, Las Vegas, Punta Cana, Cancun and other popular destinations.

On top of all that, WestJet Vacations has more than 850 properties in 65-plus destinations, all of them offering "outstanding guest experience" and reliable experts to help plan the perfect holiday. New properties are now on offer in such great locations as Cabo San Lucas, the Riviera Maya, the Dominican Republic and Montego Bay.

WestJet Vacations has new offerings in Jamaica, one of the most popular destinations for Canadians. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril remain top draws for tourists around the world.

Hard Rock Hotels can be found around the world, with great rooms, top notch restaurants and remarkable swimming pools and spas.

Barbados has always been popular with visitors, with remarkable beaches, terrific food and a plethora of fabulous resorts.

Travel agents at the WestJet Expo in Toronto take time for a bit of fun on May 2, 2018.

Saint Lucia is always a top spot for Canadian travellers, with lovely beaches, towering mountains and welcoming locals.

WestJet has been adding more flights to Orlando, which consistently ranks as one of the top destinations for Canadians and other world travellers.

AM Resorts acted as platinum sponsor for the WestJet Trade Expo. AM Resorts includes six styles of property with distinct setups and styles: Zoetry, Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, Now and Sunscape.

Agents were told Breathless has become less risqué than it used to be.

All told, AM Resorts has 52 properties in sun destinations that include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and more.

Hawaii traffic from Canada has been steadily increasing, with fabulous resorts, great beaches and a wonderful, welcoming culture.

Barbados has always been popular with visitors, with remarkable beaches, terrific food and a wide array of fabulous resorts.

WestJet officials are beefing up their Las Vegas efforts, as the destination is a perennial favourite with Canadians from coast to coast.