RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 15, 2016) -
Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.
British Columbia-based Pacific Coastal Airlines is hoping the low Canadian dollar will help to drive increased demand for its regular schedule and charter services in 2016.
"We've noticed an increase in group inquiries so far this year and that could be an early indicator of an upward trend in leisure travel bookings," says Spencer Smith, Pacific Coastal Airlines' Vice President of Commercial Services. "The high U.S. dollar exchange rate is certainly piquing interest in Canadian destinations south of the border and may also entice Canadian travelers to stay closer to home this year."
The noticeable increase in leisure travel in the province began in 2014 and was quickly surpassed by a record 9.4 million visitors in 2015, including 8.3% more American visitors than the previous year, and so far there is no reason to believe that things will change as long as the current imbalance between the two dollars remains.
With its enviable world-class outdoor and recreation offerings, British Columbia is likely to be a top choice for both American travelers seeking to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate and budget-conscious Canadians looking for "staycation" opportunities to replace U.S. travel destinations that, due to current exchange rates, are no longer as attractive as they once were.
"As a local airline that flies to more than sixty-five destinations in the province of British Columbia, we are perfectly positioned to gain from the current situation," adds Smith.
BC On Sale
The company has been brainstorming creative marketing concepts meant to tempt U.S. visitors, especially those in nearby Washington State as well as domestic travelers, to visit British Columbia this spring. With this in mind it's launching a new promotion called BC On Sale which runs from February 15 until February 19. The five-day sale offers a 25% discount off select flights and fares across the province for travel between February 26 and May 31, 2016.
"There's never been a better time to explore British Columbia, and we hope to make that case with the launch of this new program," says Smith.
Customers can find out how to get these discounts by visiting the website www.bconsale.com or by calling Pacific Coastal Airlines' toll free reservation line at 1.800.663.2872.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Headquartered at Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal, Pacific Coastal is now the sixth largest airline operating at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), based on outbound seats, and third largest in takeoffs and landings. It offers daily service to 65+ destinations in the province, as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Prince George or to Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii. Its network encompasses major ski destinations, a multitude of fishing lodges, outdoor and wildlife adventure tours, and authentic First Nations experiences.
To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: www.marketwire.com/library/20160212-pacificcoastalsaab800.jpg.
Contact Information:
Kevin Boothroyd
604.833.6265
kevin.boothroyd@pacificcoastal.com
