TORONTO — A new campaign just launched by the European Travel Commission (ETC), in partnership with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, aims to inspire Canadians to rediscover Europe this summer and fall.
The ETC worked with its member National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) to develop the ‘Europe Invites the Curious’ campaign, which is co-funded by the European Union.
The multi-channel campaign include all the latest updates and information about travel experiences that consumers can enjoy in Europe, with a focus on nature, history, culture, and gastronomy.
“As Europe is set to welcome Canadian travellers back, we are thrilled to join forces with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations to encourage transatlantic travel again. Canadians are crucial for Europe. European destinations are ready to provide that smooth and harmonious experience to travellers that has been missing for so long,” said Miguel Gallego, ETC’s Head of Marketing.
On July 1 the EU added Canada to its ‘green’ list, with a recommendation that all EU states gradually lift restrictions on Canadian non-essential travellers.
The EU has also launched its Digital Green Certificate to facilitate safer travel within the 27-member bloc. The Canadian government has confirmed that Canada is working with its G7 counterparts, including France, Germany and Italy, to collaborate on proof of vaccination for international travel. In the meantime Canada is pursuing 2 tracks for proof of vaccination for travel, first with the ArriveCAN app, and later in the fall with a national system that coordinates health records from the provinces and territories.
Says Pascal Prinz, Chair, Canada Chapter, ETC: “After watching the EURO soccer championship on TV and being stuck at home for months, it’s now time to get out there and rediscover Europe. Thanks to the accelerating vaccination rollout in Canada, we are hopeful for the late summer and a strong fall season. The pandemic has not stopped the love of Canadians for Europe. If anything, Canadians have missed Europe even more since the border closure 16 months ago. We can’t wait to welcome our Canadian friends back.”
Pascal Prinz
Canada ranks third among all out-of-region outbound travel markets for European destinations. Some 6.5 million travellers from Canada arrived in Europe in 2019. Europe’s diversity of landscapes, history, culture, and culinary experiences keep visitors coming back again and again.
“As travel restrictions ease across the globe, Air Canada is committed to rebuild its international network and continue as a global carrier to connect Canada to the world. We are excited to embark on this campaign, along with our long-time partner the European Travel Commission, as Canadians have a deep connection with Europe and are eager to travel again soon,” says Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
Featured fares and more can be found at https://www.aircanada.com/en-ca/europe.
Galardo adds: “With vaccination rates globally increasing and our industry-leading CleanCare+ bio-safety protocols, Air Canada has your health and safety as its top priority and we look forward to welcoming you back onboard.”
Full and up to date information about current travel conditions in Europe is at: reopen.europa.eu.
