TORONTO — Curaçao tourism representatives and hoteliers were in a sunny mood during a week-long series of agent presentations and sales calls in Toronto with Air Canada rouge now offering nonstop year-round air service from Toronto for the first time.

The first new year-round weekly rouge service departed May 7, 2015 from Toronto and will depart and return every Thursday. Previously there was only seasonal service in the winter from Toronto as well as from Montreal. Air Canada Vacations features 14 properties from villa style, boutique hotels to large chains and all-inclusive resorts.

They partnered with Curaçao Tourist Board and four island properties that included Marriott Curaçao Emerald Casino, Sunscape Curaçao Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino and Acoya.

André Rojer, marketing manager North America for Curaçao Tourist Board, told Travelweek that the island distinguishes itself from other Caribbean islands. “We are undiscovered, haven’t had a hurricane in 180 years, lots of history and we are like a little Europe.”

Approximately 15,000 Canadians visited Curaçao in 2014 which marked a significant increase from the previous year according to Rojer and he anticipates continued growth with the new year-round service.

Westjet and Sunwing Airlines also fly to Curaçao and offer packages.

Rojer likes the Canadian market as he says they go beyond the beach and participate in some of the island’s activities like jeep and ATV adventures, experience the oldest ostrich farm outside of Africa, take advantage of duty-free shopping and visit some of the historical sites and markets.

New attractions include the Curasub where travellers can go deep underwater in an enclosed sub, and Curaçao Winery, the island’s first winery with the first wines ready for tasting in the fall.

For further Information on Curaçao, visit curacao.com.