CALGARY — WestJet has officially become the only Canadian carrier that directly connects Canadians to the country of Belize, following the departure of flight 2604 from Toronto Pearson on Oct. 29.

“This is a very exciting moment for the tourism stakeholders in Belize. After a long planning period with WestJet, we are thrilled that the route has become a reality,” said Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism for the Belize Tourism Board. “This flight comes at the perfect time, as we are approaching the start of our upcoming high season, making travelling to Belize so much easier and more convenient for Canadians. We expect that with such ease in accessibility, tourism arrivals from Canada will increase, thereby contributing positively to the growth in the overnight tourism sector in Belize.”

Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, added: “This is truly a historic milestone for our nation. We certainly foresee an increase in travel to Belize from thousands of Canadians who have been deterred in the past due to inconvenient layovers and connections in the United States. After today, this is no longer the case.”

Belize is WestJet’s 21st destination in the Caribbean and third destination in Central America.  During peak winter months the airline has a total of more than 90 flights per week from Toronto to the Caribbean and Central America.

Flights will be operated on WestJet’s Boeing 737 aircraft featuring the enhanced Plus product and WestJet Connect, WestJet’s inflight entertainment system connected directly to smartphone, tablet or computer. Almost 70% of WestJet’s Boeing fleet is now equipped with WestJet Connect.

Toronto-Belize City flies twice weekly at 9:15 a.m., while Belize City-Toronto also flies twice weekly at 12:50 p.m. All flights allow WestJet Rewards members the opportunity to earn WestJet dollars to be used towards the payment of a WestJet-marketed flight or a WestJet Vacations package (excluding taxes, fees and charges).