Funway Holidays launches 'full' Canada programme with Air Canada Vacations

Air Canada Vacations by Funway departures for 2018 & 2019 holidays will be on-sale to book from June 4, including flight-inclusive package and land only options, and Funway is targeting 5,000 passenger bookings for the programme by the end of 2019.

Funway’s reservations team has been fully trained in the build-up to the launch and a dedicated phone number is available for agents to call to speak to an expert advisor.

Online booking through www.funway4agents.co.uk is planned for later this year.

The launch will be backed by “extensive” sales and marketing activity, including consumer focused campaigns jointly with selected agent and destination partners, the production of tactical offer brochures and a dedicated brochure available for all Funway agent partners.

The Air Canada Vacations product available through Funway will include skiing in Banff, whale watching in Vancouver, train voyages across Canada, exploring the European-inspired streets of Montreal and urban getaways in Toronto.

The 2018 & 2019 collection offers more than 28 escorted, rail or fly-drive package options with flights, transport and hotel accommodation included.

Multi-destination holidays combining Canada with the US, Mexico and the Caribbean will also be a focus.

Melissa Tilling, managing director of Funway Holidays, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Air Canada Vacations, a natural progression for Funway Holidays as we further build on our North America specialist credentials.

“Flying Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge from four airports around the UK to over 60 destinations throughout Canada, and myriad beyond points, offers incredible flexibility and choice to our customers.”

She added: “Having closely assessed the market we believe we have some really key benefits that our travel agent partners will find really beneficial with Air Canada Vacations by Funway, where we will stand out from the competition.”

George Plantanitis, director of Canada and inbound strategy for Air Canada Vacations, added: “We’re proud and excited to be able to diversify our market reach through such a well-respected tour operator in Funway Holidays, bringing our great value and diverse Canada travel packages to customers in the UK.

“This is our first partnership as part of our ongoing focus to expand our product offering in overseas markets, which continues to position Air Canada Vacations as a leader in Canadian vacation experiences.”

Funway said “really good availability” remains for escorted tours departing in 2018.

The 2019 programme, up to 31 October, is already up for sale with guaranteed availability and prices.

The Best of the Canadian Rockies 10-day escorted tour, including flights with Air Canada, transfers, accommodation and some excursions, 12 meals, services of a tour director and tax leads in from £2,329pp.

Meanwhile the Vancouver City Break including four nights staying in the Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver and flights with Air Canada leads in at £679pp.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are rumoured to be headed for their honeymoon, is also featured in the programme.