Airport Improvements Help Sun Peaks
Airport Improvements Help Sun Peaks
Thursday 26 July 2007
Larger airplanes and new flights promise easier access to Sun Peaks in Canada thanks to a recent Federal Government announcement confirming the expansion of the Kamloops International Airport.
Expanded Airport Terminal and Longer Runway For Airport By Sun Peaks
“The expanded Kamloops airport has tremendous benefits to Sun Peaks’ guests and travel partners,” explains Christopher Nicolson, President of Tourism Sun Peaks. “The expanded terminal facilities will immediately increase speed and comfort through security and customs.”
“The longer runway opens new opportunities for charter flights, larger equipment and new scheduled routes.” Tourism Sun Peaks has been in dialog with multiple carriers to expand routes and service.
“Our ability to attract ski groups out of Ontario or the US has been limited due to access,” explains Nicolson. “With this announcement, we have the potential to fly guests to within 45 minutes of Sun Peaks’ ski-through village and ski on the same day.”
The $20 million expansion project was confirmed on July 18th with the $6.6 million commitment from the Federal Government, adding to an investment from the Provincial Government and proceeds from the Airport Improvement fee. The announcement also includes new navigational aids that will further improve Kamloops reliable reputation for landing in a variety of weather conditions – a significant factor for international tour operators.
This announcement is critical to the success of Sun Peaks as a leading mountain destination and the region’s economic success. The airport improvements are estimated to bring an additional 50,000 passengers into Kamloops by the year 2015 annually.
The Kamloops International Airport expansion provides one of the most significant economic growth opportunities for the Kamloops and Sun Peaks region since the construction of the Coquihalla Highway, the completion of which, in 1986, connected Kamloops to Vancouver resulting in tremendous economic growth for the region.
|