TORONTO — Signature Vacations last week launched an exclusive flight service from Quebec City to Panama’s newest airport, Rio Hato.

No other carrier provides this direct route from Quebec City to Rio Hato, conveniently located only a short distance from Panama’s resort area of Playa Blanca.

Chief Operating Officer for the Sunwing Travel Group, Andrew Dawson commented, “Panama is a new destination for Signature Vacations this year, and has quickly become a favourite winter escape for Canadians. We are pleased to be able to expand our programming for the coming winter to offer our clients in Quebec City a convenient, direct flight service to this Central American hot spot”.

The resort area of Playa Blanca in Panama faces the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Panama. Located approximately two hours from Panama City, Playa Blanca offers a mild sunny climate, tranquil beaches, eco-tourism adventures and welcoming hospitality.

Exclusive to Signature Vacations, the new beachfront Riu Playa Blanca features five star amenities and provides guests with RIU-topia luxuries that include unlimited international drinks, discounts on exciting excursions and free WiFi. Guests can lounge under the poolside palapas (sun shelters), take an introductory scuba lesson, hit the gym or unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. There’s a supervised Kids Club and mini-waterpark, and for added value, children aged between 2-12 years stay and eat for free when sharing a room with two adults (max. two children per family). Choose from one of three on-site à la carte restaurants, including Asian, Italian and a steakhouse, or visit the international buffet.

All packages include Sunwing flights, and unlike other airlines, Sunwing includes free checked baggage. A one-week vacation package to the Riu Playa Blanca Resort in Panama from Quebec City starts from $1,495 per person including taxes per person, based on double occupancy departing March 6, 2015.