TORONTO — “Canada, we welcome you!” was the official declaration at an industry event hosted by Visit San Antonio in Toronto yesterday. The words, spoken by Dave Krupinski, Chief Operating Officer, were met with resounding applause, as Visit San Antonio gets set to welcome Air Canada’s new daily nonstop service from Toronto on May 1.

According to Krupinski, more than 60,000 Canadians visit San Antonio per year, with that number expected to grow. “We anticipate between a 10-15% increase as a result of the new Air Canada flights, which will likely only be the start of more connectivity with our dear northern neighbours,” he told Travelweek.

On the importance of the Canadian market, Krupinski said it was critical to San Antonio’s tourism. “Even without direct flights, it is the second largest international market. We know Canadians love to visit not just in the winter – we affectionately welcome them as ‘Winter Texans’ – but throughout the year.”

Also in attendance was Duncan Bureau, VP Global Sales for Air Canada, who said that the new route expands the company’s plans to make Toronto a superhub. He also added that with the new flight, Air Canada now offers 55 destinations in the United States and is considered the largest operator into the state of Texas. “Size matters in Texas,” he joked.

Air Canada’s Toronto-San Antonio service will run daily beginning May 1 and will be operated year round by Air Canada Express.

The flight comes at a fortuitous time, as San Antonio will be celebrating its 300th birthday in May 2018. In preparation, several new offerings are expected this year, including new rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. Many hotels including La Cantera and Hotel Valencia are debuting hotel-wide renovations and offerings, while many of the city’s cultural institutions, like The Witte Museum and San Antonio Botanical Gardens, have completed more than US$100 million in expansions.

“In 2018 we’ll celebrate our tricentennial anniversary that includes historical influences from Spain, Mexico, France, Germany and the American West,” added Krupinski. “The depth and breadth of our culture and history is definitely a hidden gem for many Canadians. We are an authentic, affordable destination that is now more accessible than ever.”