CALGARY — WestJet Vacations is thanking its trusted partners “for maximizing every experience and memory” made during its recent brand-led initiatives in B.C. and Mexico.

Here’s a recap …

LuLu Island Winery event with Playa Hotels & Resorts

In March WestJet Vacations partnered with Playa Hotels & Resorts to host more than 40 travel advisors for a Paint & Sip event at LuLu Island Winery in Richmond, B.C. Advisors were given an update about what’s new with the tour operator, and provided a detailed overview of the Playa Hotels portfolio.

Paint & Sip event at LuLu Island Winery in Richmond, B.C. with WestJet Vacations and Playa Hotels & Resorts

To meet the increasing demand for Cancun among Canadians, the tour operator announced a new weekly flight departing every Tuesday from Vancouver to its schedule, starting May 2025, as well as additional flight capacity to Puerto Vallarta and Punta Cana. This strategic move ensures that their mutual clients have even more opportunities to explore one of Canadians’ most sought-after spots.

Advisors also heard about significant improvements being made to WestJet Rewards, the most significant changes in the program’s 15-year history, which came into effect on April 30 – changes that make it easier than ever for members to earn, redeem and achieve status. Members can now earn and redeem points on inflight extras including cabin upgrades, advanced seat selection and checked bags, plus WestJet Vacations package customers can earn 20% of the base package price and that amount would apply towards their tier qualify spend (restrictions apply).

For more information, visit www.westjet.com/en-ca/rewards/new-westjet-rewards.

Hotel Xcaret immersive cooking class with The Dirty Apron Cooking School

WestJet Vacations teamed up with Hotel Xcaret last month to host a private cooking class at Dirty Apron in Vancouver, featuring a wine and cocktail reception followed by a presentation from Hotel Xcaret’s Melissa Fernández, Sales Executive U.S. and Canada. Attendees also got to take part in a four-hour cooking class, exploring a blend of Mexican, German and Japanese cuisine, under the guidance of Chef Takashi. Hotel Xcaret’s offers include a kids stay free promotion available until May 31.

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) advisors travel to the Mexican Pacific

WestJet Vacations recently hosted TDC advisors in Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas for site tours of Hyatt Zilara Los Cabos, Dreams Los Cabos, Breathless Cabo San Lucas, Sandos Finisterra, Grand Velas and GR Solaris Lighthouse, as well as off-site excursions including a sunset cruise along the Sea of Cortez. WestJet Vacations also coordinated numerous networking opportunities between NexusTours.com and Playa Resorts, two key partners in destination.

Red Label Vacations FAM

Travel advisors from Canada’s east coast recently boarded new nonstop WestJet flights from Toronto to Tulum. WestJet Vacations offers nearly 30 partner properties set between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, and advisors visited several including Hilton Tulum, Hilton Cancun, Bahia Luxury Akumal, Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Principe Grand Tulum, Secrets Tulum, Dreams Tulum, Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte.

During the trip, agents spoke freely at a WestJet Vacations focus group, with participation from NexusTours.com and the WestJet Vacations destination experience team. A series of working dinners gave advisors the chance to sample resort cuisine and engage brand representatives.

Red Label Vacations experience Tulum & Cancun with WestJet Vacations