Tourism Calgary and WestJet have launched the Calgary Stopover Program to inspire the seven million international travellers that annually connect through Calgary without ever leaving the airport.
Developed with support from YYC Calgary International Airport and the Calgary Hotel Association, the program gives travellers on eligible WestJet routes the opportunity to add a Calgary visit, including 19 exclusive hotel offers and access to the Calgary Attractions Pass.
The Calgary Stopover Program is designed to convert more connecting passengers into overnight visitors. The program launches with 19 exclusive hotel offers across the city, demonstrating strong support from Calgary’s hotel sector. Stopover visitors also receive access to the Calgary Attractions Pass, which provides deals and discounts at participating Calgary attractions, making planning seamless.
“Millions of travellers already pass through Calgary every year, and this program creates a simple way for them to experience our city rather than just connect through it,” said Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “Whether visitors are exploring our vibrant neighbourhoods, enjoying our culinary scene, discovering local attractions, or using Calgary as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, the Calgary Stopover Program helps convert existing air traffic into meaningful economic impact for local businesses and communities. It is an important step toward our goal of doubling visitor spending to $6 billion by 2035.”
The Calgary Stopover Program is structured as a pilot, with the goal of expanding access to more routes and markets over time. It will initially target UK travellers, leveraging WestJet’s year-round service from London Heathrow and seasonal service from Edinburgh. Travellers can book their entire journey, including a Calgary stopover, as a single reservation through WestJet’s multi-city booking tool, making it as straightforward to plan as it is to enjoy. Additionally, WestJet guests arriving from London Heathrow and Edinburgh choosing to stay in Calgary can add the stopover at no additional cost, for up to seven days after arriving in YYC.
