Copa Takes Off In Canada

Copa Airlines teamed up with delegates from the Argentine provinces of Mendoza and Salta to host Montreal and Toronto events for the travel industry last weeek.

Delegates started their mission in Montréal and ended in Toronto, where a reception was hosted at an Argentinian restaurant to showcase the wine, gastronomy and outdoor adventures abundant in both Mendoza and Salta.

Copa connects Canadians with five key destinations in Argentina — Mendoza, Salta, Rosario, Cordoba and Buenos Aires. The airline offers more than 60 destinations in over 30 countries through the Hub of the Americas — Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.

On board, the carrier features complimentary hot meals and beverages, including wines and spirits; a 12-channel audio-visual entertainment system in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with new movies monthly, complimentary headsets and checked luggage to the final destination.

Laura Marin, sales manager Canada for Copa Airlines, told the Toronto gathering that: “Copa Airlines is proud to be the leading Latin American carrier to offer five times weekly flights from Toronto and four times weekly flights from Montréal through Tocumen International Airport in Panama City to Argentina including Salta and Mendoza which represents the two most important wine regions of Argentina.”

Marin noted: “From our Hub of the Americas in Panama we provide the best connectivity on the American continent and expect to continue to contribute substantially to the development of tourism and business in Mendoza and Salta, Argentina.”

And she added: “This important Canadian mission to promote Argentina to the travel trade, tour operators and the MICE market represents another step to continue strengthening our operations in Latin America and on Copa Airlines.”

Salta’s Secretary of Tourism – Government of Salta, Estanislao Villanueva told the audience: “We have many expectations for the Copa Airlines flights to Salta. For the first time, Salta is directly connected with Panama, one of the most important air hubs in the Americas® and from there to the rest of the world. This allows us to continue positioning Salta as a premiere travel destination in the international market.”

Villanueva continued: “Salta is the capital of its namesake province, located in the mountainous Argentine northwest. Its different attractions include its colonial architecture, bohemian spirit and impressive landscape, including mountains, valleys and vineyards. In addition, visitors can experience Salta’s historic district and the incredible ride aboard the famous Train to the Clouds, which goes through the majestic ravines, moving to heights close to 4,200 meters above sea level. Lastly, visitors can savour the Torrontes white wine that represents the Salta emblem grape, enjoy adventure sports and the dramatic landscapes of the Calchaquies Valleys.”

Marina Milanesio, director of tourism promotion- Mendoza Tourism Board, said: “We are very happy to have an airline like Copa Airlines to get closer to the Mendoza region. Connectivity is key to improving efficient transport, mainly boosting investment and tourism in Argentina. We have some of the best wines and produce exceptional Malbecs and other red wines.  Additionally, the beauty of the area is seen as you stroll the tree-lined streets with many modern and art deco buildings, cosmopolitan cafes and contemporary art.”

Currently Copa Airlines operates an average of 315 daily departures and arrivals through its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport, offering the most international flights of any airport in Latin America.

In the photo

Seen here are Andres Höy, commercial representativeof the Tourism Chamber of Salta; Laura Diaz, manager of the Hotel Association of Mendoza; Estanislao Villanueva, secretary of tourism of the Government of Salta; Maria Arrieta, deputy consul general and trade commissioner, Argentina; Laura Marin, sales manager Canada, Copa Airlines;Yolanda Molinuevo Ortega, sales executive Copa Airlines; Bernardo Gonzales, Copa Airlines; Marina Milanesio; and Rodrigo Lemos, commercial representative of the Travel Agents Association of Mendoza.