Sunwing introduces non-stop direct flight service from Vancouver to Costa Rica for the first time


TORONTO, June 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heading off on a winter escape just got a bit easier for Vancouverites, with the news that Sunwing will be offering a weekly non-stop direct flight service from Vancouver to Liberia in Costa Rica this coming winter; departing on Sundays between December 23rd, 2018 and March 31st, 2019.  The flight service is anticipated to be operated on the airline’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Once it commences, Sunwing will be the only carrier offering this route direct from Vancouver.

President of Tour Operations for Sunwing, Andrew Dawson, commented on the news. "We’re very pleased to be introducing Costa Rica for the coming winter. As well as being renowned for its eco tours and adventures, this popular destination also stands out for the quality of its accommodation. With this new service, our Vancouver customers will be able to choose between two of our consistently most popular top-rated resorts, Riu Palace Costa Rica and Riu Guanacaste, or be among the first guests to experience the new Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, opening this fall.  As an added benefit, we will be operating the flight service on our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The improved fuel efficiency of the MAX will also enable us to offer an increased number of direct flight services from our Western airports."

Last year, the travel company became the first to offer a direct flight service from Vancouver to Montego Bay, Jamaica. With the addition of Costa Rica, Vancouverites that travel with Sunwing will enjoy access to 11 different sun destinations from their doorstep this winter.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sunwing’s new service to Liberia, Costa Rica, which marks YVR’s first non-stop, direct flight to this popular Latin American destination,” said Anne Murray, YVR’s Vice President of Airline Business Development and Public Affairs. “Sunwing’s new service to Costa Rica will support our mission to connect British Columbia proudly to the world, providing passengers with an exciting opportunity to visit a great country—known for its amazing biodiversity, incredible attractions and friendly people.”

Home to lush rainforests, volcanoes and waterfalls, Costa Rica is an eco-paradise that boasts a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Vacationers keen to explore can take advantage of numerous Sunwing Experiences to discover its natural attractions: from getting up close to its diverse wildlife to ziplining through the rainforest to relaxing in natural spas that feature volcanic mud baths and saunas.

As the first ever all inclusive luxury resort for Planet Hollywood, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica promises to combine upscale accommodation, dining experiences and entertainment with the latest technology: from interactive touch-screen digital displays narrating the memorabilia experience to in-suite personalized playlists, Hollywood lighting and more. Plus, travellers can Vacation like a Star™ with generous inclusions ranging from gourmet and specialty dining, access to a Beach Club, 24-hour room service, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi throughout and much more.

Situated on a peaceful beachfront surrounded by verdant mountains, Riu Guanacaste is set in lush gardens and benefits from an inviting free-form swimming pool with swim up bar and submerged loungers. Guests enjoy an array of included water sports and activities together with a daily RiuLand Kids Club and tranquil Renova Spa. Vacationers who opt for the neighbouring Riu Palace Costa Rica enjoy access to all amenities at Riu Guanacaste together with their own exclusive pools, beachfront, restaurants (ranging from Italian to contemporary fusion), premium drinks and enhanced amenities. Vacationers at both resorts enjoy RIU®-topia inclusions such as unlimited à la carte dining, spa discounts and in-room liquor dispensers, while Riu Palace guests can look forward to lavish extras such as daily champagne breakfasts, pool waiter service and more.

All vacation packages include return flights on Sunwing Airlines where passengers can look forward to starting their vacation off in style with award-winning inflight service that includes a welcome sparkling wine toast, buy on board Sunwing Café menu with selections inspired by Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford and backpacks for children filled with games and toys.

To book your next all inclusive vacation visit www.sunwing.ca  or contact your travel agent.

About Sunwing

As the #1 to the sun and North America’s largest vertically integrated travel company, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from over 33 airports across Canada to over 50 popular sun destinations. This scale enables Sunwing to negotiate the best deals and exclusive offers at all of the top-rated resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Renowned for its award-winning service, Sunwing is consistently voted the #1 leisure airline by travel agents and is the perennial winner of the Consumer Choice Award. Customers can look forward to starting their vacation off in style with award-winning inflight service, which features a complimentary glass of sparkling wine*, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic beverage service; together with a buy on board menu of light meals and snacks (including kids’ choices) inspired by Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford. Sunwing customers also benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey.

* service may be unavailable on select flights

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Rachel Goldrick
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
Sunwing Vacations
1-800-387-5602 | media@sunwing.ca

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Three photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2feb6dfb-dfd5-4d48-9b7b-fd466f9f92a4

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64225c52-2668-4b95-bea2-7612e9cb3a77

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba928991-073b-49aa-ac0b-12409f4446b8

Boeing MAX 8 Riu Palace Costa Rica Planet Hollywood Costa Rica