Canadian carrier WestJet has begun its new nonstop flights to Belize.

The carrier began operating its flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Belize City on Saturday.

“Leaving Canada and hitting the beaches in Belize by mid-day is something that Canadian travellers are not used to and we have absolutely changed the game with our twice-weekly service from Toronto,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “I extend a big thanks to our WestJet team, the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation as well as the Belize Tourism Board for their support in the creation of this significant route.  To our guests this morning, we say, “Gud maanin,” and welcome aboard. We look forward to offering both Canadians and Belizeans the chance to experience WestJet’s low fare, high care service over the winter months.”

Belize becomes WestJet’s 21st destination in the Caribbean and third in Central America.

The flights will be a boon for the destinations hotels, like Cayo Espano, pictured above.

WestJet is operating the flights on Boeing 737 aircraft that includes the carrier’s WestJet Connect inflight entertainment system that connects directly to smartphones, tablets and computers.

“This is truly a historic milestone for our nation,” said Belize Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia. “Today’s inaugural flight holds a very significant and unparalleled opportunity for Belize, as it is the first to directly connect Canada and Belize. We certainly foresee an increase in travel to Belize from thousands of Canadians who have been deterred in the past due to inconvenient layovers and connections in the United States. After today, this is no longer the case. Our sincerest gratitude goes out to WestJet for their partnership and belief in a future with Belize.”

The flights are operating twice weekly.