Antigua and Barbuda is poised for an uptick in tourism from Canada this winter, with a wave of new airlift from Air Canada. 

The Canadian carrier is launching a rollout of new service to the twin-island destination, beginning with a weekly flight between Toronto and Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport. 

That service will continue to ramp during the inter season, with Air Canada forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic. 

Beginning Dec. 23, Air Canada will also launch once-weekly flights between Montreal and Antigua. 

“We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez. “We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving.”

The return of Air Canada comes as Antigua and Barbuda just announced the removal of all testing and vaccination rules for travelers to the destination. 

“Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer.”