Photo: Contributed - Big White Jim Loyd, Big White Director of Sales and Rob Crichton, Big White Sales Manager are pictured here in their show suits with (from left to right) Monique Iannuzzi, Erin Mooney, Bill Kelly and Liz Everett from United Airlines Vacations.

Big White Ski Resort, in association with the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Association is hosting senior staff from United Airlines Vacations, the largest supplier of ski holidays in North America.

United Airlines recently announced daily non-stop service from Los Angeles to Kelowna. The new air capacity into Kelowna is a huge asset for not only Big White Ski resort but all tourism partners in the Okanagan Valley. United Airlines quickly observed the interest and subsequent bookings, particularly from Australia and New Zealand, was high. With that, United Airlines executives in partnership with Kelowna International Airport, were quick to react in announcing a second Saturday flight departing Los Angeles early morning. The early morning departure makes connecting from the southern hemisphere that much easier.

This is the first trip into the Okanagan by the United Airlines Vacations team to further educate themselves on the world class product offerings of Big White Ski Resort and the valley.

The tour was kicked off with and “over the top” wine pairing dinner at Mission Hill Winery and continues throughout the Okanagan with stops at Big White, Manteo Resort, Predator Ridge, Sparkling Hill and Silver Star. “Education of the sales agents that are speaking directly to clients from all over the world is a major key to success. There is nothing like seeing  the product first hand which enables them have much more confidence in selling our world class destination.”, said Jim Loyd, Sales Director, Big White Ski Resort.

Loyd added, “This is very exciting news for skiers and snowboarders in the Los Angeles area and beyond.  The three hour flight makes Big White Ski Resort the closest and most accessible ski resort in Canada from the LA region.”