Edmonton International Airport led a delegation of tourism partners to Amsterdam this weekend to participate in the 100th anniversary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
KLM is the first airline in the world to celebrate 100 years of continuous air service under the same name and celebrated with a large-scale tourism and event showcase. Led by Tom Ruth President and CEO of EIA, in partnership with tourism officials from Edmonton and Jasper, the delegation connected with KLM leaders and their global partners to grow this region's tourism sector.
“One hundred years of air service is an amazing accomplishment and we want to congratulate KLM for being a part of our community and helping our passengers travel the world through KLM’s remarkable global network,” said Ruth. “As demand for air travel continues to grow, we look forward to a long and successful partnership and another 100 years success for KLM.”
The airline’s official 100th birthday is Oct. 7 and to recognize the event, EIA held a special celebration in its terminal building on Sunday with the scheduled KLM flight as well as promotions happening today with special contests for passengers and other activities.
“Congratulations to KLM for celebrating 100 years of service to their customers. They are an important partner for Alberta’s tourism sector and a key partner with Edmonton International Airport. I look forward to what the future holds for Alberta and KLM,” said Tanya Fir, minister of economic development, trade and tourism for the Government of Alberta.
“Congratulations to KLM on their 100th anniversary,” said Maggie Davison, vice-president, Edmonton Tourism. “KLM has proven to be an innovative partner and along with our Alberta industry partners, has made great strides in building the European inbound tourism market to the Edmonton region. Year-round visitation is important to help drive the visitor economy, and we very much look forward to the next 100 years of solid partnership.”
“One of the most important aspects to building the tourism business in Jasper is access to European markets via direct air service through Edmonton International Airport,” said James Jackson, CEO and president of Tourism Jasper. “The work that EIA has spearheaded in Amsterdam with KLM and across Europe is a huge benefit to not only Jasper, but the entire Northern Alberta region. Trips like this are integral to positioning Edmonton and Jasper as premier international leisure destinations.”
