WestJet supports ACTA call for transparency

Fees disguised as taxes are unethical and denigrate travel industry

CALGARY, Oct. 30 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced its support for the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies' (ACTA) call for a policy change for greater transparency in taxes and fees being charged for vacation packages by tour operators and wholesalers.

As indicated in a release from ACTA on October 28, 2009, some tour operators and wholesalers are placing various fees in tax fields when booking packages and are not providing a breakdown of these fees. WestJet is firmly against this practice and transparently provides full disclosure of all taxes and fees associated with the purchased trip.

WestJet Vice-President, Sales and Distribution Duncan Bureau commented, "WestJet strongly believes that greater transparency in taxes and fees are required for tour operators and wholesalers. We realize that there are low margins in the travel industry as a result of the economic downturn but the travelling public deserves better from their travel providers and in this context, better is complete transparency for all taxes and fees associated with their purchase."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 81 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 54 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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For further information: Media Contact: Robert Palmer, Media Relations, telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), email: ropalmer@westjet.com