Jet Fuel Crisis: Alberta Tourism Surges Amidst Challenges

0:00It's April 6, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Calgary News today, local news powered by AI. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the Iran conflict kicked off, forcing Canadian airlines to slash flights and slap on surcharges. WestJet is cutting capacity by 1% in April and 3% in May, including fewer routes out of Edmonton this spring to match demand and tame those costs. Jet is also adding fuel fees to discounted companion tickets, though regular fairs stay untouched. Air Canada sees strong passenger demand, but warns of volatile prices, with travel agents buzzing about a possible $50 surcharge on tickets to. Sunny spots, starting this week. In Alberta, Calgary's international arrivals are climbing up 11.6% in January and 7.3 in February over last year, while Edmonton's dipping 4.7 and 6.3%. Tourism bosses like Waterton Lake's hotel owner, Shamir Suleiman note, US visitors

1:01down 20%, blaming fuel scares and uncertainty, but Canadians and others are filling the gap. National parks in Alberta drew over 610,000 visitors in January and February, jumps of 12.6 and 21.2% from last year. Every entry here versus price here, US parks is pulling crowds to spots like BAMF, Jasper and Waterton. Even with fuel woes hanging over travel plans, Alberta's tourism scene looks primed for another banner, year as domestic trips surge and airlines tweak to keep flying.