Montreal, April 24, 2017 — On a recent familiarization trip, from April 2 to 10, 20 travel agents from across the province of Quebec had the privilege to explore Transat’s new destination, Tel Aviv, Israel, which will be offered by direct flight as of June 18. These seasoned globetrotters can now vividly speak to why this destination stirs so much excitement in any traveller who has had the chance to visit it: it has something for everyone.

"The travel agents who took part in this familiarization trip were utterly captivated by all that Israel has to offer, whether it be its millennia-old history, vibrant cultural vibes, electrifying nightlife, refined Mediterranean cuisine, exciting wine industry or undeniable religious heritage," says Louise Fecteau, Commercial Director, Quebec, Transat Tours Canada.

Six Transat employees – including Nathalie Dunn, Regional Groups Director; Pierre Lanoix, Senior Representative, Groups; Alexandre Brien, Inside Sales Supervisor; and Anne-Marie Dorion, Business Development Representative – had the pleasure to accompany these travel agents. Their journey led them to discover the riches of the country by travelling to several cities and regions: Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Massada, the Golan Heights and the Dead Sea.

"Transat is thrilled to offer this spectacular destination and make it accessible through its direct Montreal–Tel Aviv flight, as well as with its guided tours and packages," adds Fecteau. "Israel thus becomes a choice holiday destination for all types of travellers."

As of June 18, Air Transat will offer two direct flights a week to Tel Aviv, on Wednesdays and Sundays. Travellers can also take advantage of Transat’s guided tours to fully explore this destination thanks to the expertise of passionate guides. The guided tours include: Wonders of Israel and Jordan (available in French only), Wonders of Israel (available in French only), Discover Tel Aviv & Jerusalem (available in French and in English) and Bible Land (available in English only).

A series of new packages is also available. These include roundtrip flight in Economy Class, accommodation in 3-, 4-, 4.5- or 5-star hotels, transfers between the airport and hotel, and seven breakfasts:

• Jerusalem and Tel Aviv: a multi-city adventure, with four nights in Jerusalem and three nights in Tel Aviv

• Tel Aviv: seven nights to discover the Israeli metropolis

• Jerusalem: seven nights to take the pulse of the Israeli capital

• Tel Aviv and Galilee: three nights in Tel Aviv and four nights in Galilee

• Jerusalem and the Negev desert: two nights in Jerusalem, four nights in the Negev desert and one night in Tel Aviv

Travellers can also customize their holiday with the following options for à la carte visits:

• Massada and the Dead Sea

• Biblical Highlights of the Galilee

• Pearls of the Western Galilee

To find out more about Israel and Transat’s program, visit www.transat.com.

About Transat

Transat A.T. Inc. is a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel and active in air transportation, accommodation, travel packaging and distribution. It operates mainly in Canada, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, with some 25 destination countries, and distributes products in over 50 countries. Based in Montreal, the company has 5,000 employees. Transat is firmly committed to sustainable tourism development, as reflected in its multiple corporate responsibility initiatives over the past 10 years, and was awarded Travelife Partner status in 2016. The vacation travel companion par excellence, Transat celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017 (TSX: TRZ).