by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Tuesday, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority began hosting numerous commercial airline representatives for a three-day summit that officials hope will result in opening the region to more destinations.
Officials from Air Tran, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and US Airways who make service recommendations for their respective airlines are taking part in the function, with stops around Northeast Florida destinations to showcase what the region has to offer both business and leisure travelers.
“This is something we created with the concept to expose route planners to the area and give them a closer look at Jacksonville,” said Michael Stewart, JAA director of external affairs.
In line with the poor economy affecting air travel, airlines have pulled back several routes in cost-cutting measures. The economy won’t be down forever, said Stewart, and when it does begin to pick back up he wants Jacksonville to be at the forefront of the discussion.
“As the economy gains, airlines will respond,” he said, adding, “The bottom line is, are there enough travelers when you increase your routes?”
He believes so, with the summit acting as a sort of preemptive strike in the discussion.
The representatives will see Northeast Florida destinations including Downtown, Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine and Jacksonville International Airport.
“They are really getting a full agenda,” said said Barbara Halverstadt, JAA manager of marketing and development.
During the tour, representatives will also experience some of the activities the business and leisure traveler experiences in the region to get a personal feel for the area.
The JAA isn’t alone in hosting the visitors, as several businesses and organizations have stepped up to show their support in showing off Northeast Florida, said Halverstadt. She presented the idea to officials in early June and it received an overwhelming response from all parties. More than a dozen organizations and companies with economic development, tourism, transportation and entertainment ties have partnered with the Authority.
“They all see the opportunities,” said Halverstadt. “It benefits everyone to have them here.”
The summit ends this afternoon, but Stewart hopes its results will have long lasting effects in bringing both business and leisure travelers to the region with an expanded route service.
“That’s really the hope,” he said.
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