Winnipeggers who are itching to go to Hollywood will find it easier to travel by air.
WestJet will operate non-stop flights from Winnipeg's airport to Los Angeles three days a week, seven days a week.
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" This is huge for Manitoba," Prime Minister Heather Stefansson said. “What WestJet announced today is absolutely fantastic for the economy here in Manitoba, tourism and so many different industries here in Manitoba.”
From Winnipeg to Los Angeles, Stephenson said. A direct route to Manitoba would strengthen Manitoba's thriving film industry, which brought $365 million to the state's economy last year despite setbacks due to the pandemic.
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It was done after spending about $5 million. and other major international venues in the last week. These funds are from the state's $50 million Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund.
Rod Bruinooge, interim CEO of Manitoba Film and Music, expects the route to bring dramatic growth to the industry.
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“When I was in the industry 20 years ago, we had about $30 million a year in the movie business. We've reached a third, which is dramatic growth," he said. "That growth is always difficult to manage, but we have big announcements coming in the coming months. This is just the beginning.
"With a direct route to Manitoba, , would consider a very large film production coming here.”
The first direct flight to LA will take off on Halloween.
— With Sam Thompson file
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