The provincial government is hoping its representation at a major tourism show in London, England will generate greater interest in travel to Newfoundland and Labrador.

A delegation including the Premier, Hospitality NL, Destination St. John’s, and the St. John’s International Airport Authority were in London to showcase what the province has to offer.

This year, they were able to highlight WestJet’s direct flight from London Gatwick to St. John’s starting in May and running through to October.

That, says Premier Andrew Furey, is a major boost in attracting the European market.

The major barrier in the past was a lack of reliable air routes to the province, and the news was “met with true excitement and enthusiasm” by tourism and destination operators.