The tourism minister says the province’s new direct route to Paris, France, could open up more opportunities to work with the French territory of St. Pierre et Miquelon.

Last fall, the province announced that WestJet was expanding its seasonal direct routes to include flights to Dublin, Ireland, and Paris, France. Flight offerings to London-Gatwick were also expanded.

Steve Crocker was over in Europe recently in each of those destinations to promote travel to Newfoundland and Labrador.

He says he was surprised to hear the interest that is already building in the French market, noting that he met with travel trade companies while in Paris to talk about ways they can build on that momentum.

He notes that there is already a “keen interest” in the province because of St. Pierre et Miquelon, noting that there are a lot of connections – including family ones.

The minister said the new flight opened the door for French travellers who wanted to visit the province and the French territory.