Asian market the target for next year Tourists flock to Via EVIA RAIL'S Skeena run scontimies to increase revenues and passenger ' counts, says an official from ‘the federal crown corpora- ' tion. 1 Passenger counts were up 1 10 per cent to the end of i September this year com- ui pared to last and revenues u climbed by 27 per cent to ‘$1, 775 million, says Via “marketing official = Alli ! _Macaraeg. : The increases continue a ‘trend begun in 1996 when Via changed Skeena’s schedule to an all-daytight * service between = Prince « < Rupert and Prince George. ‘ Macaraeg’s _ particularly ‘happy with the 34 per cent * increase in the first class ‘Totem class passenger ‘ count, saying this is popular : among tourists. « But the economy class ser- tvice dipped, down by as *much as one-quarter for the ‘first months of 1998 com- rpared to 1997. + “We did begin to recover aby May and our economy “business increased from one *per cent a month to 10 per ‘cent a month after that,’’ «said Macaraeg. : “Tn the summer our crews ‘were reporting that the “economy class cars weye bursting at the seams,”’ he sadded. « The large decline in econ- omy business at the begin- a «ning of the year contributed The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, November 4, 1998 - A3 VIA RAIL'S Skeena train seemed destined for the history books until two years ago when its schedule was changed to an_ all-daylight service between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The result has been a large increase in tourist traffic from those who want to see and enjoy the scenery of the northwest. class, to the end of Septem- ber, of .8 per cent when laid against 1997 figures. And while revenue has in- creased, the Skeena run is still along way from break- ing even considering it costs approximately $6 million a year to run the train. The Skeena had been put passenger runs up until 1996 when the decision was made to switch to a daytime ser- vice. Macaraeg’s predicting even higher Totem class counts next year as word spreads around the world of the scenery to be enjoyed in the northwest. ‘Our market development sto an overall drop in that on Via’s endangered Jists of ‘THE NORTHWEST could soon play host to a “high-class tourism venture should plans by B.C. :Rail proceed. * It envisions a train leaving Vancouver coming north to Prince George and along the CN line to —_ Hazelton. ‘Prince Rupert where passengers would then ‘board a pocket cruise ship for a tour of the scoast, : The concept was the topic of discussion at a *rail/cruise tourism seminar featuring major ‘tourism players last week in Prince Rupert. - B.C. Rail vice president Robin Kelleher likens said, seminar are enthusiastic. “interior and northwest, ”” Kelleher said. tic : Vv oulc Sel aR cand’ binge: Sale anf ees cilities SEES "(4s with a cruise there would be stops along ahe way for excursions to various venues,’” he " They’re lighter. They’re more responsive. They're new. And best yet, they’re here. Come see the 1999 Arctie Cats. The powerful new race-bred ZR® 700, the trail-hugging ZL™ 600 EFI, the high-climbing Powder Special® 700 the luxurious Pantera® and many more. But you better get in quick, because these new sleds are moving out fast.