(SDCC 05/15/08) UK event and exhibition planners will soon have direct access to San Diego when Zoom Airlines’ new direct flights from London Gatwick to San Diego take-off in June. The San Diego Convention Centre (SDCC) is one of the largest convention centres in North America with award winning facilities and services attracting some of the largest events and exhibitors from all over world.

Zoom Airlines, the leading low-fare transatlantic airline, will be operating the only direct non-stop air service between Europe and San Diego with twice weekly flights departing on Mondays and Fridays. The service commences on June 20th with fares start form only £299 return including all taxes.

From the airport, it’s just a five-minute shuttle ride to the SDCC, located right on the harbour in downtown San Diego.

San Diego is renowned for its appeal as an international convention destination. This year, the SDCC will be the host for the 39th year running, of the San Diego Comic-con the country’s premier comics and popular arts convention. This is a multi-genre fan convention showcasing comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/television larger range of pop culture elements, such as horror, anime, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games and web-comics.

Lori Burke, Marketing Manager of Zoom Airlines said: “Bookings for our new direct San Diego flights are providing popular this summer, particularly during periods when large exhibition and conferences are planned. The San Diego Conference Centre is a spectacular venue and we are delighted to be offering UK events and meeting planners a direct low-cost service from London, and the whole of Europe.

“San Diego Comic-con has a large world-wide following. We are offering affordable high quality travel ideal for those enthusiasts keen to travel to this year’s event, as well as those looking to combine business with pleasure and enjoy the beachside location of San Diego.”

Downtown San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter boasts hip, new rooftop bars and nightclubs, trendy hotels and waterfront restaurants with spectacular views. The city’s beachside communities demonstrate a laid-back chic lifestyle synonymous with Southern California. A thriving arts and culture scene exists along with classic family attractions including the world-famous San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego.

Zoom operates an ‘easyJet-style’ booking service with flexible one-way fares and the flights offer Economy and Premium Economy services with allocated seating, meals and soft drinks included in the fare in all cabins, and an enhanced service available in the Premium Economy cabin.

All Zoom Airlines fares can be booked on line at flyzoom.com.

To find out what events are lined up at the San Diego Convention centre this year, see sdccc.org/eventscalendar.