Canadian tourism is bouncing back, a new report says. I also have travel news from WestJet (a new Caribbean destination), Porter Airlines, Air Canada and Accor hotels worldwide.
CANADIAN TOURISM REBOUND
| Destination Canada’s latest report says total tourism revenue across the country is set to exceed 2019 levels.
The report states that tourism will generate $109.5 billion by the end of 2023. This represents the recovery of the tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic, one year earlier than projected.
Tourism generated $105 billion in 2019.
The current growth trajectory for Canada is $140 billion in revenues by 2030, the report said.
“While this is positive news, it is important to recognize that recovery both geographically and across sub sectors has been uneven,” Destination Canada officials stated. “The challenge ahead is creating profitable growth for tourism businesses given their current debt loads and inflationary pressures. “
The report says there is an opportunity for the tourism sector’s growth trajectory to reach $160 billion in revenue by 2030, but capacity constraints are limiting the sector from achieving its full potential.
 Cycling is a great way to enjoy Prince Edward Island. PHOTO BY JOHN SYLVESTER/PARKS CANADA Despite tourism coming to a standstill in 2020, the tourism industry in Canada is expected to grow faster than the general economy at 5.8%, reflecting its resilience and importance to the economic vitality of the country. It’s a nice number, but tourism spending is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.1% across the entire globe.
Asia remains an issue for Canadian tourism operators, as travel from the continent has been slow to recover to pre-COVID levels. Destination Canada says visits from China won’t recover until 2027.
The report also says total spending by business travellers will recover to $14.4 billion in 2024, reaching 102% of 2019 levels. But it will still lag behind leisure spending.
Canada is a top three long-haul destination for consideration amongst consumers in five of Destination Canada’s key markets (France, UK, Germany, Mexico, USA). In Mexico, France and Germany, Canada is ranked as the number one destination for how much consumers like and respect the nation brand, illustrating Canada’s positive reputation. |
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WEST JET ADDS BONAIRE
WestJet today celebrated the commencement of service between the beautiful island of Bonaire and Toronto, with the departure of WS2550 at 10:10 ET. Growing Eastern Canada’s leisure travel options, WestJet will be the only airline offering direct flights between the Canadian metropolis and the stunning Dutch Caribbean Island.
The addition of Bonaire to WestJet’s growing network furthers the airline’s commitment to bolstering its presence in Eastern Canada through connectivity to popular sun and leisure destinations. Through the airline’s winter schedule, WestJet will operate weekly service between Toronto and Bonaire.
PORTER ADDS MIAMI
 South Beach, Miami. JIM BYERS PHOTO Porter Airlines is inaugurating daily, roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Miami International Airport (MIA), as the airline continues to expand its North American network.
Miami marks the fifth new Florida destination that Porter has launched since the start of November, following Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale.
Flights between Toronto Pearson and Miami are operated by the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The 132-seat, all-economy aircraft has a two-by-two configuration with no middle seats.
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AIR CANADA HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS
Want to travel like an expert this holiday season and beyond? 89% of all Canadians experience some form of stress while travelling, which is why Air Canada is highlighting their mobile app enhancements as well as key tips to navigate the travel journey through Toronto Pearson with ease, including easy to follow airport 1-2-3 step check in signage.
Air Canada’s top five travel tips – and one bonus tip – to help customers fly with confidence through YYZ include:
- Download Air Canada’s free mobile app
- Positively rated by customers, Air Canada’s mobile app and self-serve features puts you in control – with everything you need to fly with confidence, right at your fingertips.
- Check-in within 24 hours prior to departure
- Check-in easily via the Air Canada mobile app and download the digital boarding pass. No need to print any documents ahead of time!
- Ensure you have all required valid travel documents for your destination
- Pack smartly. Stay within your allowable baggage limits
- Travelling within Canada? Air Canada’s new baggage tracking feature will allow domestic travellers to track their baggage in real time at key points throughout the journey
- Arrive at the airport on time and navigate terminal 1 at YYZ
- The Air Canada app provides recommended arrival times and terminal information, and outlines the three key steps to get you on your way quickly:
- Step 1 – Head to a self-serve kiosk and print and fasten your tag.
- Step 2 – Check your bag at the drop-off station.
- Step 3 – Head to security and on to the gate to relax before boarding.
Bonus travel tip: Aeroplan members can text for free onboard, courtesy of Bell on all wi-fi equipped aircraft.
Toronto Pearson Airport, dressed up for the holiday season. JIM BYERS PHOTO
ACCOR WORLDWIDE HOTEL EXPANSION IN 2024
Accor proudly introduces one of its most diverse annual line-ups of new hotel openings to date. Across all segments and categories, Accor is opening the doors to an impressive collection of exciting new hospitality options across its spectrum of 40+ hospitality brands around the world.
New hotels include properties in Singapore, Prague, California, Australia Barcelona and India and include such brands as Fairmont, Raffles and Orient Express.
Fairmont The Breakers, Long Beach will revive one of California’s best-known and beloved luxury hotels. Originally opened in the roaring twenties as a lavish hotel on the waterfront, The Breakers was a sought-after destination for world-famous stars. The historic property will reopen after a significant restoration, creating 185 boutique rooms and suites; a rooftop pool and terrace; an open-air rooftop lounge with 360-degree views of the Pacific. Reopening mid 2024.
Fairmont Golden Prague is an enchanting landmark hotel in the center of a fairy-tale city in the Czech Republic. Located along the prestigious Parizska Boulevard and on the banks of the Vltava River in the Old Town of Prague, the sophisticated design concept of this luxurious hotel captures the history of its stylish neighborhood with a nod to the spirit and energy of the 1970s. Opening late 2024.
Raffles Jaipur will be one of the iconic brand’s most exclusive hotels in the world, located in one of India’s most beautiful cities. Jaipur forms part of the culturally rich circuit known as The Golden Triangle, with New Delhi and Agra. Opening mid 2024.
Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa is an all-villa beachfront property on Sentosa Island, just a whisper away from the buzz of central Singapore. The Raffles legend continues with the highest expression of modern luxury, set amongst tropical gardens, more than 3 kilometers of sandy beach, and an award-winning golf course. Opening mid 2024.
SLS Barcelona has all the hallmarks of an SLS wonderland – playful ambience, VIP treatment, and theatrical experiences – with the addition of idyllic Mediterranean beachfront views and an address in the city’s ultra cool 22@ district. Opening mid 2024.
| Hyde London City marks the brand’s British debut, putting down roots at 15 Old Bailey. Set in a Grade II listed heritage property, the design of the seven-story, 111-room hotel pays homage to the building’s storied past while creating intimate, unexpected spaces that encourage meaningful connection and spark the joy of discovery. Opening early 2024.
Hyde Perth is the first Hyde hotel to open in Australia and will offer 120 bohemian chic rooms, innovative dining concepts that present a global table of flavors, and a playful beach club. Opening late 2024. (This will be a nice addition to a growing and enjoyable city I was in last week.) |
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Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,500 properties
