As Canadians face the peak summer travel season, new research from Intrepid Travel suggests they are looking beyond crowded hotspots and social media-driven hotspots in favour of local connection, human expertise and experiences that positively impact the people and places they visit.
The company’s Meaningful Travel Index, based on a national survey of 2,000 Canadians conducted by Wakefield Research found nearly all Canadians (93%) would consider changing their travel habits to help reduce overtourism, while 84% say it is important that their travel positively impacts local people and places.
More than seven in 10 Canadians (71%) say overcrowding at popular destinations has already worsened their travel experience, with nearly a quarter (23%) saying this happens “always” or “very often.” Interest in lesser-known destinations is also strong, with 81% wanting to visit places that are not heavily featured on social media and 64% preferring hidden gems over famous tourist destinations.
I’ve written about lesser-known tourism spots many times in the past, highlighting options such as Slovenia and the Azores as great options. With that in mind, I spotted a good piece on MSN Travel that shows off eight places Americans (ahem, and Canadians, I say, not to mention other travellers) should check out.
Belize is a fabulous getaway spot in Central America. Meritt Thomas/Unsplash Photo
Here’s their eight-destination list:
- Cape Verde
- Uruguay
- Georgia
- Belize
- Bonaire
- Montenegro
- Panama
- Finland
I guess they must be lesser known, as I’ve not been to any of them! I hear great things about Montenegro, and I’d love to visit Belize and Bonaire. Cape Verde caught my attention (and that of the world) during the recent, early rounds of the World Cup.
THE BAHAMAS BECKON
I had a chance to sit down in Toronto this week with the Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the delightful Latia Duncombe.
Yours truly with Latia Duncombe of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
I had a great tour guide on the island of Eleuthera a few years ago. Jim Byers Photo
Beautiful Abaco Island, Bahamas. Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Photo
CATALINA EXPRESS TURNS 45
Happy 45th birthday to the Catalina Express.
The Catalina Express began in 1981 with just one boat and one phone to get people from mainland California to stunning Catalina Island. Today, the Express operates with eight high-speed vessels and offer up to 30 departures daily from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. You might settle in for a cocktail and snack in Commodore Lounge, chat with fellow holiday-makers, or spy some dolphins escorting the vessel.
The town of Avalon on Catalina Island. Jim Byers Photo
Just as important, you’ll end up on the fabulous island of Catalina, where most vehicles are golf carts and where there’s no rush and no traffic. The town of Avalon is a delightful place to stroll, shop and enjoy casual or fine dining. There’s also amazing hiking, kayaking, surfing and a pretty golf course, and you’re less than an hour from L.A.
A NICE THURSDAY PARTY
Thanks to the team at Reach Global Marketing for a fine Thursday afternoon soiree in the trendy Yorkville district of Toronto. The team just wanted to say hello and connect with friends in the travel industry, which is always nice.
“Today was about bringing people together for a little bit of fun on a Thursday afternoon,” said Charmaine Singh, President and CEO, Reach Global Marketing.
“I am proud of our team and the relationships we’ve built in the industry. At the end of the day, that’s what we do at Reach; we connect people with places and experiences.
“The latest stats are showing more Canadians are returning to cross-border travel. Three consecutive months of growth to the USA tell us that connection continues to resonate. Canadians continue to prioritize travel globally, making memories count.”
