World tourism and travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, and 2024 should see travel numbers surpassing 2019 levels. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Research shows the Travel & Tourism sector has reached more than 95% of its 2019 peak. In 2023, the sector is forecast to reach $9.5 trillion (USD) in spending, just five per cent below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, when travel was at its highest. Thirty four countries around the world have already exceeded 2019 levels. In 2021 the global sector grew 24.7% year-on-year, and last year it grew a further 22% to reach a GDP Read more
Asia
Canadians have a great new way to reach one of the world’s most fascinating countries. WestJet today celebrated the departure of flight WS80 from YYC Calgary International Airport to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. The airline’s first-ever service to Asia marks an important milestone for WestJet as the airline reaffirms its Western Canadian growth strategy and commitment to strengthening Alberta’s vibrant visitor economy. “We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only Read more
Inflation worries are causing Canadians to cut back on travel, but Gen Z remains eager to get out there and explore. An Ipsos Reid poll conducted in mid-March for Global News found that 62% of Canadians say they’re scaling back their vacation plans this year. Sixty one per cent of respondents blamed “inflation and the economy” for their travel trimming. A full 24% of those surveyed said they can’t afford a summer vacation, and only 13% said they’ll spend more this year. “Canadians are going to be looking for cheaper alternatives,” said Ipsos VP Sean Simpson. One person interviewed said Read more
Air Canada announced today the strategic expansion of its international network with the addition of new, non-stop flights from its hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Dubai. The new route will operate four times weekly beginning Oct. 28, 2023 onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. The carrier’s new Vancouver-Dubai flights will complement Air Canada’s daily service between Toronto and Dubai, broadening its presence in fast-growing international markets. “We are extremely pleased to add the only non-stop service linking Vancouver and Dubai, two iconic and vibrant global destinations,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management, at Read more
A report from Christopher Reynolds of Canadian Press lays out some startling information on the reduction of flight options for Canadians, and the increased cost. In a story that appeared in the Toronto Star, Reynolds wrote that prices on flights between Halifax and Montreal rose 69% after WestJet cancelled the route. He also noted that fares between Winnipeg and Regina umped 39% after Air Canada left the route for WestJet. Quoting the airline website Hopper, Reynolds said that, since 2019, roundtrip air fares for Canadians for trips to Europe have risen 32%, while those to the U.S. have gone Read more
