A study by the Forex Complex has named the most expensive countries for Americans (and presumably Canadians) to visit. The study tallied daily costs for a typical visitor, including hotels or other accommodations, meals, transportation and other common expenses. In US dollars, here are the 19 most expensive countries they came up with in daily costs. ICELAND, $401.40 AUSTRALIA, $280.99 FRANCE, $263.21 GERMANY, $258.47 ITALY, $257.67 UNITED KINGDOM, $256.50 CANADA, $241.34 JAPAN, $229.96 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, $217.78 GREECE, $198.84 SPAIN, $187.79 CROATIA, $185.65 PORTUGAL, $163.81 COSTA RICA, $161.34 JAMAICA, $151.38 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, $148.51 MEXICO, $145.78 THAILAND, $81.87 INDONESIA, $70.23 I Read more

Europeans are avoiding the U.S. and increasingly looking at trips to Canada, Ontario and Toronto, a new study says. According to a new Europe Pulse Study conducted by Context Research Group (CRG) on behalf of Destination Ontario and Destination Toronto, more than half of leisure travellers from the United Kingdom, Germany and France are considering a trip to Ontario in the next two years. Although some people might think Canada and the U.S. are much the same, the study said Europeans feel Canada is culturally and experientially distinct from the States. The study found that half of the European travellers who were surveyed are considering Read more

A new study by TD Economics says tourism spending in Canada is expected to grow at a modest 2-4% clip this year.  Spending by U.S. visitors “is set to exert a drag on the overall tally this year. U.S. visits are falling amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty, with cross-border spending projected to decline by 5-10% this year,” the study said. “However, lower U.S. spending is expected to be offset by a rise in Canadian domestic tourism outlays as many residents redirect all or part of their travel budgets to the home market.  Moreover, spending by non-U.S. international tourists in Read more

Visit Buffalo Niagara is launching a new campaign to celebrate the region’s strong cross-border ties with Canada. Timed to debut on Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1, the campaign carries a clear message of friendship and appreciation: “Buffalo Loves Canada.” As part of the celebration, a new billboard featuring the “Buffalo Loves Canada” logo will appear along the QEW near Toronto, welcoming Canadian travelers and reminding them of Buffalo’s enduring connection to its northern neighbors. In addition, downtown Buffalo landmarks will be illuminated in red that evening in partnership with the City of Buffalo to mark Canada’s national holiday. VBN is Read more

Porter Airlines is announcing its first flights to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter. It’s a major change for Porter, which has previously operated flights only within Canada and to the United States. It also gives Canadians and other travellers new ways to reach sunny destinations this winter. Porter said its expansion means travellers can choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ottawa International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. The line-up of destinations includes Cancun, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Nassau, The Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Read more

The U.S. Travel Association says the United States is falling behind in the search for vital foreign visitors. “The total direct spending value of the travel industry in the United States is $1.3 trillion every year, and almost $200 billion of that comes from international visitors,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said last week at the USTA’s annual IPW event, this year held in Chicago. “Yet over the last decade, America has lost ground in the global travel market. “To reclaim our share, we must deliver a stronger, more seamless experience that meets the expectations of today’s Read more