A new report on travel preferences for residents of Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa names Perth as the world’s top city, and Portugal as the most attractive country. Meanwhile, a new American Express business travel study names New Jersey, western Michigan, North Carolina, Honolulu and Sacramento, California as top emerging markets for biz travellers. This year’s Amex Trendex report reveals a surprising shift towards less traditional destinations that are becoming increasingly attractive to corporate travelers. For the first time, Amex identified five trending U.S. destinations based on commercial customer spending: Princeton, New Jersey; Durham, North Carolina; Southwest Read more
business travel
A barrage of visitors is usually a good thing in Niagara Falls. But maybe there’s too much of a good thing. Associated Press reports that Niagara Region has declared a state of emergency as it prepares to welcome up to a million visitors for the solar eclipse on April 8. The mid-afternoon event will be the first total solar eclipse in Ontario since 1979, and the moon is expected to entirely block the sun for a few minutes. No less a source than National Geographic declared Niagara Falls as one of the best places to see the eclipse, which was Read more
Nearly two of three Canadians is planning to travel internationally in the next little while. But hotel rates will continue to climb in 2024. Two reports from different divisions of American Express provide valuable insights for consumers. An AmEx Global Business Travel report says inflation could cause hotel prices to increase by double digits in cities such as Paris and Chicago, while slightly more modest hikes are expected in Canada. Another American Express report says 63% of Canadians plan to travel internationally this year, and that almost 80% of Canadian Gen Z’ers turn to social media for travel inspiration. Here’s Read more
A gorgeous patio overlooking the runway and San Francisco Bay. Tons of great food. A lovely bar with craft cocktails. And plenty of space to work. The new Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International Airport is a great place to relax or roll up your sleeves and work. The lounge opened last month at Terminal 2 at SFO, and it’s a beauty. The rooms are decorated in soothing shades of tan, grey and soft brown, with floor to ceiling windows in many areas. There are plenty of quiet, cozy corners for a business person to plug in. Read more
There’s good news for the travel and tourism industry worldwide, as a new Mastercard study finds that consumers and business travelers alike expect to increase their travel in the next few years. LEISURE AND BUSINESS TRAVEL BOOST Between 2022 and 2025, consumers expect the number of annual trips they take to increase by 16%, while business travelers anticipate a 29% rise. Travel demand is being boosted by many factors, including pent-up demand, topped-up savings, flexible work arrangements and a widespread reordering of priorities. Many are also looking for reprieve: 71% of consumers told Mastercard that they’re desperate for a Read more
