Cruise travel is back. New research from Expedia Group, in partnership with Environics Analytics, finds that the past few weeks have seen a resurgence in cruise demand, with travellers eager to resume vacations at sea. Expedia Group data indicates that there has been more than a 20% month on month increase in demand in Canadian cruise searches for travel in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022.[1] Additional demographics research by Environics Analytics measured a sample of approximately 3,000 post-pandemic ‘early adopters’, defined as having booked trips after March 1, 2021 that depart between July 1, Read more
Canadians
Expedia released its 2022 Travel Trends Report today, revealing new traveller priorities that are shaking up the status quo in 2022. As more countries begin to welcome travellers back and demand spikes 1 for international destinations such as Maui, Rome and Bali, Expedia’s research reveals around two-thirds 2 of Canadians (61%) are planning to go big on their next trips with a new “no regrets” style of travel, which Expedia has dubbed the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Trips) mindset. Appreciating that each trip is a privilege, travellers are in pursuit of more transformative and fulfilling journeys, without holding back. Read more
If you’re a Canadian with a mixed dose of vaccines, Ireland has some good news for you. The Irish government says it is now accepting mixed vaccinations as proof of inoculation. That’s a relief for millions of Canadians who received mixed vaccines, such as AstraZeneca followed by Moderna or Pfizer. Some countries were slow to accept mixed vaccinations, but the U.S. agreed to the policy a few weeks ago, and now Ireland’s official website makes the same point. To visit Ireland, you only need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form and show your vaccination proof. No PCR-style or even Read more
PCR testing requirements make cross-border travel too complicated and costly as Canadians consider travelling south of the border, Canadian travel groups and Canadian seniors are saying. Thirty-seven percent of Canadians plan to visit the United States as their first trip outside of Canada, according to a survey conducted by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada. Canadians planning on traveling to the U.S. need to understand that they require different kinds of negative COVID-19 test results to enter the U.S. and return to Canada. THIA recommends that consistent and convenient testing requirement be adopted to support Canadian travellers. The United Read more
Air Canada is trying to build consumer confidence as it also seeks a new approach to Canada’s borders. I also have news on United States tourism, Quebec tourism and Canadian travel (or lack thereof) to Europe this summer. My Future of Travel blog for July 17. Air Canada Health and Safety: Plus Renewed Calls For Border Reforms Air Canada hopes a program they staged for media and tourism/travel industry folks on Thursday will help build confidence in the concept of air travel. Airline officials also reiterated their call for more open borders to help Canada’s economy, albeit in a careful, Read more
