Two thirds of Canadians are going off the beaten path for 2024

November 29, 2023 No Comments

A new survey by British Airways reveals that one in five Canadians are planning to travel more than ever before in 2024. 

Notably the pandemic has made more than half of all Canadians want to travel more (58%). 

A third (33%) of Canadians plan to explore new destinations and tick places of their ‘must visit’ list in the new year. While less frequent travel with longer holiday duration both domestically (23%) and internationally (23%) seems to be important going into 2024.

Going off the grid

Immersing in new cultures (29%) and trying new experiences for the first time (18%) are important criteria for Canadians planning their next adventure.

Almost two thirds (64%) plan to go off the beaten track to less touristy destinations when they plan their news years travel, with 1 in 10 planning to attend a major entertainment or sporting event.

The regions that Canadians plan to visit the most next year are Europe (42%), North and South America (28%) and Africa (13%).

Exploration and adventure are the top priorities when planning trips in 2024 (43%). More than 1 in 10 Canadians (12%) wanted to ditch their tech altogether and opt for a digital detox.

Social media influence

Social media remains a key influence for Canadian travel (28%), whereas film and TV locations proved to be the biggest influence for Americans planning their travel (22%).

However, of those Canadians planning travel to the UK, 52% say they have been influenced by actor Ryan Reynolds, and his ownership of Wrexham AFC.

For the winter 2023/2024 season, British Airways operates twice daily flights between Toronto and London, with daily flights from Montreal and Vancouver to London. Customers can connect to over 65 countries from British Airways’ home at London Heathrow.

Five trends upscale travellers are embracing for 2024

November 17, 2023 No Comments

Global travel agency network Virtuoso says that its clients are prioritizing travel, despite inflation and global unrest. They remain insatiably curious and willing to pay for new experiences.

These findings come from the company’s 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report, which included input from 2,000 travel advisors who shared their extensive knowledge, professional experience and client requests to offer insight into 2024’s top trends.

Five luxury travel trends

The Luxe Report identified five key trends upscale globetrotters are embracing in 2024.

New places

While preference for European favorites remains, the desire to visit dream destinations, under-the-radar locations or the drive to be “first” to a destination, has luxury travellers increasingly intrigued by the unexplored. The cultural richness of reemerging travel must-sees such as Japan offer unique itineraries for those seeking a departure from the norm.

Time to celebrate

Post-pandemic festivities continue with celebration travel making the list of top trends for 2024. Travellers are committed to sharing life’s most important moments with loved ones – travel with immediate family and multigenerational travel are also among the top trends.

Respecting the plant

Travellers are hyper-aware of the fragility of the world. Virtuoso advisors say clients are pushing geographical boundaries to witness nature in its pristine form for fear it will diminish or become inaccessible.

Greece, Morocco and Hawaii are also top-of-mind for travelers who want to support destinations recently impacted by disaster while remaining respectful of their recovery.

Small ship cruising

Favouring less-crowded, more intimate settings, small-vessel cruising is on the rise. River cruises remain popular for the casual atmosphere, proximity to major cities and wide-ranging itineraries.

Popular routes include the Danube River, Mekong River and the Nile. Adventure cruising is also trending due to increased accessibility to places like Antarctica, 2024’s leading adventure destination. And yacht charters are on the rise, offering privacy, flexibility and a customized experience.

Custom comfort

Increased demand for custom trips made easy, from exclusive-use experiences to booking half days at hotels to fit their needs, has today’s traveller maximizing comfort. Their desire to leave nothing to chance has increased motivation for using a professional travel advisor to simplify bookings and enhance the overall experience.

Luxury market to hit €1.5 trillion in 2023—and travel is a big factor

November 8, 2023 No Comments

The global luxury market is projected to reach €1.5 trillion in 2023, an 8-10 per cent growth over 2022, setting a new record for the industry and proving its unparalleled resilience.

These are among the findings of the latest Bain & Company report with Altagamma, the Italian luxury goods manufacturers’ industry association. Spending on experiences, particularly, recovered to historic highs, fueled by a resurgence in social interactions and travel.

Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, the market registered robust growth of 11-13%, at constant exchange rates. This is consistent with last year’s growth rate and translates to a ~€160 billion increment in spending across luxury categories.

Amid pronounced geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts, the luxury market has proven unparalleled resilience this year. The key segment, personal luxury goods, has experienced continued growth in 2023 and is projected to reach €362 billion by end of year, 4 per cent higher than 2022 at current exchange rates.

European tourism rebounds

The study shows global luxury tourist purchases have nearly reached pre-pandemic levels, with untapped potential remaining in many areas.

Europe has enjoyed a progressive pickup in tourism, driving growth across countries, with long-haul resort locations attracting high spenders alongside key luxury cities. Even if local aspirational customers were impacted by macroeconomic instability, stable top-customer pools maintained positive momentum contributing to market growth.

American tourism dwindles

Alternatively, the Americas have seen a deceleration throughout the year, posting an eight per cent drop from 2022, as widespread uncertainty continues to impact aspirational customers’ spending.

Top customers remain confident but have maintained their spending abroad, as the US dollar remains strong against the Euro and price differentials favor oversea purchases.

Other regional trends

 

Saudi Arabia is accelerating, attracting investments of major luxury brands; and Australia has provided fertile ground for growth.

Mainland China posted a strong performance after its first quarter reopening but slowed progressively as new macroeconomic topics arose. Hainan is poised to grow as a bright luxury hub, set to become an entire duty-free island by 2025. 

Japan is booming, thanks to sound local customers and the weak Yen, favoring touristic inflows. Conversely, South Korea is facing a challenging year, with unfavorable macroeconomic headwinds impacting local consumption and strong currency leading tourists to buy elsewhere.

Southeast Asian countries experienced positive momentum, thanks to strong intraregional tourism and growing interest from local consumers, especially in Thailand.

Survey shows this is how most Canadians love to travel

October 9, 2023 No Comments

A new Sunwing Vacations survey has unveiled how Canadians choose to maximize their time on vacation and define their vacation personas.

More than one-quarter (27%) considering themselves “max relaxers” who like to lay low and relax while on vacation.

Similarly, another quarter (28%) describe themselves as “reserved vacationers” who tend to keep to themself and/or their travelling companions.

On the other hand, more than one-fifth (22%) liken themselves to “adventure hunters” who enjoy exploring new, fun activities on their vacations. Of particular note: this figure increases to one-third (34%) among younger Canadians between 18-34 years of age.

Meanwhile, 12 per cent of Canadians consider themselves “sun-seekers” who love nothing more than soaking up the sunshine on holiday, while one-in-ten (9%) consider themselves “social butterflies” who relish meeting new people, socializing and talking to fellow vacation-goers.

Among Canadians who intend to travel to a sun destination in the upcoming year, approximately one-third (30%) said they will maximize their time in destination by working on their tan by the beach or pool, while one-fifth respectively intend to indulge at on-site restaurants (20%) or head off of the resort property for fun adventures (19%).

Sun destination trends

As for who they intend to travel with on their next sun vacation, half (53%) of survey respondents indicated that they plan to travel with their partner or significant other, while one-quarter (28%) will travel with family members including their children or parents. Another 12% plan to travel with friends, while less than one in ten (7%) indicated they will be travelling solo.

Budget-conscious travellers

In addition, when asked what the most important factor is when booking a sun vacation, nearly half (45%) of those likely to travel say overall value for the money paid is their top consideration.

This is followed by the safety and reputation of the destination, cited by over one-quarter (28%) as being the most important consideration.

The survey was conducted in both English and French between September 22-25, 2023, with a nationally representative sample of 1,504 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid forum.

 

This Canadian airline is now flying to 31 new European cities

October 4, 2023 No Comments

WestJet guests will gain access to 31 additional cities across 11 European countries from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) through an expansion of WestJet’s codeshare agreement with Air France.

As a result of a successful 10-year partnership, the two airlines have connected millions of travellers between Canada and Europe with the convenience of one-ticket and the ability to earn WestJet Dollars throughout their entire journey.

Previously, WestJet and Air France’s code share agreement included 22 destinations through Charles De Gaulle Airport, all of which will be maintained as the number of onward destinations in Europe now grows to 53 which will be accessible as part of the WestJet network.

Due to exceptional demand for its seasonal service to the city of love, WestJet has extended service between Calgaryand Paris to now operate year-round. The once seasonal route will continue to fly on WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner up to seven days per week during peak travel periods and function as the ideal connection hub for our guests to seamlessly connect onto Air France to these additional destinations.

Despite rising costs, safari tourism continues to dominate

September 8, 2023 No Comments

New data indicates that travel to famous safari destinations continues to grow, despite rising trip costs. 

U.S. travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth.com, reveals that policy sales for destinations known for safari tourism more than tripled from 2020 to 2022, and breaks down how that trend is continuing through 2023. 

Safari tourism trends

In addition to an increase in popularity, the price of safari tourism has also steadily increased year over year.

A handful of popular safari destinations are among the  most expensive destinations, with trip costs surpassing $20,000. 

  • Botswana averages the highest trip cost this year at $23,577 among safari destinations

  • The cost of travel to popular safari destinations has increased 12% since last year

  • At more than $1,000, safari travellers are paying more for their insurance policies in 2023 compared to the previous four years

 

These are the most powerful passports in the world

August 4, 2023 No Comments

Japan has been knocked off the top spot on the Henley Passport Index for the first time in five years and bumped into third place, according to the latest ranking, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Singapore is now officially the most powerful passport in the world, with its citizens able to visit 192 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free.

Germany, Italy, and Spain all move up into second place with visa-free access to 190 destinations, and Japanese passport holders join six other nations – Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden – in third place with access to 189 destinations without a prior visa.

Trading places

The UK appears to have finally turned the corner after a six-year decline, jumping up two places on the latest ranking to fourth place – a position it last held in 2017. The U.S., on the other hand, continues its now decade-long slide down the index, plummeting a further two places to eighth spot with access to just 184 destinations visa-free.

Both the U.K. and the U.S. jointly held first place on the index nearly 10 years ago in 2014 but have been on a downward trajectory ever since.

Afghanistan remains entrenched at the bottom of the index, with a visa-free score of just 27.

New research

Henley & Partners has conducted exclusive new research into the relationship between a country’s openness to foreigners – how many nations it allows to cross its borders visa-free – and its own citizens’ travel freedom.

The new Henley Openness Index ranks all 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a prior visa.

The Top 20 ‘most open’ countries are all small island nations or African states, except for Cambodia. There are 12 countries that are completely open to all passports and four that don’t allow anyone in visa-free.

While the correlation between a high openness score and a high visa-free access score is not linear or straightforward, it is notable that Singapore and South Korea – highest climbers in the Top 10 over the past decade – boast relatively high degrees of openness compared to the 5 countries with the biggest disparity between the travel freedom they enjoy versus the visa-free access they provide to other nationalities.

U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan have all either slid down the ranking or remained in the same place as their openness stagnates.

Read the full press release.

Two bespoke sleep hotels open in Australia and Taiwan

June 21, 2023 No Comments

Two new sleep hotels, operated by Emma — The Sleep Company have opened in Sydney, Australia and Taipei, Taiwan.

As more travellers seek out a truly restful experience during their vacation, these unique hotels provide a revolutionary travel experience on two different continents.

Sleep tourism on the rise

Sleep has become a recurring topic of concern and interest since the onset of the pandemic.

In a study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, it was discovered that 40 per cent of respondents reported a decline in sleep quality compared to the pre-COVID-19 period.

The global health crisis has undoubtedly affected people’s sleep patterns and highlighted the importance of restful slumber for overall well-being. By embracing sleep tourism, travel enthusiasts can now satisfy their wanderlust while also nurturing their physical and mental well-being. Sleep tourism fosters an appreciation for the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation, acknowledging the crucial role that sleep plays in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Emma Sleep Hotel in Sydney

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Snoreman, setting the tone for a memorable and sleep-focused adventure.

The Rest-Ception area provides a cozy space for guests to settle in and unwind, and an onsite snooze-ologist will be available to provide personalized 1:1 sleep consultations, offering valuable insights and guidance to optimize guests’ sleep habits.

Every room is kitted out with Emma’s mattresses and beds, and a sleep-inspired movie catalogue is available onscreen. Guests are also invited to select their perfect Emma pillow based on their preferences.

On the hotel’s roof terrace, the immersive experience continues with custom cocktails based on Emma’s sleep expertise. Throughout the hotel, a calming playlist provides the perfect ambient backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.

For more information about the hotel in Sydney, click here.

Emma Sleep Hotel in Taipei

Emma is collaborating with Monka Hotel in Taipei to introduce the first Emma Sleep Hotel in Asia.

Situated close to the iconic Longshan Temple, the hotel underwent a complete transformation under Emma’s supervision. Not even the exterior of the building remains untouched — it was painted to resemble one of Emma’s iconic delivery boxes, setting the tone for the unique experience within.

Every room within the hotel is fitted with Emma products, ranging from the beds to the pillows, ensuring a truly immersive Emma sleep experience for all guests from beginning to end.

For more information about the hotel in Taipei, click here.

New travel program at Canadian airports could reduce screening times

May 19, 2023 No Comments

The Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon be launching a new Verified Traveller program that will offer a faster and more efficient screening experience for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada. 

About the program

This new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program.

By June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the following airports: 

  • Vancouver International Airport
  • Edmonton International Airport
  • Calgary International Airport
  • Winnipeg International Airport
  • Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

Easing congestion

The new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time, as use of dedicated Verified Traveller lines grows.

The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on. Eligible travellers include:

  • Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
  • Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID;
  • Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
  • International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.

The Verified Traveller program allows children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older, to accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.

Additional benefits

Several airports will also offer verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at transborder checkpoints (flights to the U.S.).

For more information and a list of airports, visit CATSA’s website.

Filmmaker duo launch accessible outdoor guide for more inclusive travel

May 5, 2023 No Comments

Spending time outside significantly improves both mental and physical health.

However, for some, getting outdoors can be a challenge and accessing the natural world isn’t as simple as just stepping outside for many people for a range of reasons. 

‘This Expansive Adventure‘ is a multi-media website created by world-renowned and respected filmmakers, photographers and writers Fay and Matt Doyle.

With the belief that experiencing the outdoors and nature should not be full of barriers and can be much more inclusive, together, with outdoors retailer Ellis Brighamto, have created ‘The Accessible Outdoors Guide‘ that launched on This Expansive Adventure on May 10, 2023.

About the project

“We worked on creating articles and short film pieces to form an interactive hub,” explains Fay. “The guide aims to help people, through education, learn how to make their experience of the outdoors easier and safer. It also looks at the barriers people face to aid better transparency and to move toward more accessible nature for all.”

This is a subject particularly important to Fay, an adventurer with a disability who has faced many barriers to the outdoors since diagnosis.

Three short films are currently available as part of the ‘Learn Something New’ series on tea:tv Streaming, their original video content streaming platform. They include several interviews with experts and campaigners. 

The first is ‘How to Access the Outdoors with a Hidden Disability’. This short introduction includes lots of invaluable information to help develop confidence, especially with conditions where the goalposts can move during flare-ups. Ani Barber, a disabled outdoors enthusiast and founder of the ‘Outside Our Way’ blog, offers five suggestions on accessing nature and the outdoors with a hidden disability. 

Soraya Abdel-Hadi, founder of ‘All the Elements’ is featured in the second film, ‘Creating Change Around the Things You’re Passionate About’. She gives six tips to get you thinking about using your voice and actions to enact positive change. Activism can seem daunting. However, it doesn’t need to be. Soraya shares invaluable inspiration, creative ideas and thoughts on creating change around the things you feel passionate about and avoiding burnout.

‘Tips to Enjoy the Outdoors Safely’ is the third film’s title. It includes invaluable information to help make your time outdoors more accessible and enjoyable. Advice on how to make your adventures and time outdoors safer comes from Simon Pitman, a member of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and Ellis Brigham’s Fort William branch manager. 

Promoting more inclusive travel

‘The Accessible Outdoors Guide’ focuses on three key areas of the outdoor experience where problems can present themselves – safety, accessibility, and diversity.

In collaboration with experts, a series of informative articles have been produced that explore ways to break down some of the barriers faced. These are currently available on the ‘This Expansive Adventure’ website.

Fay and Matt created ‘This Expansive Adventure’ with the aim of moving away from ‘the idea of unrealistic travel, adventure and lifestyle goals and to make it more approachable, sustainable, achievable and inclusive’.

They hope that this initiative and ‘The Accessible Outdoors Guide‘ can help many more to enjoy the benefits of exploring nature.