Travel trends in Canada are expected to shift in 2023, with a focus on unique, custom-made experiences and revenge travel.
Canadians’ desire to travel continues to grow, as shown by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s data from 17 major airports across the country. In comparison to the same date in 2019, the number of passengers increased by a staggering 82% on January 1, 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic travel levels. As a result, the travel industry is expected to experience a significant increase in demand in 2023.
The tourism industry was one of the hardest hit by the global COVID pandemic, with the ban on travel directly affecting airlines, cruise lines, accommodation services, tourist attractions, and food services. Despite this, the industry is expected to recover in 2023, with Canadians eager to make up for lost time and travel again. As a result, travel trends in Canada are expected to shift in 2023, with a focus on unique, custom-made experiences and revenge travel.
The Tourism Statistics Program produces detailed statistics on travellers travelling to, from and within Canada, as well as information on travellers’ characteristics and spending. The program also provides information to the Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts which produces data on travel and tourism expenditures, employment and gross domestic product. This data is used to predict travel trends in Canada for 2023, providing insight into the future of the industry.
Current state of travel in Canada
As of October 2023, the Canadian travel industry is showing strong signs of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians’ appetite for travel continues to be high, as demonstrated by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s data from across 17 large airports across the country. On January 1, 2023, the passenger count increased by a whopping 82% in comparison to the same date in 2019, surpassing pre-pandemic travel levels.
The Tourism Statistics Program, which produces detailed statistics on travelers traveling to, from, and within Canada, reports that spending by Canadians was 85.8% of the total tourism spending in the first quarter of 2022. The GDP from tourism increased by 11.9% in the final quarter of 2021. In June 2023, the number of visitors to Canada was 83% of the number in June 2019.
It is estimated that by the end of 2023, the Canadian travel industry will employ 1.64 million people. In 2022, the contribution of the travel industry to the Canadian economy grew by 41.4% compared to 2021.
The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories, provides information to help travelers make informed decisions and travel safely while outside Canada. The advisories are updated regularly to reflect the current situation in each country. As of October 16, 2023, the advisory for the United States was to take normal security precautions, while the advisory for Uruguay was also to take normal security precautions.
Emerging travel trends in Canada
Canada’s travel industry is constantly evolving, and new trends are emerging every year. In 2023, there are several travel trends that are expected to gain traction among Canadian travelers.
Sustainable tourism
Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly popular among Canadian travelers. More and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling. This includes choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in sustainable activities, and supporting local businesses. Tour operators are also responding to this trend by offering more sustainable travel options, such as carbon-neutral tours and eco-friendly transportation.
Solo travel
Solo travel is no longer just for backpackers and adventure seekers. In 2023, more Canadians are expected to embrace solo travel to explore the world on their own terms. This trend is driven by a desire for independence, self-discovery, and personal growth. Tour operators are responding by offering solo travel packages that cater to the unique needs and interests of solo travelers.
Digital nomadism
Digital nomadism is a growing trend among Canadian professionals who are looking for more flexibility in their work and travel schedules. With the rise of remote work, more and more Canadians are choosing to work from anywhere in the world.
This trend is expected to continue in 2024, with more companies offering remote work options and more digital nomads taking advantage of them. Tour operators are responding to this trend by offering packages that cater to the needs of digital nomads, such as co-working spaces and reliable Wi-Fi.
Future predictions for Canadian travel
Rise of local tourism
With the pandemic still looming, many Canadians have turned to exploring their own backyard for their travel needs. This trend is expected to continue into 2024, with more Canadians opting for local travel destinations. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s data from 17 large airports across the country shows that passenger count increased by 82% on January 1, 2023, compared to the same date in 2019, surpassing pre-pandemic travel levels.
There are also a lot of activities that are done in an online environment instead of having a physical presence. Everything from classes being taught from home to leisure activities such as gambling at online casinos. Canada has seen a growth overall in online presence for online casinos, and the trend seems to carry on into 2024. To enjoy gambling remotely, a lot of player reports suggests using this list of secure websites.
The travel industry is expected to embrace local tourism by offering more packages and deals for domestic travel. This will not only benefit Canadians but also help boost the local economy.
Increased demand for outdoor activities
Canadians have always had a love for the great outdoors, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024. With many people still hesitant to travel internationally, outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing are becoming more popular. This is evidenced by the top trending domestic destinations on KAYAK, which include Banff, Whistler, and Jasper.
Travel companies are expected to cater to this trend by offering more outdoor-focused packages and experiences. This could include guided hiking tours, camping trips, and ski packages. It is also expected that there will be an increase in demand for outdoor gear rentals, such as camping equipment and skiing gear.
The future of Canadian travel looks bright, with local tourism and outdoor activities leading the way. As Canadians continue to explore their own backyard, the travel industry will adapt and provide new and exciting experiences for them to enjoy.
