Travelocity.ca survey reveals that although summer is upon us only 27 per cent of us have booked travel. An average of 83 per cent stated they didn't go away or engage in travel activities, such as booking a flight or hotel on any given summer long weekend last year.
TORONTO – New data from Travelocity.ca uncovered 64 per cent of Canadians experience summer regrets, with a quarter stating not travelling enough last summer was their biggest regret. In fact, Canadians identify long-weekends as one of the biggest missed opportunities. An average of 83 per cent stated they didn’t go away or engage in travel activities, such as booking a flight or hotel on any given summer long weekend last year.
“After a particularly harsh winter, we want Canadians to start planning their summer travel now,” says, Stuart Morris, general manager of Travelocity.ca. “The data clearly shows how quickly summer can slip away and that Canadians regret not making the most of our fleeting summer season.”
Yet, despite the majority of Canadians owning up to summer regrets, only one quarter of Canadians have booked summer travel to date. This is in line with Travelocity.ca’s data, which shows last year 80 per cent of summer hotel bookings were made after June 21. The majority (63 per cent) of Canadians also stated they prefer to book travel at least two weeks in advance. So with Canada Day quickly approaching, there is no better time to seize the summer and book. As a national reminder, Travelocity.ca is announcing that June 21, 2014 will be the first annual National Seize the Summer Day and are providing the opportunity to win $21,000 worth of summer travel.
“We know the behaviour of Canadians and the announcement of National Seize the Summer Day is our attempt to help prevent travel regrets this season,” says Morris.
One region of Canada that is avoiding regret is the west coast. British Columbian residents are known for valuing a balanced lifestyle, so it’s no surprise they lead the way in summer travel bookings in Canada with 39 per cent having already booked their summer travel – the highest percentage in Canada, compared to 19 per cent in the east coast. Those on the west coast are also more travel inclined with 59 per cent of residents in BC and AB planning to take a summer vacation, compared to only 39 per cent of Atlantic province residents. In fact, the farther east you go, the lower the travel intent is for the upcoming summer season.
In addition to National Seize the Summer Day, Travelocity.ca is introducing the first-ever group of Summerologists. These qualified experts know all about travel from luxury getaways, family vacations to food getaways. They are accessible via Twitter to provide travel inspiration, answer travel questions and provide personal insight on popular destinations.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
