Recent insights from a comprehensive 14-country study reveal that Canadian travelers are leading the charge in utilizing travel advisors for hotel bookings. According to the findings released by the access management firm Siteminder, approximately 15% of Canadians plan to engage a travel advisor to arrange their accommodations by 2025, making them the most likely among the surveyed countries to do so.
Travel Behavior Trends Among Canadians
In addition to their advisor preference, Canadians exhibit a notable inclination towards starting their hotel search with recommendations from friends and family. This reliance on personal connections is underscored by the fact that 25% of Canadian travelers also prefer to stay with friends or relatives during their trips.
The 2025 travel trends forecast, which surveyed 12,000 respondents across Europe, North America, and Asia, highlights several intriguing trends. Perhaps surprisingly, Canadians displayed the highest reluctance to adopt AI technology for travel planning among the countries surveyed.
Preferred Activities and Destinations for 2025
When it comes to leisure activities, live music emerged as the top choice for Canadians. In terms of travel aspirations, the most desired destinations for 2025 include the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., Italy, and Cuba. These preferences reflect a blend of cultural experiences and familiar comfort that many Canadians seek.
The Emergence of the Everything Traveler
A significant concept presented in the report is that of the “everything traveler.” This modern explorer delights in a mix of traditional and trendy experiences, demonstrating a demand for both reliability and spontaneity. Such travelers are characterized by their versatile interests, from wine tasting to yoga classes, showcasing a renewed appetite for diverse experiences. The report notes, “they are complicated. And, emboldened by the growing power of their device, they’re now ready to embrace their complexity fully.”
Generational Travel Preferences
Contrasting travel patterns among different age groups are also spotlighted in the study. Worldwide, Gen Z travelers are reported to be twice as likely to embark on trips for events, such as music festivals or family milestones, compared to Baby Boomers.
Luxury Travel Insights for Canadians
In the luxury segment, predictions by Virtuoso suggest that Portugal will rise as a prime destination for Canadians in 2025, following its strong performance in 2024. Timeless favorites, including Italy, France, and Greece, remain highly sought after, while Tokyo also ranks among the top five destinations.
Canadians are also branching out as they explore Croatia, with an increasing interest in regions like Istria that offer unique experiences such as wine tasting and truffle hunting. Additionally, Costa Rica’s engaging eco-tourism offerings have risen significantly in popularity, moving from third to second place among family trip options.
Adventure Travel on the Rise
The report notes that travel to Antarctica is set to pique the interest of adventure seekers, highlighting a growing trend towards explorative travel destinations. With an increasing appetite for unique and challenging travel experiences, these trends suggest a dynamic shift in traveler preferences as we approach 2025.
As Canadian travelers navigate a world of options, their reliance on travel advisors and evolving preferences will undoubtedly shape the future of travel planning in the years to come. The complete forecast serves as a comprehensive reflection of the changing landscape, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders and travelers alike.
