Recent research by Transat Distribution Canada reveals a growing trend in Canadian Travel Industry shows Canadian travellers tendency towards utilizing travel professionals instead of referring to the online travel platforms.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos, shows 40% of Canadians and 45% of Quebecois plan to book their next vacation with professional assistance. This is a notable rise from 2023 figures, which were 31% and 38% respectively.
Why Travellers Prefer Professionals
The study highlights three main reasons for this shift:
Booking convenience: everything managed from one place.
Reduced stress: smoother travel arrangements.
Personalized service: direct communication to articulate needs.
Marc Pelletier of TDC emphasizes the "human factor" as a key driver, noting the positive implications for travel professionals. TDC's strong brand confidence among Canadians is attributed to its association with Transat, reinforcing trust and reliability.
Impact on the Travel Industry
Karine Gagnon, GM of TDC, underscores the importance of regularly gauging market sentiment to better align marketing strategies with customer interests. The findings provide valuable insights for TDC members across various branches, from corporate agencies to home-based advisors.
Travel Preferences for 2024
The survey also sheds light on Canadian Travel Industry preferences for 2024:
Top destinations: US (37%), local province (35%), and other Canadian provinces (33%).
Popular international spots: Mexico, the Caribbean (29%), and Europe (27%).
Preferred transport: air travel (68%) and car (50%).
Accommodation choice: hotels (73%), followed by house or apartment rentals (34%).
Travel likelihood: 90% of Canadians are likely to travel in 2024.
These insights highlight the enduring value of travel professionals in navigating the complexities of travel planning, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for Canadian travellers.
Sources:
Transat Distribution Canada survey results May 2024
Ipsos study on Canadian travel preferences June 2024
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