Biggest reasons to travel in Canada
Turns out most Canadians — around 3 out of 4 Canadians (74%) — plan to stay in their own country for the big summer vacation — and most plan to stay within their home region.
According to the Deloitte report, Canadians are planning to stay within their borders for a variety of reason, including:
- 63% are doing it to spend more time with their family
- 79% want to support independent and locally-owned businesses (21% show a desire to support big-box chain brands)
- 57% expressed interest in Indigenous-owned and operated tourism, with Gen Zs and millennials being most eager (75% and 68%, respectively)
- Overall 57% of respondents expressed interest in green tourism; however, Gen Zs and Millennials are the biggest fans of sustainable or regenerative tourism opportunities
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Get A QuoteLocal travel typically means visiting provincial sites
While most Canadians (79%) want to support independent and locally-owned businesses — travel operators located within their own province — there was one exception: 78% of travellers to Prince Edward Island will come from Central, Western and Northern Canada.
Spending plans of Canadians travelling in 2024
Despite staying local, travelling this summer won't be cheap, with most Canadians planning to spend a few thousand to see the sites in their own backyard.
According to the Deloitte report, Canadians plan to spend an average of $2,405 on transportation and lodging costs for their major summer trip in 2024; however, travellers from Ontario and Quebec will spend slightly more with an estimated budget of $2,459.
Turns out there is also a demographic divide when it comes to travel spending. While Gen Z plans to spent the least — with a 2024 travel budget of $2,100 — Gen X are the big spenders with an average travel budget of $2,671 in 2024.
How to get the most from travel expenses
The cost of living certainly increased over the last year, including the cost of travel. To help off-set travel costs, most Canadians look for creative ways to hack their travel budget.
One option is to join loyalty programs that let you collect rewards points that may be used to off-set travel costs. For instance, many larger hotel chains offer free loyalty programs that give you a free night stay after accumulating a certain number of points or let you spend part points and part money to pay for a night's stay.
Some of the better known hotel reward programs in Canada include: Best Western Rewards, Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Wyndham Rewards. Accor Live Limitless (ALL).
Best hotel loyalty program incentives for 2024
To maxime these free hotel loyalty rewards programs, you need to keep on top of current promotions — some options include:
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Best Western
- Choice Hotels Privileges
- Hilton Honors
Canada’s top credit cards—find your perfect match!
Maximize rewards, save on interest, or earn cash back. Compare Canada’s best credit cards and pick the one that works for you!
Find Your Card NowAvoid loyalty plans and opt for a rewards credit card
To maximize the perks of a card, consider where you will spend the bulk of your money when planning and scheduling a trip.
Great credit card loyalty programs — not tied to hotel loyalty plans — include:
- Air Miles: Find the top-earning Air Miles credit cards
- Aeroplan: Find the top-earning Aeroplan credit cards
- Avion: Learn more about RBC Avion Rewards
- American Express: Find the top-earning Amex credit cards
— with files from Romana King
Sources
1. Deloitte: Summer travel spending is on the rise for 2024 (May 22, 2024)
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