A glance at the new reality of travel in 2023
For nearly 50 years, CAA-Quebec Travel has been dedicated to the art of travel. While 2022 was daunting in many ways, the outlook for 2023 is very exciting, provided we take the time to understand and adapt to this new reality that is unfolding. After the struggles of the past few years, the seasonal patterns typically witnessed in the travel industry are re-establishing themselves, pointing to a growing recovery for the upcoming year.
Following a summer of high demand for travel, it is clear the ship is gradually returning to cruising speed. Passport delivery delays, staff shortages, service downsizing … these traveller pitfalls are now things of the past: the workforce is resettling in, and the industry is back on track.
However, coping with this new reality will require some effort. The travel market is a complex gear set and all its players must contribute to keep it running smoothly. The editorial issued in the latest CAA-Quebec Magazine provides a clear picture of the lessons we can draw from the past year’s events.
“While the travelling sector has evolved and will continue to do so, the desire to escape from the daily grind remains for Quebecers. Consulting a travel counsellor, once a good practice, is now essential to navigate this new landscape.”
– Philippe Blain, Vice President of Travel Services
In the field, our travel counsellors are witnessing new trends arising from this new reality. Indeed, consumers are seeking to slow down their pace: leaving for a longer period of time, taking their time and reducing travel upon reaching their destination. In short, they prefer to do things without hurrying too much. Perhaps this is one of the lessons we have learned from the pandemic?
Another observation: reservation books now fill up very well in advance. In fact, 2023 has not even begun while books are already open for 2024. Travellers seek to better plan their itineraries, recognize the importance of dealing with travel counsellors, and are especially happy to recapture the sense of anticipation associated with booking a trip.
Economic uncertainties on the horizon?
The year to come suggests that Europe will be a very popular destination. Not only has it suffered the blow of the pandemic, but also the uncertainties of travellers due to the Ukrainian conflict, who preferred not to venture there for safety reasons. These hostilities occurred at the peak of the usual booking period for this destination, which for many will have cooled the idea of visiting this region.
Although there is talk of an economic slowdown, this is a challenge that the travel industry is used to dealing with, in contrast to a pandemic: “Economic uncertainties are a common challenge, as opposed to the pandemic, which was a textbook case,” notes Richard Lachance, President and CEO of CAA-Quebec. “Despite the bleaker economic picture, we are very optimistic about the recovery, which will even exceed expert forecasts, who did not anticipate a return to a normal state until 2024,” he adds.
In the field
CAA-Quebec Travel has a strong presence in the field with its 14 Travel Centres and more than 150 specialists able to provide personalized advice to our clientele located across the province. We are constantly innovating, whether it is by offering greater booking flexibility through our agreements with the world’s largest airlines and cruise lines, or by enhancing our exclusive explore tours…
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization, assists each of its members by providing benefits, products and services in the areas of mobility, travel, insurance and housing. CAA is the number one most trusted brand in Canada, according to the 2022 edition of the annual Brand Trust Index published by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
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