CAA-Quebec’s latest travel insights: From cautious to optimistic

The recent announcements about borders reopening have travellers excited. But what’s really happening? And what will Quebecers want to do when those government travel advisories are actually lifted? CAA-Quebec shares its insights and all-new travel data.

After a year on standby, most globetrotters are more excited than ever to plan their next trip. That enthusiasm is clear in the results of our 12th survey on Quebecers’ travel plans (1). Unlike last year, Quebecers are optimistic about future trips. A little more than half (55%) think they’ll travel as much as before the pandemic and 14% plan to do even more travelling in the new normal.

“Travelling is part of our DNA. It’s part of who we are. We can’t wait for our members to start travelling again, but for those who do decide to go, it’s important to be well informed. You can count on us for support and advice.”

– Philippe Blain, Vice President, Travel Services, CAA-Quebec

The wave of optimism can also be seen in the fact that 59% of respondents who plan to travel in the future intend to fly within six months of the end of pandemic-related government advisories.

Where will they go?

Among respondents who plan to travel in the future, the majority say they will likely travel to other Canadian provinces (51%), although many plan to visit tropical destinations (39%), the United States (35%), or Europe (35%). And 30% of respondents say they are likely or very likely to travel elsewhere in the world within six months of the end of government advisories.

The results ring true for our travel counsellors, who are seeing strong demand in 2022, especially from families and small groups looking for all-inclusive packages to sunny destinations. Says Philippe Blain, “After being on standby for so long, our clients are now booking better travel products. The pandemic may have given them a chance to save more for their next trip.”

Factors behind the choice of travel destination

Among the factors influencing the choice of destination for international travellers, the public health situation (regarding COVID-19) in the destination country (39%) and the price (39%) are the most frequently cited by respondents planning to travel within six months of the government advisories being lifted. The pandemic remains an important factor, with a full 60% of respondents mentioning a factor related to COVID-19 (hygiene measures, vaccination, insurance, etc.) in their answer.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of travellers are hoping to explore a dream destination, while 11% of respondents will return to a destination they usually visit each year.

So are the borders open or not?

The Government of Canada recently announced that it plans to welcome American tourists on non-essential trips starting August 9, with a few conditions. International tourists who meet the government’s conditions will be able to travel to Canada starting September 7. Travellers will need official proof that they have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for use in Canada.

“The recent announcements about border reopenings are a source of hope for the travel industry. But travellers need to be well informed about the destinations they want to visit and the restrictions in place there.”

– Philippe Blain, Vice President, Travel Services, CAA-Quebec

Canadians looking to travel abroad will need to keep checking the conditions for entering the countries they visit, which differ from one to the next. Canada is maintaining its advisory to avoid all non-essential international travel.

The websites of government entities and regional tourist offices are often a good source of information, just as they are in Canada. In times like these, a travel counsellor can be a welcome source of information and guidance as you plan your trip.

Dream jobs for people who love to travel

Our team of travel counsellors is riding that wave of optimism as it regains its cruising altitude all across the province. Our 14 Travel Centres continue to recruit new employees and our travel counsellors continue to help travellers before, during, and after their trips.

Whether you’re passionate about travelling or would like to help create dream trips, this could be your chance to make a new start with us! To learn more about the important role you could play as part of our travel division, check out the job opportunities on our website.

Says Philippe Blain, “It’s a dream job for anyone who loves to travel and cares about helping members and travellers.”

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. CAA was named Canada’s most trusted brand in the annual Brand Trust Index for 2021 by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. 

–30–

____________

^{(1) The survey was conducted by Leger for CAA-Quebec between May 7 and 16, 2021, with 1,000 respondents representative of Quebec’s general population.}