You Must Be Trippin'

Canada Travel Experts are Optimistic

June 2 2010 by Bryson Forbes

Recently, Best Western orchestrated their annual Leisure Travel Summit at the University Club in Toronto. The event brought together leading executives from the travel industry to discuss the state of affairs regarding the Canadian leisure travel market.

Participating this year were Chris Jones from TIAC, Alison Hermansen from CAA and Dorothy Dowling from Best Western. Chris Robinson, the famous Canadian travel radio personality, moderated the discussion.

The panel covered many topics, but three key topics took centre stage:

1) Are people traveling again?

Yes! All three panelists agreed that demand is back and people are flying, driving and checking back in. Although demand is strong, travelers are still in search of great value. Paying for things like Internet, parking and breakfast will be tough for people to swallow as they continue to keep a close eye on their budget.

2) Any trends for this summer?
A few new factors are in play this year. The Canadian dollar at par with American currency and the fact that gas prices are considerably down from a year ago should result in many of us heading south and driving into the States this summer. Hermansen and CAA will be arming many of their members with TripTik® and she says numbers are up, year over year!

Fortunately for Canadian tourism, inbound travel should be aided by exposure from the recent Olympics; the fact that Americans don't consider the currency conversion as big an issue as we do; and the recent deal the Canadian government signed to obtain "approved destination status" (ADS) from China.

Canadians, who are very astute loyalty program players, will also look for reward points. Best Western is repeating its successful summer promotion where travelers who stay two nights get a third night free. Check www.bestwestern.com for details soon.

3) Where should travelers go to find the best deals?

Last year the discussion revolved around the unbelievable last minute deals that were popping up everywhere, as demand dwindled in the tough economy. This year, however, the panelists changed their tune. Those who plan now and research ahead of time will get the best deals. Dowling cited that summer bookings at Best Western hotels are up 20 percent over the same period last year and the best deals are usually found on travel companies' branded website .

How about you? Are you planning to hit the road this summer? If so, where to?

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