Travel agents play “key role” in Canada growth

Travel agents play “key role” in Canada growth
By Alexandra Coulton


Australian travellers’ affinity for Canada shows no signs of waning, with visitors keen to explore off the beaten track experiences.

Last week the annual Canada Corroboree concluded its Aussie circuit in Sydney, having visited Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide meeting with over 700 travel agents, wholesalers and media.

2019 also marked its largest contingent of representatives with 41 Canadian operators taking part, 25 per cent of which were new to the roadshow as a result of an increasing number of Aussies visiting unique and varied attractions and destinations across the country.

With Australian tourists staying longer, getting off the beaten path and taking trips in both summer and winter seasons, interest has piqued from a wider variety of niche and smaller operators to grow its presence in this market, according to Donna Campbell, Managing Director, Destination Canada GSA.

Canada hits the trifecta with Aussie visitors attracting FIT, ski and group travellers, Brinkhaus told Travel Weekly.

“The Australian market falls within the top 10 travel markets for visitation to Canada, with Millennials and the over-50s demographics being the fastest growing,” Brinkhaus said.

“The winter experiences on offer also help grow that market,” Brinkhaus added, saying educating the trade on its winter products in the north were some of the key takeaways this year, alongside distance and currency.

While Canada boasts some of the best “experiential travel” Brinkhaus said, she wanted to educate trade on the “transformational travel experiences on offer”.

“We want you to be forever changed when you come to Canada.”

Air Canada is the sole carrier to service direct flights from three Australian ports: Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, bumping up its Melbourne flights to 4 times weekly flights from June.

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