Canada appeal grows for adventurous Aussies

Canada appeal grows for adventurous Aussies
By admin


Canada's new emphasis on packaging up "unique and different" experiences has seen a surge in Australian arrivals to the destination, according to the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Speaking to Travel Today at the Canada Corroboree media lunch in Sydney last week, managing director Australia Donna Campbell said Aussie visitor numbers between January and November were up 8.5% on the previous corresponding period. She predicted figures for the full year would be up between 5% and 8%.

While the strength of the Australian dollar continues to play a role, Campbell insisted the breadth of product on offer is a major factor, with Canada's range of "Signature Experiences" a particularly good fit for the local market.

"Australians are looking for something unique and different," she said. "The tour operators are packaging it up so we get in front of the consumer with new, interesting and different along with the iconic."

Quebec City was part of the delegation for the first time this year on the back of growing interest in the destination from Australian travellers.

"That's because we have encouraged and encouraged consumers to go across the country and for operators to package up their product, and it's happening," Campbell said.

The trade continues to be a major focus for the tourism body, with 2013 to see a "very strong emphasis" on its Canada Specialist Program to keep retailers up to date and aware of the full range of Canadian product, with famils also on the agenda.

Meanwhile, Trafalgar managing director Matt Cameron-Smith, reported 15% growth in its US and Canada program in 2012, with Canada playing a "significant part" in the result. He pointed to a new "extended seasonality" for the destination, prompting the firm to introduce a new Western Canada Winter itinerary which will run from November 2013 to February 2014.

The Canadian Rockies were a favourite with Aussies in 2012, according to Insight Vacations. But managing director Joost Timmer revealed the firm also saw "solid growth" in eastern itineraries such as its Maritime Landscapes and Best of Eastern Canada and USA tours.

"Additionally, we saw many guests combine both west and east itineraries in one trip," he said.

 

 

 

Latest News

  • Tourism

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]

  • Travel Agents

DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign

DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]

  • Road & Rail

Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern

Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]

  • Tourism

Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips

Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]