Canada appeal grows for adventurous Aussies
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.
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