TORONTO— According to Expedia Group search data, Canadians are increasing their intent to travel this summer and shifting their focus towards local trips. While Canadian domestic-travel searches steadily dropped throughout March and into April, Expedia Group data indicates average gains of nearly 20 per cent week-on-week, since mid-April, on domestic-travel searches for trips in August.
In addition to rising domestic travel intent, data from Canadian-based market-research firm Leger reveals favourable sentiment among Canadians to re-open hotels across the country.
Data from mid-April to mid-May shows nearly 45 per cent of travellers looking for hotels in August are seeking three-star lodging accommodations. Alternatively, the data shows a higher propensity to spend on four-star properties with searches coming in just under 30 per cent, compared to the two-star searches at nearly 25 per cent.
According to Leger, 67 per cent of Canadians are comfortable with hotels re-opening, but would like to see certain steps taken as part of the re-opening process, including practiced social distancing and increased cleanliness measures. Across the provinces, British Columbians are most eager to see hotels re-open at 76 per cent, while 68 per cent of Quebecers and 64 per cent of Ontarians would like to see hotels re-open.
To ensure customers can book with confidence, Expedia Group created a new feature for lodging partners to highlight their health and hygiene measures, including contactless check-in and check-out, hand sanitizer available to guests, enhanced cleaning measures and social-distancing plans.
