TORONTO — Expedia has released a report detailing the fastest-growing bucket-list destinations, activities, top-rated hotels and travel trends for Canadians in 2019. The results show that the fastest-growing trends in travel include international destinations and non-traditional lodging options such as “tentalows” and tree houses.
Based on flight data from 2018, Expedia determined that Toronto, Las Vegas and London remain among the top destinations for Canadians. However, several international destinations are showing double-digit growth, including Frankfurt, Germany; Porto, Ponta Delgada and Lisbon, Portugal; Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam; Singapore; and Zagreb and Split, Croatia.
When it comes to last-minute travel, the top destinations for Canadians change slightly, with Toronto ranking as the top choice for travellers booking zero to six days out, followed by New York, Los Angeles, Montreal and Las Vegas.
While traditional resorts and hotels continue to be a favourite for Canadian travellers, Expedia data shows a growing interest in alternative lodging options, as travellers seek out unique and authentic experiences. Some of the fastest-growing accommodation types for 2018 include:
- Tentalows (cross between a tent and a bungalow) – up more than 95 per cent year-over-year
- Agritourism properties – up more than 35 per cent year-over-year
- Houseboats – up more than 35 per cent year-over-year
- Tree houses – up more than 30 per cent year-over-year
- Castles – up almost 30 per cent year-over-year
- Chalets – up almost 25 per cent year-over-year
Activities and experiences are increasingly popular as travellers look to personalize and customize their vacations. Ski offerings in the Canadian Rockies is the fastest–growing category, followed by theme parks and events and show experiences, such as Broadway plays and shows in Las Vegas.
“It’s clear from this report that Canadians are interested in personalized, unique travel experiences, whether close-to-home or abroad,” says Jennifer Callegaro, head of Marketing, Brand Expedia.
The report also identified top-rated Canadian hotels in three categories based on guest feedback over the past year. Montreal’s Hotel Bonaventure was recognized in the category of best pool, Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites in Niagara Falls, Ont. for best views and Toronto’s One King West Hotel was recognized for top service.
