Canadian travel advisors expect revenue growth in 2026, survey finds

Travel advisors are heading into 2026 with strong sales expectations, according to a new survey from TRAVELSAVERS Canada. 

Seventy-one per cent of advisors affiliated with the organization anticipate revenue growth in the year ahead.

The survey found that 48 per cent of respondents predict sales will increase somewhat, while 23 per cent anticipate significant growth. 

Twenty-three per cent expect sales to remain stable, with only six per cent projecting declines.

The optimism reflects sustained consumer demand for travel, with clients increasingly seeking advisor expertise for personalized itineraries and luxury travel planning.

"Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is incredibly positive," said Jane Clementino, senior vice president and general manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. 

"Travellers are prioritizing experiences more than ever, seeking personalized and meaningful journeys. Advisors are perfectly positioned to meet this demand, providing the guidance and expertise that turn ordinary trips into truly unforgettable adventures."

Professional fees now standard practice

The survey revealed that 70 per cent of advisors now charge professional fees, with 28 per cent charging transaction-based fees, 16 per cent charging for consultation time and 11 per cent collecting multiple fee types. 

Nine per cent charge for specialized services such as FIT design or air ticketing, while six per cent apply plan-to-go fees. An additional 18 per cent are considering introducing fees.

AI adoption accelerates

Generative AI usage among advisors more than doubled in the past year, rising from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. 

Twenty-five per cent now use AI frequently, up from 11 per cent, while another 25 per cent use it occasionally, compared to nine per cent previously.

Advisor perception of AI has also improved, with 44 per cent now viewing it as a valuable tool, up from 27 per cent. 

The proportion of advisors unfamiliar with AI dropped from 32 per cent to 15 per cent.

"In just one year, we've seen a dramatic shift in advisors embracing AI as a powerful ally rather than a threat," said Tim Paul, TRAVELSAVERS vice president of marketing. 

"AI can be an incredible partner, helping busy advisors work smarter and faster. Those using our AI Connect program say they can't imagine life without it."

Challenges ahead

Despite positive sales projections, advisors identified potential obstacles for 2026. 

Forty-three per cent cited high travel costs as their primary concern, while 29 per cent noted competition from suppliers marketing directly to consumers. 

Twenty-four per cent pointed to online travel agencies, and 16 per cent cited AI-driven competition.

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