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Friday,  October 11, 2024   5:24 AM
Canadians will prioritize travel this holiday season, says Amex Trendex
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American Express Canada has released an “Amex Trendex” on social, gifting, and travel trends for the upcoming holiday season.

The Canada-specific data reveals a desire for the holidays to be filled with meaningful experiences.

This includes plans to gift loved ones an experience over something material, looking to in-person events over dating apps for romantic connection, and an eagerness to travel to be with family or take time to focus on themselves.

Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of Canadians travelling this holiday season are prioritizing it more than in previous years, the report says.

But consensus is split on their travel plans:

  • Over half plan to travel to visit family for the holidays (58%).
  • Over half of Canadians report focusing on themselves this holiday season (57%) with 43% taking a trip elsewhere, outside of visiting family for the holidays.
  • Among those not travelling, 37% have family or friends visiting them.
  • Unlike those eager to begin holiday shopping, only 1-in-5 (20%) of Canadians have already booked their trip.

The reports says nearly 4-in-10 Canadians buying for a significant other (40%) or children (37%) plan to gift them an experience.

This increases with a gift exchange between friends, with 73% preferring to share a fun experience or trip over a traditional exchange.

Top experiential gifts include entertainment (62%), travel (50%) and food and drink (48%) related experiences.

Canadians are eager to begin shopping for loved ones this holiday season, with 19% having already started, increasing to 69% reporting they will start by November.

And when it comes to gifting, Canadians are generous compared to global counterparts, with plans to spend $567.01 on their children (3rd highest) and $679.89 on family members (5th highest).

When it comes to gifting, 57% of Canadians actively seek out small businesses when purchasing holiday gifts.

The poll was conducted by a third party on behalf of American Express between June 21 – July 17, 2024 and it involves 1,000 Canadian adults.


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