More Canadians spending less on summer travel due to financial concerns: poll

Many travel advisors, suppliers and tourism boards are experiencing a boom in business as the world reengages with travel once again, as PAX has reported. 

However, a new poll suggests that more Canadians, in general, aren’t spending big bucks on travel this summer.

Some, as the new data from Nanos Research suggests, are even putting their vacations on hold completely compared to previous years.

The new study, commissioned by CTV News, surveyed 1,055 Canadians over the ages of 18 through phone calls and online between June 29 and June 30.

The results, which were posted Thursday (July 6), say that cost is the most important factor impacting summer plans, according to 51 per cent of the survey’s participants.

In the study, 38 per cent said they are more likely to spend less on their summer travel plans, which marks an increase from 31 per cent reported in 2015.

The study also breaks down attitudes by region. 

In Atlantic Canada, for example, 51.1 per cent of residents said they will be spending less on summer travel, followed by Quebec (with 43.2 per cent), the Prairies (with 40.6 per cent), B.C. (with 35.3 per cent) and Ontario (with 33.6 per cent).

Women said they would be spending less on their vacation, with 41.7 per cent saying they will be lowering their budget compared to 35.3 per cent of men.

Youngsters were also more likely to say they will be spending less as 42.7 per cent between the ages of 18 and 34 said they would; while 35.3 per cent of those 55 and older agreed, the poll says.

The poll also touches on international travel intentions.

While nearly one in five in the survey said their international travel plans remain unchanged, about 60 per cent said they have no interest in travelling abroad this summer, the poll found. 

But there was a small increase in desire to travel despite not making any plans. 

An increase of one per cent was reported as 16 per cent of participants said they would like to travel this summer but haven't made plans, the survey noted. 

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