News / Events

Granite Travel Trade Expos reveal key booking trends ahead of fall events

Pax Global Media

09-03-2025 1:57 pm

A recent survey by the organizers of the Granite Travel Trade Expos reveals that Europe is topping the charts as the leading destination for both client travel and agent education in the 2025-26 season.

The Fall 2025 Granite Travel Trade Expos kick off October 20 in Winnipeg, MB, and wrap up November 6 in Hamilton, ON.

The survey, conducted in August, polled travel advisors across Canada on current and expected travel trends.

Key findings include:

Top Destinations: Europe leads the way with 75% interest, followed by Asia at 27.2%.
Destination Learning: Agents want to learn most about Portugal (69.3%), Japan (53%), Thailand (46.5%), Peru (38%), and Canada (26%).
Sun Travel: The Sun/All-Inclusive market remains strong, with 68% client interest.
Sustainable Travel: Eco-conscious travel is growing, primarily among younger travellers, though 37.6% of advisors note limited demand.
Trip Types: Cultural immersion (58.9%), cruises (55.9%), and adventure travel (51.5%) dominate client requests, with many seeking authentic, crowd-free experiences.
Booking Patterns: Nearly half of clients (45%) book trips more than six months in advance.
Tech & Travel Planning: Despite growing tech tools, 50.5% of clients still prefer personalized, direct service; 45% use social media for inspiration, and 27.2% explore AI

Making the connection

Granite Travel Trade Expos are a series of regional travel trade events designed to connect industry suppliers and top-producing travel agents in a more intimate setting than traditional and larger trade shows.

The format provides for valuable and essential in-person interactive consultations and presentations. Each Expo is focused on training and networking, with face-to-face interaction with agents and products.

(Granite Travel Trade Expos)

In each city, a presentation series featuring 15-minute segments by suppliers will be followed by a trade show, dinner, and prize giveaways.

Industry veteran and favourite Sal Buccellatto is returning as the Expos' social ambassador.

The first 50 agents who arrive at each of the 8 Granite Travel Trade Fall Expos will receive a complementary $20 MasterCard, courtesy of Princess Hotels and Resorts.

Registration will open one month prior to each show. Attendance and parking are free and agents can register by clicking here.

(Granite Travel Trade Expos)

Just a few of the many suppliers joining us in Fall 2025 are Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts as Hotel Sponsor, Oasis Hotels, WestJet Vacations, Couples Resorts, Catalonia Hotels and Resorts, Princess Hotels and Resorts, Barbados, Gift Card Sponsor Princess Hotels & Resorts, Jamaica Tourist Board, The Special Travel Company and the Cuba Tourist Board.

The St Kitts Tourism Authority is the Destination Sponsor in Ontario.

The Fall Expo Schedule is as follows: