Canadian households projected to spend $30B on vacations in 2024: study

The average vacationing family intends to spend over $4,000 on their vacation in 2024, according to insurance and assistance provider Allianz Global Assistance’s seventh annual Vacation Confidence Study.

Canadian households are projected to spend $30 billion on trips this year, despite ongoing economic concerns, says Allianz.

The study, conducted online by Ipsos, surveyed 2,000 Canadian adults in November 2023.

Over a quarter say they will be spending more on vacations this year compared to 2023.

With vacation inflation outpacing other industries, the study found that 60 per cent of travellers plan to scale back their plans this year due to rising costs.

Anticipated vacation spend is strongly related to income. The highest earning households ($100,000 and above) will spend more than twice as much as low-income households ($40,000 and under) – $5,926 vs.$2,563.

“Our study revealed that vacation confidence has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 70 per cent of Canadians planning to travel in 2024,” said Tayjua Squire, manager of corporate communications at Allianz. “Vacation confidence is highest – 85 per cent – among high-income households. Affordability is a huge concern among consumers, but they are getting inflation fatigue.”

“As a result, Canadians are prioritizing travel in their budget even if they are stretched thin. Almost half of Canadian travellers say they can’t afford a vacation this year but are taking one anyway.”

Among Canadians who are not confident in taking a vacation in 2024, the biggest barrier is an unwillingness to spend money on vacations, the study says.

This is the greatest barrier across demographic groups and regions in the country, the survey suggests.

“With the pandemic and rising living costs being major obstacles the past few years, Canadians are fatigued and taking vacations anyway,” said Squire.

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