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Granite Expos survey points to strong demand for travel in 2026

Pax Global Media

03-16-2026 10:50 am

Travel demand remains strong heading into 2026, according to a new survey conducted by Granite Travel Trade Expos among Canadian travel advisors.

The second annual survey, which gathered responses from more than 200 advisors across Canada, found that 61.7 per cent say travel demand is higher than it was at this time last year, including 15 per cent who report demand is significantly higher.

Another 22.9 per cent say demand is about the same.

“Canadians clearly still have a strong appetite to travel,” said Bradley Dean of Oakville-based Granite Productions, in a press release. “Even with global uncertainty and rising costs, people are prioritizing travel and looking for meaningful experiences.”

Advisors reported the strongest client demand for international leisure destinations, particularly in Europe and the Caribbean.

According to the survey, 73.8 per cent of advisors say Europe is seeing the strongest demand, followed by the Caribbean and Mexico at 72 per cent.

Other destinations cited include domestic travel within Canada (29.9 per cent), Asia (22 per cent) and South America (17.8 per cent).

Cruise travel emerged as the fastest-growing segment for advisors’ businesses, cited by 33.2 per cent of respondents.

All-inclusive resorts followed at 25.2 per cent, with adventure travel (11.7 per cent), luxury travel (9.3 per cent) and group travel (8.4 per cent) also showing growth.

The survey also found that most trips are booked several months in advance.

About 35.5 per cent of bookings are made four to six months before travel, while 28.5 per cent are booked one to three months ahead.

Another 26.2 per cent are booked seven to 12 months in advance.

Despite strong demand, advisors reported ongoing challenges.

Pricing volatility was cited by 65.4 per cent of respondents, followed by client budget constraints (44.9 per cent), competition from online booking sites (43.5 per cent), and airline capacity and airfare availability (35.5 per cent).

Geopolitical concerns are also influencing booking decisions, according to 42.5 per cent of advisors surveyed.

Overall confidence in the Canadian travel industry remains positive, with advisors rating their outlook for the next 12 months at an average of 4.1 out of 5.

(Supplied)

The survey results come ahead of the 2026 Spring Granite Travel Trade Expos, which begin April 13 in London, Ont., followed by stops in Kitchener, Barrie and Oshawa.

Additional events will take place in Atlantic Canada in May and Western Canada and more in Ontario later in the year.

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