Air Canada Survey Reveals Canadians’ Winter Picks as Airline Expands Network
by Michael Pihach
Peru is one place many Canadians would like to visit, according to Air Canada’s new survey. (File photo)
As Canadians begin planning their fall and winter escapes, new research from Air Canada suggests travellers are eager to explore new destinations, even as many continue to favour familiar vacation spots.
The airline has released findings from an Ipsos survey examining Canadians’ winter travel preferences, revealing that relaxation, destination familiarity and the opportunity to discover somewhere new are influencing vacation decisions.
According to the survey, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of respondents say relaxing and recharging are important factors when choosing a destination, while 55 per cent believe there are still many winter destinations they have yet to explore.
Nearly one in four respondents typically return to the same destination or rotate among a handful of favourites. Meanwhile, 36 per cent say the appeal of visiting somewhere new lies in the possibility of discovering a new favourite getaway.
“Canadians love their favourite winter escapes, but our research shows many are curious about destinations beyond the familiar,” said Mark Galardo, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, and president, Cargo at Air Canada, in a news release.
“Our expanded winter network is designed to offer our customers more choice, more non-stop options and more opportunities to discover somewhere new, while continuing to serve the destinations Canadians return to year after year – with the confidence that comes from travelling with Air Canada.”
Canadians Curious About New Destinations
The survey also highlights an appetite for destinations beyond traditional sun vacation hotspots.
More than one-third (37 per cent) of respondents say destinations in Central and South America, including Colombia and Peru, feel unfamiliar but remain places they would like to visit.
Similarly, 33 per cent express the same sentiment about long-haul destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The findings suggest that while Canadians are interested in exploring new places, unfamiliarity may create some hesitation when deciding where to travel.
Safety, healthcare quality, political stability, financial considerations and weather are also among the factors influencing destination choices.
When asked about potential future winter escapes, Hawaii topped the list, with 49 per cent of respondents expressing interest, followed by Costa Rica (47 per cent) and Australia (41 per cent).
Air Canada Expands Winter Network
The findings come as Air Canada prepares to operate an expanded winter schedule, introducing new destinations and additional seasonal services from several Canadian gateways.
Among the destinations featured in the airline’s previously announced network expansion are Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, Roatán in Honduras, Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Mérida and Mazatlán in Mexico.
The expanded schedule includes the following destinations from Canadian gateways:
Montréal: Tenerife, Roatán, Santo Domingo, Quito and Aruba.
Toronto: Tenerife, Roatán, Quito and Mérida.
Vancouver: Mazatlán, Monterrey, Liberia and Puerto Escondido.
Calgary: Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.
Edmonton: Montego Bay.
Winnipeg: Montego Bay and Punta Cana.
Québec City: Pointe-à-Pitre.
Halifax: Bridgetown.
Air Canada is also highlighting its broader long-haul network, which connects Canadian travellers with destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Bangkok, Manila, Sydney and Buenos Aires.
Meanwhile, the airline continues to serve established winter vacation markets, including the Bahamas, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Saint Martin and Costa Rica.
