According to BMO’s 2012 Summer Travel Survey, more Canadians will take a summer vacation this year compared to 2011, and the majority will spend their vacation dollars in Canada.
BMO’s survey, conducted by Leger Marketing, revealed the vast majority (84 per cent) of Canadians polled plan to take a vacation in 2012 — up five per cent from 2011.
The survey found two-thirds of vacationers (63 per cent) said they will travel within Canada; vs. 57 per cent in 2011, while 39 per cent will vacation within their province or territory vs. 33 per cent in 2011. A total of 24 per cent plan to travel to the United States this summer, while 13 per cent plan to travel outside North America — up six per cent and four per cent respectively from 2011. Nearly half (44 per cent) of respondents said affordability is the primary driver of their vacation plans and summer travel destinations.
“The number of Canadians travelling outside Canada rose 7.6 per cent in the first quarter from a year ago,” said Sal Guatieri, senior economist with BMO Capital Markets. “While the rate has slowed somewhat, it’s fair to say that Canadians still have their travelling shoes on despite global economic concerns. The strong Canadian dollar is a key factor driving out-of-country travel.”