The weaker loonie and lower gas prices convinced Canadians to vacation closer to home this year and this trend is expected to continue in 2016. Following an increase of 2.8 percent this year, overnight travel within Canada is expected to grow by another 2.4 percent in 2016, according to The Conference Board of Canada's latest Travel Markets Outlook for both national and metropolitan cities. HIGHLIGHTS
Overnight visits to and within Canada are expected to increase by 2.4 percent in 2016, thanks largely to lower gas prices and a weaker Canadian dollar.
The strengthening U.S. economy and a more favourable exchange rate are expected to contribute to a 3.3 percent growth in overnight travel from the U.S. next year.
However, the pace of Canada's tourism growth in 2016 will be dampened by higher travel prices and financial concerns among consumers and businesses.
Halifax, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa-Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver will all attract more visitors in 2016.
"The weaker Canadian dollar has helped make Canadian travel destinations more price competitive for both Canadians and those travellers from abroad, particularly Americans. At the same time, lower gas prices are reducing the costs of road trips," said Greg Hermus, Associate Director for The Conference Board of Canada's Canadian Tourism Research Institute. "Canada will see more overnight visits from domestic and international travelers but the pace of growth in Canada's tourism will be slowed by economic and financial concerns among consumers and businesses."
Overnight travel from the U.S. is estimated to have increased by 7 percent this year—the strongest growth since 1998. The outlook will continue to be favourable, as a stronger U.S. economy and an advantageous exchange rate are expected to boost overnight visits in 2016 year by 3.3 percent. Similarly, overseas arrivals to Canada are projected to increase by an additional 4.8 percent next year, following growth of 5.3 percent this year.
Travel prices in Canada are forecasted to increase going forward. Overall, travel prices are anticipated to rise by 2.4 percent next year. In particular, travellers will pay 2.8 percent more for accommodations, 2.6 percent more for transportation and 2.5 per cent more for food and beverage services.
Of the nine Canadian cities covered in the Travel Markets Outlook's Metropolitan Focus, most can count on tourism growth of between three and two percent next year. Vancouver will be the standout with overnight visits expect to increase by 3.4 per cent in 2016.
Ottawa is set to host the Canadian men's curling championship, which will help boost pleasure travel to the city. Overall, visits to the Nation's Capital should increase 2.4 percent next year.
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