Key Takeaways:
- In June 2022, Google data reveals keywords “Flights to Canada” have increased 80 percent plus while “Hotels in Canada” have increased more than 40 percent in a year-to-year comparison.
- In March 2022, the gross domestic product “echoed this” economic “ recovery,” stated in a report by Statistics Canada.
- International students make up a sizable portion of tourism activity (via the international education sector) with currently 621,565 international learners (across all study levels) with study permits in Canada.
Good news for the Canadian travel and tourism industries and the international education sector — interest in travelling to Canada is ramping up in 2022.
Google published data in June 2022 how online searches inquiring into travelling to Canada have more than doubled. Based on searches made from around the world, keywords “Flights to Canada” have increased 80 percent plus while “Hotels in Canada” have increased more than 40 percent in a year-to-year comparison.
“Summer is officially here, and after more than two years of being stuck at home, pent-up demand continues to drive growth for travel despite growing economic pressures and inflationary price pressures,” stated the article.
Overall, tourism activity in Canada has improved, albeit still relatively lower to pre-2020 levels. In January, the numbers experienced its first reversal after seven months of upswing, falling to 43.4 percent when compared to January 2019 numbers. However, tourism numbers have been slightly improving:
The gross domestic product in March 2022 “echoed this recovery,” stated a report by Statistics Canada, “noting significant growth in client-facing service industries such as accommodation and food services; passenger airlines; and arts, entertainment, and recreation.”
International students make up a sizable portion of tourism activity (via the international education sector) with currently 621,565 international learners (across all study levels) with study permits in Canada, according to data by Erudera. Currently, the top 10 source countries for international students in Canada are India, China, Vietnam, France, Korea, Iran, the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.
The top three provinces with the most international students are Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. These three provinces account for 52 percent of international students across all international education study levels currently in 2022.
3 Travel Trends in 2022
Generally speaking, travellers today have become more cost-conscious. While most have retained bigger budgets, these new travellers resort to smarter spending.
The first travel trend is putting a premium on assurances more than luxury.
According to a study by Simon-Kucher & Partners, 42 percent of people would choose not to fly in a premium cabin or stay in a luxury hotel this 2022. However, they are “willing to pay extra for booking flexibility.” Consumers love these kinds of assurances.
The second travel trend is booking flights much earlier.
Of course, spending for last-minute flights always costs much more. Therefore, in line with the cost-conscious travellers of today, “people are booking further in advance.”
“As the travel industry picks up pace, consumers are planning ahead to book before the top-rated destinations sell out. Consumers don’t want to miss out on the best deals,” reported the study’s authors.
The third travel trend is upholding personal experience.
While 85 percent of travellers said they prefer to organize their trips on their own, 75 percent of those who book their trips via travel agents said they would rather get the “all-inclusive” holiday trip. Whether people go on their own or with a tour guide, these travellers are looking forward to truly making that personal connection while on vacation.
Study Travel and Tourism
In July 2022, over one million non-resident international visitors arrived at Canadian airports; the first month it happened since March 2020, according to Statistics Canada. In fact, international arrivals to Canada rose sharply in a one-year period from July 2021 to July 2022.
This opens up opportunities for those interested in joining the travel and tourism workforce in Canada.
According to data by Statistics Canada, the country has generated over 560,000 tourism-related jobs as of the first quarter of 2022. The projection remains bullish as the country looks into the easing of COVID -19 border and travel restrictions.
International students can position themselves for a successful career in travel and tourism by taking up the Travel and Tourism Management program at Eton College Canada.
With its campus located in the diverse city of Vancouver in British Columbia, students will be more aligned to learning more about the multibillion-dollar travel and tourism industry. The international education institution’s uniquely designed program aims to help students develop the skills and knowledge required to work in businesses devoted to food and restaurant service, leisure, or cruise tourism.
Students will also understand the tourism industry as a business while developing a service-driven attitude and exceptional communication skills.
Career options after program completion include but are not limited to the following:
- Tour guide/operator
- Airline ground staff/supervisor
- Food and beverage attendant/supervisor/manager
- Front desk agent/supervisor/manager
- Guest services agent
- Sales/marketing manager
- Special events coordinator
- Concierge
Learn more about international education and browse the official Eton College website. Contact the school for more information about its Travel and Tourism Management program.
