London Skyline
Economic and political turmoil between Canada and the United States has made some Canadians change their travel plans. Instead of usual trip down south, Canadians are putting their interests in other places both abroad and locally. Travel agencies and the government have both noticed notable declines in the amount of cross border travel to the U.S.
“We have seen the focus shifting away from the United States and away from places like Florida and California and heading to new destinations instead, namely because of the dollar, the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar and not being as strong to them anymore,” says Anne Hoskings, owner of Budget Travel Warehouse in London, Ontario.
But that doesn’t mean Canadians aren’t traveling. According to recent reports from StatsCan, travel internationally (outside of the U.S.) has remained around the same levels as last year and increased to similar numbers close to pre-pandemic levels in early 2020. The Flight Centre Travel Group Canada says that cross-border travel is down over 40 per cent from this same time last year.
“The shifting has taken place more to the European market. More places like Portugal and Spain, where they can go do their long stays there through the winter months,” says Hoskings.
Not only that, but the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement has also extended to some Canadians travel plans. More Canadians are choosing to stay in Canada and travel domestically for both patriotic and cost-saving reasons.
“We’re seeing a lot of the summer focus heading more towards destinations like Newfoundland and Halifax or Nova Scotia where they can get a bit more of that exotic and cultural experience but still stay home,” says Hoskings.
Trips in Canada are surging, and the Tourism London thinks London can be included in that conversation.
Sean Murray, Director of Culture and Entertainment Tourism says that London may be swept up in that idea.
“Certainly right now there is a sentiment of buying local and buying extends to the way you’re spending your traveling dollars. So we’re happy to see some of that transfer to London as well,” says Murray.
Concept art for the soon to open Hard Rock Hotel in London, Ontario. (Source londontourism.ca)
He says London provides a perfect getaway location for those trying to stay local. It has less of the hustle of major cities but still offers intriguing attractions.
“Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel coming to 100 Kellogg Lane, I really think it’s just an example of some of the attractions that make London stand out,” says Murray.
Most people may see London as a day-trip location, but Murray thinks that this idea could be challenged with more investment and interest aimed at the city.
“Again, London is continuing to position itself (100 Kellogg) as something that’s not just regionally significant, but nationally and internationally significant.”
On top of internationally recognized brands, the city hopes its cultural designation as a UNESCO City of Music and popular summer music festivals and other summer activities will also draw in thousands of Canadians from around the country.
“We’re one of the fastest growing cities in Canada and with that, it’s not just about population, it’s about the cultural offerings we bring along with that,” says Murray.
Even with the recent economic uncertainty, London is hoping to see travelers exploring the city, taking advantage of the short distance to other southern Ontario communities and low-cost activities in comparison to many large cities.
As Hoskings says it’s all about value. “Again, it’s always about our dollar and the strength of it and making sure that they can get as much value, for their bang for their buck.”
