As tensions simmer in the trade war between the U.S. and Canada, many Canadians are opting to stay closer to home. Flights to Toronto are in high demand, especially with the upcoming Game 1 of the World Series on Friday. But it’s not just sports fans flocking to Toronto; there’s a general buzz surrounding major sporting events across the country.
Anita Emillio, Vice-President of Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, shared insights during an interview with 1130 NewsRadio from Toronto. She highlighted a significant surge in flights to Toronto, showing a 20% increase compared to the previous year. Emillio noted that 48% of Canadians are prioritizing sports-related travel this year, with a notable preference for domestic destinations like Toronto for sporting events.
Younger travelers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are leading the charge when it comes to sports tourism, displaying a keen interest in experiencing sports and entertainment-related travel opportunities.
Despite potential cost and convenience advantages, there’s minimal desire among Canadians to fly to Los Angeles for sports events. Flight Centre reports a substantial 40% decline in leisure travel to the U.S., including popular destinations like New York and Seattle. Emillio attributes this shift to a sense of patriotism, as Canadians are eager to support their teams on home turf.
The fervor for sports-related travel extends beyond Toronto, with growing interest in events like the FIFA World Cup at BC Place in Vancouver next summer. Emillio advises early booking for such events to secure accommodations amidst increasing demand and potential blackout dates set by hotels.
Looking ahead, Emillio anticipates a continued trend of Canadians favoring domestic travel over U.S. destinations, with a rise in early bookings expected for the coming years.