On Your Mark, Get Set, Book!

It's no secret that travel is starting to rebound - albeit slowly - here in Canada and around the world. As more global destinations re-open, the pent-up demand is strong. TravelPulse Canada has heard from many agents and suppliers about bookings that are, in some cases, pacing at 2019 rates.

Groups continue to see a surge in demand, something that Goway was seeing back in October 2020, when we spoke to them about it.

Here are a few of the latest insights from the industry.

We spoke with Rod live on location from Saint Lucia earlier in May where he walked us through the entire process of travel in a post-COVID world. Here we got into specifics on what he's seeing in terms of booking numbers and trends.

"Having just returned from Saint Lucia and speaking with our partners and stakeholders, I can see that the numbers for this coming Fall and Winter season are trending very high, higher than even 2019 in many cases. There is definitely going to be tighter occupancies and in some cases we're already seeing stop sells from properties for typically busy time periods. This increase is based on the fact that other markets are already open (US) and others are opening very soon, including the UK.

Also keep in mind we'll see the overflow from traditional destinations who no longer will have the availability to accommodate the high demand from the aforementioned source markets or aren't fully open/operational. Travelers need to take advantage of the availability and book now. All I can say is; now is the time to book...now It's Time for Saint Lucia."

Brenda says she says she's seeing big demand for bookings, mostly for Winter of 2021/2022 and then Spring/Fall 2022 for River Cruising.

A co-founder of ACITA, Slater says they did an informal poll on a recent ACITA call, asking where everyone's comfort level was in booking clients.

- Yes - I wish it was yesterday 83%

- No - I need time to get ready 10%

- Not until everyone has been vaccinated 7%

"We found this interesting as Advisor confidence seems to be on the rise, and we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel? Ever hopeful, we keep our eyes forward."

Asked about whether vaccine passports will become mandatory, Slater says that "as Travel Advisors, most of us are willing to do whatever it takes to get on a plane. But there are some that are VERY hesitant. Only time will tell - it will be interesting who wins the race for best APP/program as it will need to be worldwide."

"After more than a year into this pandemic, travel is on the rebound! Bookings are starting to come in for late 2021 and beyond. There is a growing demand for winter 2022 as clients want to have a vacation booked to give them something to look forward to.

I specialize in four main areas: cruising (ocean & river), small group travel experiences, Europe & Mexico. In the past few months, as vaccination rates have steadily increased, so has the demand to get travelling again. My clients are eager to get on a plane and relax on a tropical beach in Mexico, take a cruise or travel through Europe on a small group escorted tour. Bucket list trips are also in demand. This year alone, I've booked three World Cruises for 2023 which sold out in a matter of days. Over the course of the pandemic, many Canadians have saved their travel dollars and are ready to invest them in those upgraded luxury experiences."