Before setting off on their Canada-wide tour, the folks at Granite Travel Trade Expos are sharing the results of a survey they conducted about travel trends for the upcoming year.
The survey was conducted in August, with a sampling of travel advisors from across the country. Some of the findings are:
Europe is the clear front-runner as a high-interest destination, (75 percent) with Asia a distant second (27.2%). When it comes to learning more about destinations, advisors’ choices were Portugal (69.3%), followed by Thailand (46.5%), Japan (53 percent), Peru (38 percent) and Canada (26 percent). The Sun/Caribbean destinations remain strong with 68 percent of clients expressing interest in the Sun/ All-Inclusive Market.
Eco-conscious travel is growing, but not yet mainstream and is mostly driven by younger clients with 37.6% of advisors saying there’s “not much demand,” and 26 percent reporting it’s growing among younger travellers.
Culture, cruising, and adventure dominate client requests: more than half of agents receive requests for cultural immersion/local trips (58.9%), cruise (ocean/river) (55.9%) and adventure/active (51.5%). 51.5% say their clients are seeking unique/cultural experiences while 40 percent are avoiding crowds/over-tourism.
Clients are booking further out, 3–6+ months: almost half of bookings are placed 6+ months in advance (45 percent) while just 39percent are booked 3–6 months in advance.
When it comes to using technology while researching: half of advisors saying their clients still prefer direct, personalized service (50.5%), and 45 percent use social media as an inspiration, while 27.2% are using AI trip tools.
Upcoming Expos
Granite Trade Expos are regional shows that offer attendees a smaller, more intimate venue than some of the bigger ones. Each Expo is focused on training and networking, with face-to-face interaction with agents and products. In each city, a presentation series featuring 15-minute segments by suppliers will be followed by a trade show, dinner, and prize giveaways.
Industry veteran and favourite Sal Buccellatto is returning as the Expos' social ambassador. The first 50 agents who arrive at each of the eight Granite Travel Trade Fall Expos will receive a $20 MasterCard, courtesy of Princess Hotels and Resorts.
Registration is not yet open, but will be available one month prior to each show. Attendance and parking are free and agents can register by clicking here.
The Fall Expo Schedule is as follows:
- Winnipeg, MB: Oct. 20, 2025
- Red Deer, AB: Oct. 21, 2025
- Kelowna, BC: Oct. 22, 2025
- Surrey, BC: Oct. 23, 2025
- Ottawa: Nov. 3, 2025
- Kingston: Nov. 4, 2025
- Vaughan: Nov. 5, 2025
- Hamilton: Nov. 6, 2025
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