by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:50 PM ET, Wed June 4, 2025
Canadians have a reputation for being considerate. A new Flight Centre survey conducted by YouGov reveals that our considerate nature extends to travel planning too.
“Canadians are curious by nature, but they’re also conscientious,” says Nate Mosher, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada. “They want to see the world without overwhelming it, and that often means taking the road less travelled.”
The majority of those surveyed (71 percent) said they are concerned about overtourism and even more (81 percent) said that they would swap a destination for a similar spot to help avoid congestion.
They are empathetic, with 53 percent agreeing that protesters at anti-tourism rallies are right in their belief that tourism should be reduced in heavily visited destinations. And they back it up with their wallets: 57 percent are willing to pay tourism fees to support sustainable tourism efforts.
It’s clear that Canadians aren’t willing to let the effects of overtourism (crowding, high prices, environmental damage, noise and an overall less pleasurable experience for locals and visitors) hamper their travels.
Flight Centre suggests several practices that improve travel for everyone, including visiting less-touristed towns and cities, travelling during off-peak season and supporting small, local businesses.
“Responsible tourism doesn’t mean compromising on experiences,” says Mosher. “It means discovering unique places like Montenegro instead of Croatia or Sevilla instead of Barcelona, and doing it at the right time of year. You still get incredible memories, but with fewer crowds and more connection to the place you are visiting. And those small choices help make those destinations stay special for the people who live there—and for the travellers who will visit next”
Smart travel advisors will take the time to learn about sustainable travel, including alternative destinations to overcrowded places to suggest to clients and counsel them on the benefits of off-season travel.
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