New data from the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) reveals that in 2025, Ontarians are increasingly choosing domestic travel across all age groups, while intentions to travel to the U.S. and internationally show a notable generational split.
According to the survey of 614 Ontarians conducted in early May, 40% of respondents have delayed or changed plans to travel to the U.S. due to concerns about the economy, tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty.
RELATED: ACTA Advises Travel Advisors on U.S. Entry Ban Affecting 19 Countries
This reluctance is particularly pronounced among older travellers: 61% of those aged 65 and over are avoiding cross-border trips, compared to 29% of those under 45.
Overall, 44% of respondents said they were steering clear of travel to the U.S
According to TICO, more than half of all age groups expressed greater interest in exploring destinations closer to home. Fifty-three percent said they were more likely to travel within Ontario, and 50% indicated plans to visit other parts of Canada.
International travel outside the U.S. remains more popular among younger Ontarians, with 36% of respondents under 35 planning such trips compared to 25% overall.
Older travellers are less inclined to travel internationally, with 23% aged 55 and over avoiding it altogether.
RELATED: Canadians Feel Unsafe Travelling to U.S., Survey Finds
“From global tensions to rising costs, older generations appear more concerned, and affected by, the risks and uncertainties that can disrupt their travel plans,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart.
“It’s a powerful reminder that peace of mind matters more than ever, especially when choosing how and where to book travel.”
Political and economic factors heavily influence travel decisions
Seventy-six percent of Ontarians said U.S. policy and rhetoric impact their travel choices. Tariffs affect 72% of those over 65, but only 46% of those under 45. Similarly, 47% of seniors said the Canadian dollar’s exchange rate significantly shapes their plans, versus 33% of younger travellers.
Canadian patriotism also plays a role. Among those over 65, 64% said supporting Canadian destinations influences their travel decisions, compared to 37% of those under 45.
Confidence in travel plans declines with age
Just 34% of all respondents felt confident or very confident that their travel would proceed as expected amid current uncertainties. Confidence was highest among those under 35, with 49% expressing optimism, but fell to 27% for respondents aged 55 and older.
RELATED: Canada Updates U.S. Travel Advisory: Here’s What It Means for Anyone Crossing the Border
TICO emphasized the consumer protections available when booking with its 1,900 registered travel agencies, booking websites, and tour operators in Ontario. These protections include all-in pricing with no hidden fees, clear cancellation policies, travel documentation guidance, and information on travel insurance.
About the survey
An online survey was conducted by PMG Intelligence with 614 Ontarians, 19 years of age or older. A sample of this size can be expected to be accurate +/- 4.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The survey was conducted May 5-6, 2025.
Topics From This Article to Explore
