TRAVEL REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY FOR DISCRETIONARY SPENDING.

from Travelweek AUGUST 3 2023

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“Some ideas that are being shared include planning to travel during off-season or shoulder season to avoid peak pricing, and to consider other options in terms of accommodations,” says O’Leary. “Another thought is to visit locations that are less in-demand yet still provide the same feel and experiences as what travellers are looking for. For example, travel to Croatia instead of Italy."

O’Leary also recommends booking early: “Planning well in advance helps mitigate the cost of airfare and accommodations. Advisors are recommending planning vacations at least 100 days in advance.”

Similarly, Baker, of Independent by Flight Centre, suggests these cost-saving options and alternatives to clients:

“Look out for travel deals, discounts and promotions that can significantly reduce the overall expenses of their trips. Being open to fl exible travel dates can also lead to more affordable options, and consider suppliers that offer payment plans. This allows your clients to spread out the cost of their trip over time, making it more manageable and less financially overwhelming for them.”

WHAT ARE TRAVEL AGENTS SAYING?

Travelweek asked those on the front lines – travel advisors – what they’re hearing from clients about the possible impact inflation has had on travel plans this year.

Brenda Slater of Beyond The Beach in Tiny, ON, says that she hasn’t noticed any concerns from her clients about inflation, saying that “pent-up demand remains at full tilt for me.” She notes that family travel to Japan has been particularly popular this summer, as most of her clients are over 50 and relatively affluent.

Gary Rams, associated with Crowfoot Travel Solutions in Calgary, AB, says that his clients still have healthy travel budgets, but that he’s also doing his best to save them money in the long run.

“I’m spending a lot more time to make sure clients get fair value and a good experience. I may make suggestions like spending fewer days in a city like Paris where hotel prices are very high, and suggest heading to the south of France instead. There are still some places that offer a reasonable experience at fair value, like Peru, Vietnam and Thailand,” says Rams.

Meanwhile, Tony Santelli of FunRexAlcyon Travel in Laval, QC, says that in addition to inflation, travellers also have to contend with higher travel rates, with tour operators, hotels, car rental companies and airlines trying to make up for lost revenues during the pandemic.

“Sure, fuel costs more but when a packaged holiday of $1,300 is now selling for $1,700, somebody is making a bigger profit than usual,” says Santelli. “In the end, I’m finding that the pent-up demand is winning and the client is still willing to pay higher prices. If they really want to travel, they will travel.”

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