Inflation hasn't reduced Quebecers' desire to fly: survey
Although inflation is set to influence the behaviour of Quebec holidaymakers, just as many of them want to get on a plane as before the pandemic, according to a CAA-Quebec survey.
According to the survey released on Tuesday, 22 per cent of respondents intend to take a plane during their summer holidays. This compares with 19 per cent in 2019, before the pandemic. The proportion should be considered similar since the difference is within the margin of error of 3.1 per cent.
"In the field, CAA-Quebec's travel advisers are finding that inflation has not put an end to what is known as revenge spending. It's absolutely true," said the non-profit organization's communications advisor, David Marcille, in an interview. "People are angry at not having been able to travel for several years. They're getting their act together this year. Whatever the price, they're ready to increase their budget. There's a fairly intense desire."
As a result, more Quebecers are planning a trip to Europe - nine per cent compared with five per cent at the same time last year.
The survey confirms the comments made by the heads of the major airlines, who claim that economic uncertainty, inflation and rising ticket prices have not dampened demand.
In May, Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau saw no turbulence on the horizon.
"When we look at bookings for the rest of the year, we believe that demand will continue," he said.
Montreal-based Air Transat is due to unveil its quarterly results on Thursday. CIBC World Markets analyst Kevin Chiang expects the tone of the company's update to be positive for the upcoming summer season.
"If the recovery is faster than expected, we remain cautious on its stock due to high debt," he said.
At the same time, the number of Quebecers planning to stay in the province during their holidays is down from last year, from 65 per cent to 57 per cent. This represents 17 per cent who will be staying at home and 40 per cent who will be visiting another region of Quebec.
BUDGET LEADING THE WAY
Despite the resilience of demand for air travel, inflation is having an effect on holidaymakers' plans, with the majority still planning to get away by car.
More than half (54 per cent) identify gas prices as a factor affecting their plans.
Of the 17 per cent who will be staying at home, 64 per cent say that gas plays a role in their decision.
Of all respondents, 21 per cent plan to limit their travel once at their destination, 28 per cent will reduce the number of activities planned during their holiday, 28 per cent will travel less often, and 31 per cent will reduce the number of meals eaten in restaurants.
"Against a backdrop of higher prices, respondents have also increased their holiday budget. It has risen from $1,687 last year to $1,955 this year," said Marcille. "Taking a holiday costs more."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 6, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Liberal government not immune from auto thefts: 48 vehicles stolen in recent years
Documents tabled in the House of Commons this week show 48 government vehicles were stolen between January 2016 and February of this year, most of them in Ontario.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly at least nine games for violating the league's gender-based violence policy.