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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.