Like many countries around the world, Canada recently relaxed border restrictions as part of transitioning the pandemic response. In light of the recent changes, many people are ready to travel again, according to a press release from travel search engine, KAYAK.
Toronto ranked as the top searched travel destination in Canada, bringing good news as the city’s tourism industry lost billions due to the pandemic. The city once welcomed more than 27.5 million visitors annually.
According to the press release, people searching for Canada travel and Toronto surged significantly on the KAYAK travel app.
In the third week of February, travel searches to Canada were up 57% for travel anytime in the future compared to the month prior.
The largest increases were seen in travellers from:
- Washington (204% )
- Munich (43% )
- San Diego (42% )
- Amsterdam (41% )
- Hamburg (40% )
“The search increases we’re seeing indicates pent up demand for Canadian tourism and illustrate the impact entry restrictions have on inbound travel,” said Matt Clarke, VP of Marketing at KAYAK NA.
“We’ve consistently seen that as travel restrictions ease, travel demand follows and we expect to see this continue through summer.”
Rounding out the top destinations being searched in Canada include:
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Vancouver
- Calgary
- Quebec City
- Edmonton
- Ottawa
- Halifax
- Winnipeg
- Victoria