​Canadian Travellers Are Picking A City In Southeast Asia ​Over US Destinations​

Canadian travellers are venturing beyond traditional North American destinations, with a city in Southeast Asia now topping their travel lists.

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, known for its colourful jeepneys and historic Intramuros district, has emerged as the leading destination for Canadian tourists in 2024, surpassing popular US locales.

New AI travel technology from Momentum Ventures identified the shift in travel preference. Using data from FlightHub, a major Canadian online flight provider, it confirms Manila's newfound status as a top destination, underscoring the broader change in travel trends among Canadian tourists.

The popularity of Manila among Canadian travellers can be attributed to an increase in direct flights and competitive pricing offered by airlines have made Manila more accessible than ever.

But the trend is not driven by lower prices alone. The average cost of a flight ticket to Manila stands at $1,693.52 CAD, making it more expensive than some traditionally favoured destinations.

So far, the top five international destinations for Canadian consumers in 2024 are:

1. Manila, Philippines - average price of $1,693.52 CAD
2. Delhi, India - average of $1,783.72 CAD
3. Cancun, Mexico - average of $477.94 CAD
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - average of $554.29 CAD
5. Bangkok, Thailand - average of $1,657.15 CAD

The top five international destinations for U.S. consumers in 2024 are:

1. Manila, Philippines - average of $1,292.47 USD
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - average of $1,234.00 USD
3. Bangkok, Thailand - average of $1,331.86 USD
4. San Salvador, Salvador - average of $270.03 USD
5. San Juan, Puerto Rico - average of $236.73 USD

There's a broader shift happening as travellers from North America increasingly explore destinations beyond their continent. Social media and travel vlogging are likely playing a role in popularizing less traditional destinations.

As the travel industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, emerging patterns will likely shape the strategies of travel agencies and destinations worldwide, focusing on attracting visitors who are eager for more than the typical tourist experience.