New figures show that more Canadians are traveling abroad than ever before. Their preferred destination: The US.
In the third quarter of 2011, foreign visits by Canadian nationals increased by 11.2% in comparison with the previous year. Their spending in the US went up by 18%.
“Since it is the only country Canadians can visit directly by land America is naturally their favorite destination,” writes Tourism-Review.com.
Two factors making the US a favored destination are the common language and the fact that many Canadians live on the American border.
Canadians made 2.5 million car trips to the US last year, a 3.3% increase on the previous year.
“Considering domestic trips increased by a mere 1.8%, there is a clear indication that Canadians now prefer to take their holidays by car and in the US,” says Tourism-Review.
The strong Canadian factor is another incentive for Canadian travelers to visit the US. That means travelers get more for their money n the US.
Better living standards and income growth in Canada has also aided tourism to the US.
Unless major economic events lead to other circumstances, more and more Canadians are expected to arrive in 2012 and next year.
By David Wilkening
