Even if inflation will influence the behavior of Quebec vacationers, they are as likely to want to fly as before the pandemic, according to a CAA-Quebec survey.
Among the respondents to this survey released on Tuesday, 22% intend to fly during their summer vacation. This rate compares to 19% in 2019, before the pandemic. The proportion should be considered similar since the difference is within the margin of error of 3.1%.
On the ground, CAA-Quebec’s travel counselors observe that inflation has not overcome what is called revenge spending. “It’s absolutely true! said the non-profit organization’s communications advisor, David Marcille, in an interview.
“People are angry that they have not been able to travel for several years. They are coming back this year. No matter the price, they are ready to increase their budget. We feel a rather intense desire. »
More Quebecers are therefore planning a trip to Europe, ie 9% compared to 5% at the same time last year.
The sounding confirms comments from major airline executives who say 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. “Looking at bookings for the rest of the year, we believe demand will continue. »
Montreal carrier Transat is due to release 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 about its action due to high debt,” he nuances.
By the same token, the number of Quebecers who plan to stay in the province during their vacation is down from last year, from 65% to 57%. This represents 17% who stay at home and 40% who will visit another region of Quebec.
Budget in mind
Despite the resilience of air demand, inflation is having an effect on the plans of holidaymakers, the majority of whom continue to get away by car.
More than half (54%) of respondents say that inflation is one of the factors influencing the progress of their project. A similar number (49%) cite the price of gas as a factor that changes their plans.
Among the 17% who will stay at home, 64% say that gasoline plays a role in their decision.
Thus, among all respondents, 21% plan to limit their trips once at their destination, 28% will reduce the number of activities planned during the holidays, 28% will travel “less often” and 31% will reduce the number of meals. taken in a restaurant.
In a context of higher prices, the respondents also increased the envelope allocated to the holiday budget item. It goes from $1,687 last year to $1,955 this year, underlines Mr. Marcille. “Taking vacations is more expensive. »