After tumultuous years to say the least, Quebecers have regained the desire to travel and reservation books are filling up for next year, to such an extent that there is even talk of a possible return to normal for 2023. .
“According to our observations if the trends continue, the industry will be back to a pre-pandemic level before the end of 2023 in terms of sales,” said David Marcille, spokesperson for CAA-Quebec, who recently surveyed its members. and its travel advisers to take stock of the year 2022.
The craze for traveling abroad has been very present since the summer period and the interest does not run out of steam.
“People really want to travel. Our books are “booked” in 2023. When we compare with our 2019 data, we are well ahead for Europe for example”, he specified.
In Rimouski, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, travel agents speak of a gradual recovery, in particular because air traffic has not reached the pre-pandemic level.
“The planes are 100% full, but in terms of flights we are regarding 60% of what we had before the pandemic,” said Annick de Courval, owner of Club Voyages Inter-Monde de Rimouski.
“Since the fall, there has been a good return from customers to seek warmth. There are some that have been waiting for almost three years, so come what may, they reserve, ”said Ms. de Courval.
Rising ticket prices and economic conditions do not seem to be holding travelers back.
“They’ve been waiting for three years, they know it’s more expensive and that’s fine, because they have the savings for it,” said Simon Pinault, owner of Voyage Vasco Rimouski.
