Many Canadians are opting to travel domestically this season which has led to an increased demand.The Western Standard reported recent surveys by TD Bank say 64% of respondents wanted to travel domestically to save money. Frédéric Dimanche, professor at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, says with the industry still in recovery since the pandemic, inflated prices, increased operating costs, and rising demand, prices for tourists are going up. "Airlines do this all the time. Hoteliers do this all the time. If there is increased demand, prices are likely to go up," said Dimanche. .1-800-GET-DRUGS: Toronto hotline offers delivery of drug kits.Amy Butcher, vice-president of public affairs at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, told CBC News just last year the economic activity in the tourism industry hit $130 billion in 2024, with 75% coming from domestic tourism. Stats Canada released tourism numbers from the first quarter of 2025 stating tourism spending increased by 1.5% and domestic tourism spending increased 0.8%. These gains were offset by the decrease in non-Canadian tourism spending which decreased by 2.6%. The stats for the summer months have yet to be released. TD economist, Anusha Arif, predicted in June tourism spending would grow by 2-4%. .'Big Beautiful Bill' makes Canada less competitive .Airbnb also noted in March searches for domestic stays were up 20% in 2025.Amra Durakovic, head of public relations and communications for the Flight Centre Travel Group Canada (FCTGC), says the summer surge of Canadian tourists is what's driving the cost surge.Using an example of a colleague working with a Canadian family of three who want to book a trip from Toronto to Halifax next month for five days, she says it'll end up costing them $6,000. She says they are reconsidering their trip. .Durakovic told the Western Standard the top domestic locations Canadians are choosing for the summer are: "Halifax, Victoria, Prince Edward Island and Banff — places offering coastlines, culture and nature that feel distinctly Canadian."
