The global recession left few travel markets unscathed and Canada was no exception. The total travel market fell 7% in 2009 to CAD$25 billion, according to PhoCusWright’s Canadian Online Travel Overview Second Edition: 2007-2011. Online bookings, however, slipped just 2%, as travelers shopped online for lower prices.

“As the recession gripped global travel markets, Canadian travelers turned to the Internet in search of deals, and the travel industry was only too willing to oblige,” says Douglas Quinby, senior director, research at PhoCusWright. “But the recession in Canada has been far less severe than that of the United States, where the travel market fell 16% in 2009. Canadian travelers benefited from lower global pricing and aggressive online promotions from suppliers.”

Online travel penetration in Canada crossed the one-third threshold in 2009. However, growth rates are slowing, signaling a maturing marketplace. “With the Internet as the preeminent method of consumer travel planning and shopping, online penetration will continue to rise through 2011 though at a slower rate,” says Quinby. “Online penetration in Canada trails the U.S. and is mapping more closely to the trends we see in Europe.”

Purchase PhoCusWright’s Canadian Online Travel Overview Second Edition: 2007-2011 for fresh insight and analysis into Canada’s dynamic travel industry. This report provides key data and analysis necessary for any travel company seeking to understand the unique nuances of the Canada travel marketplace and gain competitive advantage. Order PhoCusWright’s Canada package for a comprehensive analysis of the Canadian travel market.

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