Expedia Reports Demand for travel to the US is growing among Canadian consumers

New York City Skyline

BELLEVUE, WA --The  number of Canadian travelers to the U.S. is expected to grow 5% in 2012, and another 4% by the end of 2013, according to Bellevue, WA-based Expedia Inc.

·         The number of travelers booking trips from Canada to the U.S. on Expedia, Inc. sites grew nearly 15% during the first 9 months of 2012 compared to the previous year.

·         More than 21 million Canadians traveled to the U.S. last year, accounting for more than 176 million overnight stays1           

Las Vegas Skyline

·         And collectively spent more than $16 billion USD during their travels – equal to $770 per person – making Canadians number one in terms of visitor spending in the U.S. as well2

 A majority of visitors from Canada are traveling to major US cities.

·         The top 5 destinations for Canadian travelers (as booked on Expedia, Inc. sites) are:

1.     Las Vegas, NV

2.     New York, NY

3.     Orlando, FL

4.     Chicago, IL

5.     Los Angeles, CA

Orlando, FL skyline

…And staying at 3-, 4-, and 5-star properties*

·         More than 70% book their stay at 3-5 star hotels

·         Making their booking nearly a month out

·         Paying an average ADR of $134 USD per night

·         With lodging representing one-third of their total travel funds.

 ·         Car is the preferred method of transportation for a majority of Canadian travelers (58%) to the States

·         Airplane is the second most popular method (35%)

·         Followed by bus (2%)

Los Angeles Skyline

 The most popular leisure activities among Canadian travelers while visiting the U.S.:

1.     Shopping (76%)

2.     Sightseeing (44%)

3.     Visiting friends or relatives (32%)

4.     Participating in outdoor sports or activities (28%)

A majority of Canadian travelers are making their trips to the US in July, August and September, though there is a sizable contingent that prefer to travel to warm weather locations during the cold Canadian winter months.

 Contact:

Chris Daly

President

Daly Gray, Inc.

Ph: 703-435-6293

Cell: 703-864-5553