Virtuoso has unveiled the destinations around the world where upscale Canadians are planning to spend spring break in 2019 – including destinations showing renewed strength following down periods.
Based on US$9.5 billion in transactions, Virtuoso has considerable insight into the top destinations for March and April and noted that with holidays occurring deeper into April this year, the prolonged spring travel period will allow visitors to enjoy warmer temps in many of these must-have destinations.
The Top 10 most popular spring travel destinations – based on future bookings – include:
- Canada
- USA
- Mexico
- Israel
- China
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- France
In 2019, Virtuoso notes that Canadians are staying closer to home, visiting Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, or seeking the sun south of the border in cities like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.
Always a favourite, Mexico offers chilled Canadians a warm escape, specifically Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. As the birthplace of major world religions,
Israel holds great appeal as an educational family destination, with spring a peak season due to Easter and Passover celebrations.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit China, before the heat, humidity and other travellers arrive, and while the country is adorned with colourful blooms.
Australia and New Zealand beckon families this time of year with pleasant temperatures and abundance of active experiences.
Eternally desirable Europe holds three spots on the list; Italy and France, in particular, exhibit year-round popularity. Spring’s shoulder season is ideal for enjoying the continent minus the summer crowds.
Vituoso’s Hot 10 – the countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings – include:
- Japan
- French Polynesia
- Greece
- Singapore
- Egypt
- Belize
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Dominican Republic
- China
- Chile
Travellers wanting to see Japan’s famed cherry blossoms are heading there in increasing numbers, as the country is also one of the top emerging destination of 2019, according to the Virtuoso Luxe Report. Greece continues the upward trajectory that Virtuoso first noted for last summer, as it started recovering from financial challenges.
Also returning strongly: North Africa and Middle East destinations such as Egypt, where growth in luxury bookings, first observed last fall, continues.
Another comeback story is the Caribbean, represented on the list by Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic.
Chile is a rising culinary star, and numerous grape harvest festivals attract wine fans during March and April.
