According to a recent survey conducted by Cross-Tab Marketing Services for Yahoo! Canada, over 90 per cent of Canadians use online resources to learn, explore and book travel.
In fact, the survey finds that Canadian travellers are more likely to use search engines instead of consulting family or friends when planning trips.
Maor Daniel, national marketing manager search marketing, Yahoo! Canada, says, "Travellers searching for deals and information online don't feel pressured by salespeople or agents. The likelihood of purchasing trips or packages online is on the rise and users today arm themselves with information and make their own educated decisions on where they want to go for their next vacation."
The survey also indicates that close to 40 per cent of Canadians use search engines more often than other sources to find information on lodging and daytime activities compared to six per cent who go offline.
For airline tickets, travellers are more likely to visit the airlines' own web sites (33 per cent) than to call an agency (10 per cent).
Daniel points out that, "User generated content is changing the travel industry online and search brings it all to one place. If a traveller types in a destination they find more than just web sites. Reviews, message boards, travel blogs and real-time photos allow users to find, share and engage in a dialogue with other travellers enriching their online experience."
The survey also found that users of online resources take an average of three and a half trips per year, compared to only two for travelers using offline resources. It found that Canadians who use search engines and company web sites are more likely to complete an online purchase (59 per cent).
For more, check out www.yahoo.ca.
Author
- First name: Canadian
- Last name: Travel Press
- Company: Baxter Travel Media
- Email: ctp@baxter.net