“With the ease of restrictions across many European destinations, we are excited to welcome back avid Canadian travellers,” said Pascal Prinz, Chair of ETC’s Chapter in Canada.

Prinz adds: “Air bookings to Europe are strong. All major carriers are ramping up their transatlantic flight schedule, offering Canadians great deals and direct flights to experience Europe.”

Consumer-led growth continues to drive travel recovery into 2022, with consumers keen to spend the savings accumulated throughout the pandemic, according to the report.

Driven by strong domestic and intra-European travel, the overall travel demand for Europe is projected to be 30% below pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

However while domestic travel within Europe is expected to recover entirely in 2022, international travel to Europe will be slower to revive and is not likely to surpass 2019 levels until 2025.

Entry requirements for each country and the latest information can be found at reopen.europa.eu. Travel advisors are also encouraged to contact the national tourist board of the respective country. For destination inspiration, visit visiteurope.com.

Here are more findings specific to the Canadian market from the ETC’s report …

• According to the latest ETC Long-Haul Travel Barometer, good flight connections between Canada and Europe are a key driver of positive sentiment about European travel, with younger generations most likely to travel long-haul during 2022 – 57% of 18-34 year-olds, 46% of 35-49 year-olds, and 32% of the 50+ age group.
• Canadians desire multi-national itineraries that visit several European destinations.
• The variety of cycling routes in the region as well as rail and road trips also help drive sentiment for visiting Europe.
• More than half (54%) of Canadian respondents shared an interest in visiting European metropolitan areas, with France, Italy, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland on top of their destination wish list.
• COVID-19 concerns (48%) are the main deterrent to international travel for Canadians, with travel costs (12%) and restrictions at destinations (8%) also slightly above the combined average of long-haul markets.
• Knowing that the country effectively handles the pandemic (30%), flexible cancellation policies (28%), fully lifted travel restrictions (27%), getting vaccinated for Covid-19 (25%) and appropriate health protocols that secure the safety of locals and travellers (23%) are the factors classified as most important for boosting Canadian travellers’ confidence.