TORONTO — Canadians are falling head over heels in love with Paris this year – just ask First in Service Travel LTD (F1S).

The New York-based Virtuoso-affiliated travel agency, which launched in Canada in 2019, reports that the City of Lights is far outpacing every other international city being booked for 2023 by its travel advisors in Canada.

When F1S advisors were asked to name the top three locations they are booking outside Canada this year, Paris ranks first with 21.7%, followed by London (13%) and a four-way tie for third place between Lisbon, Rome, Sicily and Tel Aviv (8.7%).

F1S’s top five countries from Canada include: Italy (52.2%, with Florence, Milan, Puglia, Rome and Sicily all named); France (43.5%, with Paris named); Portugal (26.1%, with Lisbon and Porto each named); Morocco (21.7%, with Fez and Marrakesh each named); and Greece (17.4%, with Athens named).

“While Italy, France and Greece are all returning favorites with good reason, the big surprise this year is how much our clients are seeking out destinations that are less familiar and more exotic, including Portugal and Morocco,” says Fernando Gonzalez, F1S Chief Executive Officer.

Willa Griffin, who leads the F1S Canada operations, agrees: “People have been flocking to Italy and Greece since the pandemic and now are returning to destinations like Morocco that were very locked down and offer something a bit different.”

ITALY ALSO TOPS THE LIST

Additionally, when Canadian F1S advisors were asked to name the single top global destination where they are sending clients this year, Italy ranked first with 43.%, with no other country coming close.

“Italy is incredibly busy this year; I believe this is still catch-up from the pandemic,” notes Marisa Wise, F1S advisor. “Italy is a dream destination for many travellers. It’s also very popular with honeymooners; I have many couples booking Italy this year.”

EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL

According to F1S advisors, Canadian travelers are also seeking out new and different experiences as well. F1S advisor Isla Steinberg says, “People want to get back to experiential travel and away from beach destinations, which were a focus during Covid.”

Porto and nearby Douro Valley, along with the world-class charms on Lisbon, have propelled Portugal close to the forefront of client demand and interest.

“Portugal is an amazing country that offers excellent value in the European market,” notes F1S advisor Ashleigh O’Connor. “There is an abundance of high-end luxury hotels throughout the country, and they all offer something unique.”

TOP REGIONAL DESTINATIONS FROM CANADA

Each surveyed advisor was also asked to name the single most popular international destination they are specifically booking for Canadian clients on each continent and other major regions globally. The top picks were:

•  Africa: South Africa (39.%), followed by Morocco

•  Asia: Thailand (30.4%), followed by Japan

•  Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific: Australia (17.4%), followed by New Zealand and Tahiti

•  Caribbean: Dominican Republic (26.1%), followed by Turks & Caicos

•  Central America: Costa Rica (43.4%), followed by Belize

•  Europe: Italy (43.5%), followed by Portugal

•  Mexico: Cancun (34.8%), followed by nearby Riviera Maya

•  Middle East: Israel (52.2%), followed by United Arab Emirates

•  South America: Argentina (17.4%), followed by Chile and Colombia

•  United States: Florida (30.4%), followed by California and Hawaii

Earlier this spring, F1S laid out its expansion plans in key markets that include Toronto, where it opened an office in 2019, Vancouver and Montreal, where it will be expanding virtual operations.

For more information email Fernando@F1S.com.