LAS VEGAS — Where are Canada’s high-end travellers heading this fall and holiday season?

Data from Virtuoso’s US$40.7 billion+ in transactions puts our own backyard right in top spot, with Canada, Mexico and Italy taking the top three spots in the luxury agency network’s annual roundup of popular destinations for up-market Canadian travellers.

Rounding out the top 10 were Australia, the UK, the U.S., Japan, Chile, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Virtuoso presented the findings at its 30th annual Virtuoso Travel Week taking place in Las Vegas’ Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa this week.

Says Virtuoso: “Canadians’ desire to roam their own country and stay closer to home for the holidays is evident, as the country places first in the Top 10. Also close to home, the eternally popular U.S. places sixth, perhaps due to a weaker Canadian dollar. Always strong for summer travel, Europe’s allure extends into the fall, with four countries placing on the list. Australia, perennially fashionable for families and adventure travellers, is a compelling choice for seasonality, as it heads into its spring and summer. Another Southern Hemisphere destination, Chile, is red-hot for in-the-know travelers looking for a less-explored locale. Japan’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity has it trending among upscale travelers, landing on this year’s Virtuoso Luxe Report list of top emerging destinations.”

Virtuoso also revealed its ‘Virtuoso Hot 10’, listing the countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings among its Canadian clientele.

Out of Canada, the Virtuoso Hot 10 are: Chile (148%+), Japan (147%+), Turks & Caicos (100%+), Kenya (99%+), Bahamas (70%+), Switzerland (65%+), Singapore (63%+), Australia (62%+), Mexico (56%+) and Saint Lucia (51%+).

“As fall approaches, it is no surprise that warm-weather destinations are dramatically on the rise with Canadians,” says Virtuoso. “Sun-and-sand paradises such as Turks and Caicos, Bahamas and St. Lucia have grown significantly in Canadian bookings when compared to the same time last year. However, Canadians are also looking to destinations rising in popularity with sophisticated travellers, such as Singapore and Kenya. Chile and Japan, along with Australia and Mexico, placed on both the Top 10 and Hot 10 lists, indicating especially high demand. The lone European nation on the Hot 10 list, Switzerland’s world-class ski resorts beckon upscale active families for holiday celebrations.”

Data is obtained from Virtuoso’s Canadian agency members and reflects future travel for September through December 2018.