Canada-wide surge in domestic travel has 'staying power' with fresh corners of the country benefiting, says Airbnb
As domestic travel continues to boom, Canadians are opting for destinations closer to home, with a surge in bookings within the country reported by vacation rental company Airbnb Inc. In the first half of 2025, reservations for short-term stays increased by more than 10 per cent compared to the previous year.
In a press release, Airbnb stated that the momentum in domestic travel is showing no signs of slowing down, with travellers choosing to explore local destinations, supporting Canadian hosts, small businesses, and communities in the process.
Hannah Parish, Airbnb’s country manager for Canada, highlighted the trend of domestic travel growth, emphasizing that smaller towns and rural communities are attracting more visitors, spreading the economic benefits of tourism beyond major hubs.
Airbnb’s data revealed a nationwide surge in domestic travel, with significant increases in bookings in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, where domestic bookings were up by more than 20 per cent year-over-year.
Parish noted that Canadians have historically shown a preference for domestic travel, with about 70 per cent of bookings made within Canada. The increase in domestic bookings is seen as a positive indicator of the health of the travel industry in Canada.
Furthermore, Canadians are also showing interest in non-U.S. international trips, with double-digit growth in bookings to alternative destinations such as Japan, Brazil, France, the Philippines, Thailand, and Mexico.
On the flip side, there has been a double-digit decline in Canadian travel to the U.S., with domestic travel remaining the top segment for both Canadian and U.S. markets. Statistics Canada’s data on international arrivals to Canada also indicated a decline in returning Canadian-resident trips from the U.S. in recent months.
Overall, the shift towards domestic and alternative international travel reflects changing preferences among Canadian travellers, with a focus on exploring local destinations and supporting local economies.
