More advisors booking travel last-minute, TRAVELSAVERS Canada says

With an uptick in last-minute bookings, Canadian travel advisors are seizing the moment to encourage clients to book summer and shoulder-season getaways, as indicated by a survey from TRAVELSAVERS Canada.

The survey of advisors affiliated with the network sheds light on current consumer booking trends and how advisors are helping
travellers take advantage of the value outside of peak travel periods.

“Canadians are passionate about travel and we’ve seen strong momentum as they continue to book trips for the next few months,” says Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “Now more than ever, travellers are turning to trusted advisors to help them navigate their options, find the best value, and create experiences that reflect their unique preferences and goals no matter when they choose to travel.”

Growth in last-minute bookings

Forty-six per cent of advisors are reporting a normal amount of last-minute bookings, while nine per cent are reporting a higher-than-normal number of last-minute bookings. Over one-third (38 per cent) say they are not seeing last-minute bookings this year.

As last-minute bookings continue to rise, shoulder-season travel is becoming an attractiveoption for Canadians looking for greater spontaneity in their plans. Booking shoulder-season trips allows travellers to reserve closer to the time of their vacation, as inventory is more readily available compared to peak season. Travellers can enjoy the flexibility to adapt their destinations with changing circumstances such as weather or pricing.

New opportunities to boost business

TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors are creating strategies to support clients amid these shifting behaviours. Chief among those is staying top of mind.

“It’s important to stay connected with clients through consistent communication, whether it’s email, phone calls, or social media,” comments Gordon Mackey, President of TRAVELSAVERS Canada affiliate Trent Travel. “Maintaining a visible presence in the community helps keep relationships strong and top of mind.”

Providing a range of options for clients helps Nicola Wilson, Owner and Operator at TRAVELSAVERS Canada affiliate at Finisterra Travel.“By collaborating with a variety of partners and continuously diversifying our offerings, we’re able to provide clients with more choice and flexibility, ultimately helping them find the solutions that best meet their needs,” she says.

Another strategy agencies are employing is to meet clients where they are by offering the most budget-friendly choices first. “Our goal is always to meet our clients’ needs by first presenting the most economical options,” says Jessica Roth, Senior Travel Counselor at TRAVELSAVERS Canada affiliate at Peerless Travel. “From there, we walk them through slightly higher-tier alternatives, highlighting the added value and long-term benefits so they can make informed,
confident decisions.”

Survey results

Last-minute bookings

● 9% yes, a higher-than-normal amount
● 46% yes, a normal amount
● 38% no

Consultants with TRAVELSAVERS Canada completed the survey between April 22 and May 9, 2025.