Most Canadians are rethinking travel because of overtourism concerns

According to a new survey from Flight Centre conducted by YouGov, the vast majority of Canadian travellers (71%) are concerned about the impacts of overtourism. 

“Canadians are curious by nature, but they’re also conscientious,” says Nate Mosher, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada. “They want to see the world without overwhelming it, and that often means taking the road less travelled.”

Key survey insights

• Overcrowding: 78% of Canadians say that many travel attractions are too busy to fully enjoy
• Destination dupes: 81% would swap a popular destination for a similar spot that’s less crowded
• Tourist fees: 57% would be willing to pay a destination fee to support sustainable tourism efforts
• Anti-tourism protests: 53% agree that local anti-tourism protesters in heavily visited areas are right to believe that tourists should stop or reduce their travel there

Overwhelmingly, Canadians want the space to enjoy travel without the negative impacts of overtourism: crowding, high prices, environmental damage, noise and an overall less pleasurable experience for locals and tourists alike. There are several practices that improve travel for everyone, including visiting hidden gems in less-touristed towns and cities, travelling during off-peak season, and supporting small, local businesses.

“Responsible tourism doesn’t mean compromising on experiences,” says Mosher. “It means discovering unique places like Montenegro instead of Croatia or Sevilla instead of Barcelona, and doing it at the right time of year. You still get incredible memories, but with fewer crowds and more connection to the place you are visiting. And those small choices help make those destinations stay special for the people who live there—and for the travellers who will visit next.”

For more information, visit flightcentre.ca.