Page 34 - Trending Magazine 2018 Winter

Destinations_Asessippi_Layout 1 18-12-05 11:00 AM Page 4

Story by Melissa Verge

Canadians desperately fleeing their snow-covered
homeland in favour of warm sandy beaches has been a
trend for decades.
And, they’ve consistently been travelling to three
major destinations to make their escape, said Morgan
Bell, a spokesperson with WestJet. The top destinations
to which Canadians are traveling are still Cancun, Mex.,
Puerto Vallarta, Mex. and Las Vegas, NV.
“Year over year we continue to see that increased
demand (for those destinations),” Bell said. “We see the
demand, that’s why we do have the frequency available
to take Canadians to those destinations.”
WestJet offers multiple flights a day leaving from
Winnipeg and going to Cancun, as well as going from
Winnipeg to Puerto Vallarta.
“Those beautiful beaches and the Mayan Ruins
probably make it consistently one of our most popular
winter destinations,” she said.
Las Vegas is also quite popular, and is a hot spot all year
round, she said. Winter time is no exception.
“The endless activity options for all ages and budgets,
entertainment, food and dining experience – (that)
really drives that traffic down to Las Vegas,” she said.
There are different ways people book their vacations,
with all-inclusive options, or the option to just book a “We really have options for every budget. There is
flight. really something for everybody, if they’re looking to get
“That all inclusive experience gives guests the upfront away, they can do it on a low cost budget.”
costs for their entire trip,” she said. “We always see that Flair Air is another way Canadians can escape the cold
there’s a lot of people that love that they can travel for less this winter. The low cost carrier offers flights
there and have no unexpected surprises once they’re in from Winnipeg to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando,
destinations.” Palm Springs and Clearwater.
The all inclusive bookings with WestJet vacations are Moving forward to next year, the popularity of Mexico
extremely popular, she said. and Las Vegas is likely going to stay the same, she said.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot of all inclusive packages Those destinations have been consistently popular for
and bookings down there because they are kind of that them for the past five years.
one stop shop. With WestJet vacations, you’re “I think it’s definitely a trend that we see Canadians
essentially taken care of from the minute you get on wanting to escape and get down to those warm
your flight, to the minute you get home.” weather locations,” she said. “If I was to make a guess, it
There are also those who would just prefer to book a would probably remain consistent that our top selling
flight. Regardless, they can appeal to lots of different destinations aren’t going to change again that much in
people, she said. the next five years.”

34