Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show returns as Canadians rethink U.S. trips

As the tensions between Canada and the U.S. drag on, changing travel habits were front and center at the Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show. CTV’s Camille Wilson r

The Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show took place at the Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre) this weekend, but amid tense relations with the United States, traveller’s preferences are a little different this year.

With over 150 travel exhibitors, the event provided knowledge for consumers that are seeking travel and holiday information. Visitors could speak with travel agents on tour companies, tourist boards, resorts, hotels, amenities, cruise lines and adventure vacation destinations.

Mike and Jane Ingham say they usually love travelling to Vermont and Maine but are focusing on travelling within Canada this year.

“We’re definitely looking at Canadian travel, specific to Newfoundland. We are sort of taking a miss on the U.S., primarily because of the political situation. We had a ski trip planned for the Vermont area, but we canceled that due to uncertainty,” said Mike Ingham.

Peter Bull, executive director of the Battle of Harbour Historic Trust, says their booth has been busy with steady traffic.

“We’re getting a lot of people come by the booth and talk about the fact that they’re not going south this year, so they’re looking for other places,” Bull said, “It’s on the bucket list and we’re getting a lot of people saying that this is the year that they’re going to go to.”

Mary Lynn Villeneuve, business development manager with Scenic and Emerald Cruises, says they are seeing an uptick in travel to Europe.

“Canadians will give up everything except their travel. What we’re just noticing is that people are really pivoting their travel plans, so they’re looking for alternatives,” said Villeneuve.

The American travel booths were seeing less than usual traffic at the show. Organizers and exhibitors say it’s been a struggle having attendees visit their booth.

“It has been a little bit slower this year, obviously, with the current climate,” said Rebecca Seeds, Canadian Account Manager with Visit Myrtle Beach.

Destinations in the Caribbean, South America and Africa were also popular at the show.

The Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show wrapped up Sunday.