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New survey reveals British Columbians are yearning for safe travel

BC eager to travel

Pent-up travel demand could spark a boom for the travel industry in the coming year.

A new survey by Pacific Blue Cross and Insights West reveals many British Columbians are eager to travel again, soon.

The survey indicates 76 per cent of those surveyed want to take a trip by the end of 2022 and 43 per cent plan to take trips to the United States and 39 per cent plan to take trips to other international destinations.

The survey also found that, as B.C. continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines, 62 per cent of British Columbians will be comfortable taking a local trip involving no air travel by December 2021.

“People’s focus is on family and friends right now. We see from the survey that 82 per cent of British Columbians plan future trips for reunions with family or friends, where 73 per cent are to de-stress and relax”, says Cathy Nurmi, senior manager, travel plans, Pacific Blue Cross. “Impacted by COVID-19, many people have been forced to live apart from their friends and family for more than 18 months – so safe travel to reunite is definitely on British Columbians radar.”

The survey also shows British Columbians are dreaming of safe international travel, with top destinations outside North America being Europe and the Caribbean, followed by Asia and the South Pacific.

The survey also found British Columbians are willing to comply with additional requirements to ensure safe, enjoyable travel, with 74 per cent indicating they would probably or definitely buy travel medical insurance—even if they’ve been fully vaccinated.

“We know in the past, travel medical or trip protection insurance wasn’t universally adopted by B.C. travellers, but the first question we’re being asked about is COVID coverage,” says John Crawford, president and CEO of Pacific Blue Cross. “The increase we’re seeing in the desire for buying travel insurance is unprecedented and shows that, while people want to travel, they want to do so safely, so they can protect their financial health and physical well being.”



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