Visa survey shows Canada number one foreign destination for Americans

Kristen A. Lee, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

24/07/2008 2:36:00 AM

NEW YORK - The weak U.S. dollar has not dissuaded Americans from planning trips abroad this year, but they may be heading to destinations closer to home, according to a survey released Thursday by Visa Inc.



Two in three respondents said they are as willing or more willing to travel abroad than they were a year ago, and half said they are likely to travel abroad in the next year. Of that half, two-thirds said they are considering destinations closer to the U.S. than they had in years past.

In mid-May, Visa surveyed 1,000 credit or debit card holders who live in the United States and have travelled outside the U.S. in the past three years. The phone survey, which was not limited to Visa holders, had a margin of error of plus-or-minus three percentage points.

Canada was the most popular international destination among respondents, followed closely by Mexico. Great Britain, Italy, France, the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands rounded out the top destinations.

The rankings are similar to last year when, based on tourist spending on U.S.-issued Visa cards instead of a survey, Visa found that Canada was the top destination with $2.9 billion in spending, followed by Mexico, where cardholders spent $1.7 billion.

"While travel close to home remains strong, what's interesting are travel destinations like Western Europe and the Caribbean are still popular," said Visa spokesman Paul Wilke.

In the first quarter of 2008, U.S. Visa cardholders spent $3.4 billion visiting the top 25 tourist destinations abroad, compared with more than $15 billion in all of 2007. Mexico was the top first-quarter destination, followed by Canada, Great Britain, Puerto Rico and Germany.

Among the 50 per cent who said they plan to travel abroad within a year, Visa said, one in five are planning a high-cost trip.

Among the other 50 per cent, who said they are not planning international travel, most cited high costs and the uncertain state of the U.S. economy. Nearly half plan to travel in the U.S. this year instead. Only 14 per cent said terrorism was a reason for staying in the U.S.

"If you had looked at this study three or four years ago, I think terrorism would have been higher and the cost of travel would have been lower (on the scale)," Wilke said.

Although most said they are booking through online travel agencies, as well as hotel and airline Web sites, Wilke noted that nearly 45 per cent said they plan to use a traditional agent to book their trip.

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I think they are coming to take a look at the possibility to live in Canada. The Americans are becoming poorer and cannot pay health insurance anymore. So, why not Canada where "we can have free health care and less mexicans?" What a deal!!!...and so close to home!! Let's go!!

That is definetly good news for the tourist idustry in Canada. These stats are from May so I was wondering if the cost of energy and American's failing economy will have more Americans staying at home than antiscipated?

There are many new Mexicans on Canadian soil and health care standards are rapidly diminishing. So whats the deal with that!!!! And the American economy is hurting and their health care is ailing. I understand if the Democratics get in they are looking for more of a universal health care. I don't have a problem with Mexicans however but hopefully the health care we enjoy as Canadians and pay for through are tax dollars is able to substane in an environment of rising costs.

we don't want you here. go back to your "best country in the world"

Anyways Americans have always graced are shores either as vistors or as residents and may they continue to do so as they are much welcomed. And their economy they have pulled through much worst and still came out on top can't see much change there.

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