Flight Centre Canada is opening two new retail storefronts, signalling confidence in face-to-face visits with travel advisors in the age of AI.
“Opening new travel stores in 2026 might sound old school, but that’s part of the point,” said Anita Emilio, executive vice president and general manager of Flight Centre Canada. “People can research a trip for hours and still not know what they’re missing. A good travel expert cuts through the noise, flags the trade-offs and helps travellers make confident decisions.
“Technology gives us speed and choice. Our people bring judgement, context and accountability. The real value comes from combining the two.”
The stores open 10SEP, one in Toronto at 2507 Yonge St. and the second in Vancouver at 120 W. 16th St.
The openings follow a third straight record year for Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) Canada, FCC’s parent company. Canada was also the most improved Flight Centre market globally in the financial year, ending June 2026.
The company says that doesn't mean they're neglecting their online or virtual options. Instead, FCC hopes to continue to offer choice for travellers who want expertise, albeit cautiously.
“We’re also realistic about the current environment," said Chris Lynes, Managing Director of FCTG Canada. "We’ll continue to be selective about where we invest and focus on opportunities that make sense for both customers and the economics of the business.”
“One of the clearest things we saw this year is that Canadians kept travelling, even as the market became significantly more volatile,” said Lynes in June.
Lynes credited the group's advisors with finding options and helping travellers navigate shifting US demand, disruptions in the Middle East and Cuba, airline strikes, and severe weather as reasons for their record year.
Like most retail travel agencies, FCC suffered a near-collapse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded in 1982 in Sydney, the company was forced to lay off more than 15,000 employees in 2020. However, after a pivot to a leaner model and a broader focus on corporate accounts, FCC posted record results in June for the third fiscal year in a row.
