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Granite Expos Survey and Registration for Fall Expos

04.09.25 | Open Jaw

A new survey conducted by the organizers of the Granite Travel Trade Expos has revealed Europe is the front runner as top destination for 2025/2026 both for client travel and for agent education. The 2025 Granite Travel Trade Fall Expos return October 20th starting in Winnipeg, MB, and wrap November 6th in Hamilton, ON.

The survey was conducted in August and polled travel advisors across the country to find out what they are seeing and expecting to see for the 2025/2026 season.

Europe is the clear front-runner as a destination, (75%) with Asia a distant second (27.2%).

When it comes to learning more about destinations, agents’ choices were Portugal (69.3%), followed by Thailand (46.5%), Japan (53%), Peru (38%) and Canada (26%). The Sun/Caribbean destinations remain strong with 68% of clients expressing interest in the Sun/All-Inclusive Market.

Eco-conscious travel is growing, but not yet mainstream and is mostly driven by younger clients with 37.6% of advisors saying there’s “not much demand,” and 26% reporting it’s growing among younger travellers.

Culture, cruising, and adventure dominate client requests: more than half of agents receive requests for cultural immersion/local trips (58.9%), cruise (ocean/river) (55.9%) and adventure/active (51.5%). 51.5% say their clients are seeking unique/cultural experiences while 40% are avoiding crowds/over-tourism.

Clients are booking further out, 3–6+ months: almost half of bookings are placed 6+ months in advance (45.0%) while just 39% are booked 3–6 months in advance.

When it comes to using technology while researching: half of advisors saying their clients still prefer direct, personalized service (50.5%), and 45% use social media as an inspiration, while 27.2% are using AI trip tools.

Granite Travel Trade Expos are a series of regional travel trade events designed to connect industry suppliers and top-producing travel agents in a more intimate setting than traditional and larger trade shows. The format provides for valuable and essential in-person interactive consultations and presentations.

Each Expo is focused on training and networking, with face-to-face interaction with agents and products. In each city, a presentation series featuring 15-minute segments by suppliers will be followed by a trade show, dinner, and prize giveaways.

Industry veteran and favourite Sal Buccellatto is returning as the Expos' social ambassador. The first 50 agents who arrive at each of the 8 Granite Travel Trade Fall Expos will receive a complementary $20 MasterCard, courtesy of Princess Hotels and Resorts.

Registration will open one month prior to each show. Attendance and parking are free and agents can register by clicking here.

Just a few of the many suppliers joining us in Fall 2025 are are Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts as Hotel Sponsor, Oasis Hotels, WestJet Vacations, Couples Resorts, Catalonia Hotels and Resorts, Princess Hotels and Resorts, Barbados, Gift Card Sponsor Princess Hotels & Resorts, Jamaica Tourist Board, The Special Travel Company and the Cuba Tourist Board.

The St Kitts Tourism Authority is the Destination Sponsor in Ontario.

The Fall Expo Schedule is as follows: