Ep 83: When Will US & Canadian Tourists Return to Asia?, with Ernst Flach

Listen to this episode

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google

Podbean

View All Episodes

About This Episode

16 Jul 2021 • 30m00s

The US and Canadian travel sectors were upturned by COVID-19. However, accelerated vaccination rates and pent-up desire for domestic trips are creating a partial summer rebound. Inbound and outbound markets remain subdued, and an upturn may take time.

On today’s show, Gary and Hannah welcome Vancouver-based Ernst Flach, Executive Director at Wagstaff Media and Marketing, to discuss all things travel and tourism in North America. We dig through the current trends in the US and Canada, the protocols for travelling in and out of each country and an encouraging rebound for travel advisors.

We also look at where US and Canadian travellers that are taking an overseas vacation this summer are heading, and the outlook for the rest of 2021 and beyond. In addition, we address the trajectory for regrowth in business travel and the airline, car rental and cruise* sectors.

Plus, when will Americans and Canadians return to South East Asia – and how can marketers tap an expansion of outbound travel from North America?

* Since the show was recorded, Ernst has confirmed that Canada will welcome cruise ships from November. Canada has also announced it may open to fully vaccinated Americans from mid-August, and to other countries by September.

Resources

Wagstaff Media & Marketing website.

« Next Episode Ep 84: 2021: The Year So Far in Vietnam, with Mike Tatarski Previous Episode » Ep 82: 2021: The Year So Far in ASEAN - Top 20 Talking Points

View All Episodes

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Play

5 Aug 2026 • 27m31s

Ep 314: As Intra-ASEAN Tourism Competition Intensifies, What Are South East Asia's Major New Battlegrounds?

2026 has been a mixed year for tourism across South East Asia, and all countries are preparing their future strategies. With arrivals growth slowing and competition to attract tourists intensifying, Wellness and Business Events are emerging as key battlegrounds. This week, Gary and Hannah analyse how some of the region’s key players, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia, are setting out their strategic stalls - or are they simply chasing the same tourists with different labels and campaigns?

Play

30 Jul 2026 • 26m09s

Ep 313: Trip.com's Record Anti-Trust Fine, Singapore Airlines' Topsy-Turvy Financials & AI vs Tour Guides

“What a turbulent seven months 2026 has delivered so far.” Gary and Hannah examine recent travel and tourism developments across Southeast Asia, China, and India. Topics include China’s multi-billion RMB fine against Trip.com for alleged monopolistic practices, Malaysia’s unexpected F1 Grand Prix tourism impact, Singapore Airlines’ record revenue offset by substantial fuel cost increases, Cambodia Airlines’ aircraft order, Thai AirAsia’s domestic route suspensions, Singapore’s concert tourism season, AI’s effects on tour guiding, and a humorous story about a Philippines jail stay request.