Canadians love to travel. And these days, with the solid economy and the bouyant Canadian $, folks from the Great White North are enjoying travel to the south as much as ever. Recently, the Antigua & Barbuda government extended an invitation to the top 200 Canadian travel agents who visited Antigua & Barbuda... and as we expected, those travel agents weren't disappointed. With flights from Toronto, Ottawa and now Montreal, you can expect to see even more Canadians enjoying Antiguan sand between their toes.

Here are a few facts about Canadian travelers every Antiguan in the tourism industry should know...

INTERNET
45%+ (2006) of Canadians book their vacations online. Canadians use the internet even more than Americans, and Canadians like to research (especially in those cold winter months). So, how easy you are found, how you are presented and the diversity of where you can be found, are very important. Being located in one or two places may not be enough. Like any set of references, your web presence needs to come from different sources. Also, do you have free wi-fi to allow for surfing on laptops? If you do, you are golden and should shout it out loud!

SHOPPING
Canadians like to shop, but shop smarter, want quality and prefer it when goods they purchase are tied to an experience. Just buying a t-shirt (made in China) isn't enough. Buying a quality shirt from an exciting tour (that is reasonably priced) is far more desirable. Do you have nice, accessible products that tie into your business?

INDEPENDENT
Canadians are a fairly independent lot. Unlike many other places in the world, Canadians aren't as used to domestic servants or service. So don't be surprised if a Canadian prefers to carrying their own bag. It's what they are used to.

FITNESS & HEALTH
Canadians are — by comparison — a healthier bunch. They love to sight-see in an active manner. Canadians love diing out and healthy food. Light physical activities and nutritious, delicious foods are always greatly appreciated.

TIPPING
Canadians tend to be low-key compared with their neighbours to the south. This extends to tipping. While Canadians are more accustomed to tipping than folks from the UK, it is expected to be earned; with larger tips being given to efforts above-and-beyond the call of duty. As much as some may like to receive large tips, lots of Canadians consider it immodest or garish to be huge tippers. Note: it has been mentioned that French Canadians are more frugal with tips than anglophones.

MAYBE A BIT SPOILED
Some Canadians realize how fortunate they have it in Canada: electricity is consistent and comparatively inexpensive, food is abundant, cheap and excellent quality, services (healthcare, govt, police etc) are top-quality and very accessible. So bear with Canadians if they anticipate the same in Antigua (and beyond). Patience and guidance to Canadians, educating them about how things are not always the same as home — when done positively — isn't a bad thing. Canadians are keen to learn.

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Those are just a few tips to help understand Canadian residents who love to travel. Quality of experience in a friendly environment, is what will bring Canadians back Antigua's shores. The connection between the two countries has been made, making the most of it is key...