'Mild' COVID-19 spread could increase immunity: doctor – CTV News

TORONTO – OCTOBER 16, 2024 – Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research* reveals that travellers are ‘rewriting their playbook’ in 2025, defying the norms of age, gender, or simply what society thinks travel should look like for them. From nighttime exploration to thrill-seeking seniors, travellers are stretching their wings to fuel and find long-lasting personal growth. Booking.com commissioned research among more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories to present nine travel predictions that foresee 2025 ushering in new ways of experiencing the world.

Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and CMO at Booking.com comments: “Canadians, like most of the world, are feeling the stresses of accelerating change across multiple fronts. Global elections, rapid AI advancements, and increased costs of living, to name a few, have us feeling fatigued, needing to withdraw, pick a side, or simply disconnect. Yet, in the face of this rising uncertainty, we’re seeing just the opposite in travel. In 2025, we expect change makers to take the lead as travel moves away from tradition and we become more attuned to our own desires and needs, as well as those of the destinations we want to visit. We continue to see travel as a force for good that can uplift local economies, nourish personal growth, shatter misconceptions, and strengthen relationships. Reimagining travel is in our DNA at Booking.com and we will continue to find innovative ways to make it easier for all travellers to forge their own path in 2025 and beyond.”

SKI Trips: Boomers will throw caution to the wind in favour of multigenerational megatrips

Forget a restful retirement; baby boomers are rewriting the rules on travel, showing the rest of the generations what ‘living their best life’ is all about. ‘Ski’ vacations will be on the rise – but not on the slopes – as parents flip priorities by Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI) instead of squirreling their savings. Nearly half of Canadian travellers (42%) would rather spend money on the trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leave inheritance to their children.

But next year, this trend will take on an increasingly altruistic approach, as older relatives look to splash the cash among their families, helping the younger generations through the cost of living crisis by paying for their next vacation.

While 51% of Canadian travellers admitted that their parents had already paid for their vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, boomers are likely to influence an uptick thanks to the 76% who are happy to pay for their children when booking their next trip and 79% for their grandchildren. Prepare for more multi-generational trips courtesy of the Bank of Mom & Dad, as grandparents, parents and grandchildren pack their bags together for the ultimate bonding experiences.

Not only will boomers be opening their wallets in 2025, but an emerging cohort are also expected to defy their years and conventional expectations in favor of thrill seeking in 2025. 37% of this generation within Canada are interested in adventure vacations (up from 20% in 2024**). Easing their way into an era of adrenaline, nearly a third (41%) are interested in horseback riding and 23% are interested in letting go of their inhibitions at a wine rave.

NocTourism: Travellers have their head in the clouds as they look towards

celestial happenings, cooler climates, and midnight magic

As space tourism edges ever closer to reality, many will be focused on building connections with the universe as they turn to more attainable astro-pursuits in 2025. Ditching the daylight crowds for midnight magic, over half (58%)of Canadian travellers are considering visiting darker sky destinations with starbathing experiences (58%), star guides (53%), once in a lifetime cosmic events (54%), and constellation tracking (52%) top of their stellar adventure lists.

Concerns around climate change have also influenced this shift, with 56% planning to elevate their nighttime pursuits to avoid rising daytime temperatures and 24% preferring to vacation in cooler locations. Protection from UV rays is important for 61% of Canadian travellers who say they plan to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun, while more than half (54%) will be planning activities in the evenings and early mornings when the sun is at its lowest.

An appreciation for the nocturnal world is also deepening our connections with nature, as most Canadian travellers (54%) would book an accommodation without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.

Boyz II Zen: Male travellers will abandon bravado and embrace more fulfilling group travels

Booze and bravado are set to take a back seat, as activities that prioritize more mindful male bonding will prevail in travel in 2025. Nearly half (43%) of Canadian travellers agreed that they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, jumping to 61% for Gen Z, and 56% for millennials. 24% of Canada’s male travellers are abandoning societal expectations and ‘bro culture’ cliches to switch off from the stresses of everyday life, 30% to rest and rejuvenate, 26% in pursuit of mental health benefits, 23% personal growth. Building connections, both old and new, will be crucial with more than a quarter (27%) looking to make new friendships, and 21% looking to improve their relationship building with friends and family.

And further defying expectations, it’s women persuading the men in their lives to go on a men-only trip, with 58% encouraging their partner, 31% their friends, 24% their brother, and 17% their father to put their personal wellbeing first.

The Gate Escape: Travellers will be on board with airports stepping up their appeal

Gone are the days of arriving ‘just in time’ to avoid dull airport time-killing, as travellers reframe their 2025 vacation kick-off to embrace a new era of airport entertainment.  More than half (59%) of Canadian travellers are curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities, and a quarter (27%) express an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport.

But it’s Canada’s Gen Z and millennials who look set to fuel this trend. Among both, 41% are keen to consider destinations based on their airport, rejecting stressed-out stereotypes in favor of indulgent experiences, like sleep pods (43% Gen Z, 39% millennials), spas (32% for both Gen Z and millennials), and Michelin star restaurants (18% Gen Z, 19% millennials).

With half of Canadians (52%) suggesting they would feel more excited about their trip if there were a wider array of facilities for use prior to their flight, vacations will start well before you board the plane.

Passport to Longevity: Next level health and wellness experiences may replace

the longstanding vacation popularity of booze and food indulgence

As travellers search for the elixir of life, a vacation is no longer just time to unwind. Driven by the desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, 54% of Canadian travellers are interested in a longevity retreat – a super-charged flex on traditional wellbeing itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.

Deep revitalization is a top priority, from body vibration (50%) and red light therapies (50%), to cryotherapy (37%) and stem cell treatment (40%) as treatments Canadian travellers are seeking out. 60% are looking for new wellness activities they can mix into their daily lives, including learning about timed coffee ingestion (32%) and IV therapy (32%).

And with 55% of Canadian travellers revealing they would pay for a vacation that’s sole purpose was to extend their lifespan and wellbeing, 2025 could mark the first year of the rest of their longer lives.

Vintage Voyaging: Unique, secondhand finds are set to become

the new destination-branded coffee mug

Vacation wardrobes will get a makeover in 2025, as trendy travellers turn vintage voyagers, hitting thrift stores while on holiday to curate a more sustainable suitcase. Almost half (43%) of Canadian travellers said they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to 63% of Gen Z. 58% would visit thrift stores during vacation and nearly three quarters (71%) have already bought vintage or second-hand products on their travels.

No doubt influenced by both cost and climate awareness, this shift isn’t just about style – it’s about stretching our dollars further. 56% of Canadian travellers intend to be thriftier on their trips and 67% are tightening budget planning in order to maximize their experiences, as 32% say they buy vintage on vacation because they find better bargains. Defying the churn of fast fashion and mass consumerism, 24% of Canadian travellers say they find better quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home.

A thrift trip is now more than just shopping; it’s a way to bring cultural connections back home, all while making eco-conscious and wallet-friendly choices. Move over fridge magnet, vintage clothes are the new souvenir of choice.

Neuroinclusive navigation will herald in a new era of comfort and ease

There is growing momentum around the need for less conventional and more inclusive approaches to travel experiences that better connect with the needs of neurodivergent travellers. Nearly half (45%) of Canadian travellers who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while travelling due to their neurodivergence, while 44% believe their travel options are limited because of their neurodivergence.

Many Canadian travellers would like to see technology play a greater part of their travel journey and help reduce theirs, or their travel companions’, anxiety. Half (51%) are keen on AI tools that would provide them with up-to-date travel information, reports of delays and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are sought after by 72%, while 66% would like to see more ‘block out noise’ options across the travel experience.

In fact, the call for progress in 2025 is loud and clear with 66% wanting an industry-wide initiative or program that shares their needs and preferences seamlessly with airlines and accommodation providers, providing a closer connection between travellers, platforms and operators.

New technologies are already helping travellers find experiences tailored to their needs, but in 2025 we’ll see innovations that help tourists meet the needs of the destinations they hope to experience.

62% of Canadian travellers will use technology to make informed decisions that not only respect the places they visit but contribute positively to them. AI-powered tools, like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner, are set to play a pivotal role in shaping these journeys, with 31% of travellers interested in using AI to curate trips, helping create itineraries that encourage deeper, more positive connections with destinations’ communities.

Many will also apply a more responsible lens to how they are using technology. Half (51%) of Canadian travellers won’t tag locations on social media when visiting a lesser known destination to avoid encouraging flocks of Insta-tourists. That said, for the 48% of Canada’s Gen Z and 33% of millennials who would rethink visiting a destination if they couldn’t tag its location, technology will also play a role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt of overburdening the usual hotspots. 61% are hoping to use technology to find less crowded areas and 18% are already using apps to tackle this in real time.

For more information about Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, please visit https://www.booking.com/articles/travelpredictions2025.html.

Canada will face Suriname in next month’s two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal.

Suriname, ranked 138th in the world by FIFA, advanced by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of League A play. The 38th-ranked Canadian men, along with No. 17 Mexico, the 18th-ranked U.S. and No. 37 Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF competition.

Suriname, which finished ahead of No. 107 Guatemala, No. 156 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe in its group, will host the first leg of the quarterfinal on Nov. 15 with the return leg four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.

The other quarterfinals are Panama versus No. 50 Costa Rica, the U.S. versus No. 61 Jamaica and Mexico versus No. 77 Honduras.

The four winners will advance to the CONCACAF Nations League Finals at Hollywood Park and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and also qualify for next summer’s Gold Cup.

The Canadian men have faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.

Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament.

Canada defeated Panama 2-1 in a friendly Tuesday in Toronto.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

VANCOUVER – Former Canada soccer captain Christine Sinclair is headed to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.

The 41-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., who added to her distinguished resume with a goal in the Portland Thorns’ 6-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite in CONCACAF W Champions Cup play Tuesday at B.C. Place Stadium, is joined by four other athletes, three builder-coaches, one team, one pioneer, one media member and the winner of the W.A.C. Bennett Award in the 2025 induction class.

The other athletes are hockey’s Ray Ferraro, mountain biking’s Cindy Devine, rugby’s Nathan Hirayama and para swimming’s Walter Wu.

The builder-coach inductees are Saul Miller (sports psychology), Wes Woo (weightlifting) and the late Chandra Madhosingh (table tennis).

They will be joined by the 2000 B.C. Lions in the team category.

Broadcaster Jim Hughson enters the media category with the W.A.C. Bennett Award going to Robert Wright. The Meraloma Club founders go in as multi-sport pioneers.

Since 1966, the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame has inducted 452 individuals and 69 teams.

“Honouring the past — and inspiring the future — is at the very heart of the mission of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and this year’s honourees truly exemplify the best of sport in this province and beyond,” Hall chair Tom Mayenknecht said in a statement.

The Class of 2025 will be honoured at the Hall of Fame Induction gala in May.

Sinclair, who retired from international football last December, is in her final soccer season. She leaves as the all-time leading goal-scorer for both men and women with 190 goals scored in 331 international appearances.

Sinclair played for the Canada senior side from 2000 to 2023, captaining the women to three Olympic medals: gold and two bronze. She was named Canada’s Player of the Year 14 times.

Devine, a Canadian pioneer in her sport, won the first-ever official UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) world downhill mountain bike championship in 1990 at Durango, Colo., one of only two Canadian women ever to win this title.

The Venezuelan-born Devine, who now makes her home in Rossland, B.C., won world championship bronze medals in 1991 and ’92. A five-time Canadian national downhill champion (1990-94), she was inducted into the World Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2003.

Ferraro scored 20-plus goals 12 times and 40-plus goals twice during an 18-season NHL career (1984-2002) with the Harford Whalers, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, and St. Louis Blues.

His 1258 NHL regular-season games, 408 goals, and 898 points ranked fourth, fifth, and seventh all-time among B.C.-born players as of 2024. He has worked as an NHL analyst and colour commentator since 2002.

Hirayama enters the Hall as one of Canada’s greatest rugby sevens players. Retiring in 2021, he ranked third-highest in scoring in World Rugby sevens play with 1,859 career points and led all Canadian men in both appearances (363) and scoring after 15 years on the national sevens team (2006-21).

Wu won 14 career Paralympic medals, including eight gold, four silver, and two bronze, ranking sixth all-time among Canadian Paralympic athletes. A native of Richmond, B.C., he also won eight career world championship medals: seven gold and one silver. Visually impaired since birth, he still holds three Canadian national records 20 years after retiring from competition.

Madhosingh, who died in December 2020, spent more than six decades in the sport of table tennis as a coach, organizer, administrator, official, and volunteer.

Miller, who now lives in North Vancouver, spent more than 40 years as a sports psychologist working with teams from the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and USFL, as well as pro hockey teams in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Norway.

Vancouver’s Woo was one of Canada’s most successful weightlifting coaches over three decades and served as Canadian weightlifting head coach at three Olympics (1968, 1976, 1980), the first Chinese-Canadian coach of any Canadian Olympic team.

The 2000 B.C. Lions won the Grey Cup, defeating the Montreal Alouettes 28-26 in Calgary. And they did it the hard way, becoming the first CFL team to lift the trophy after a sub-. 500 regular season at 8-10.

Running back Robert Drummond was named Grey Cup MVP, while fullback Sean Millington was named Most Valuable Canadian. Lions quarterback Damon Allen scored two touchdowns and kicker Lui Passaglia, in his final game, kicked two field goals, two singles, and two conversions.

Founded in the summer of 1923 as a swimming club by a group of 12 friends at Vancouver’s Kitsilano Beach, the Meraloma Club has lasted more than a century and is one of the province’s longest-standing and largest multi-sport clubs.

Nearly 100 Meraloma athletes have gone on to represent Canada internationally in their sports while close to another 50 have played professionally.

Hughson spent more than 40 years in the broadcast booth, including 16 as play-by-play broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada (2005-21). He also broadcast Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos games. Hughson, who was born and raised in Fort St. John, B.C., won the NHL Broadcasters Association’s Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2019.

Wright, the W.A.C. Bennett Award winner, is a longtime administrator who served as chair of Tennis Canada from 1989 to 1991. Now living in Coquitlam, B.C., he was on the International Tennis Federation’s Federation Cup Committee (1987-89), chair of Sport BC (1986-88), chair of Tennis BC (1983-85) and chair of Basketball BC (1981-84).

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024