Tenerife Teams Up With Sapporo, and More as Air Canada’s New Routes Unlock Extraordinary Global Travel Adventures
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Tenerife Teams Up With Sapporo as Air Canada’s new routes unlock extraordinary global travel adventures for travellers seeking fresh experiences. Tenerife and Sapporo now stand among exciting destinations gaining attention through Air Canada’s expanding international routes. Moreover, these new routes create new opportunities for global travellers to explore remarkable places with greater convenience. From Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes to Sapporo’s winter attractions, the journeys offer very different travel experiences. Air Canada’s routes also connect travellers with more international possibilities. Therefore, Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the entire story and discover how these extraordinary new routes could reshape future travel adventures across Tenerife, Sapporo and more destinations worldwide.
Air Canada New Nonstop Routes Could Redirect More Global Travellers Toward Europe, Asia and South America
Air Canada’s newly announced international network for 2026–27 creates a wider travel map for Canadian-origin passengers and international visitors connecting through Canada. The airline has announced five new international destinations and seven new routes for summer 2027, alongside additional frequency and year-round extensions. The confirmed additions include Vancouver–Guangzhou, Toronto–Oslo, Toronto–Shannon, Toronto–Nice and Montréal–Basel and Montréal–Dubrovnik, while existing services to Tenerife and other destinations receive schedule extensions.
For tourism markets, the significance extends beyond the airports named in the announcements. New nonstop capacity can make nearby regions easier to combine within one itinerary. It can also support longer stays, multi-city holidays and regional road trips.
Air Canada’s Expanded Network at a Glance
| Canadian gateway | Destination | Planned timing | Service characteristic | Tourism opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Guangzhou | May 2027 | Year-round | Southern China and Greater Bay Area |
| Toronto | Oslo | June 2027 | New international route | Norway and Nordic itineraries |
| Toronto | Shannon | June 2027 | New international route | Western Ireland |
| Toronto | Nice | June 2027 | New international route | French Riviera and southern France |
| Montréal | Basel | June 2027 | New international route | Switzerland, France and Germany |
| Montréal | Dubrovnik | May 2027 | New international route | Croatian Adriatic |
| Toronto | Tenerife | Existing/expanded network | Seasonal/extended | Canary Islands |
| Montréal | Tenerife | Extended service | Year-round extension | Canary Islands |
| Toronto | Guatemala City | From December 2026 | Year-round | Guatemala and Central America |
| Toronto | Shanghai | Expanded | Daily service | Eastern China |
| Toronto | London Heathrow | Returning Day-tripper | Returning service | United Kingdom |
Air Canada says the wider programme contains five new international destinations and seven new routes, with several additional schedule improvements.
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The tourism impact should therefore be considered as a network story rather than a simple list of new flights.
Tenerife Could Strengthen Canada–Canary Islands Tourism
Tenerife is particularly significant because its tourism market already operates at substantial international scale. Official Canary Islands tourism statistics show 7.238 million tourists in Tenerife in 2024, compared with 6.449 million in 2023, 5.822 million in 2022 and 2.675 million in 2021. The destination reached approximately 7.412 million tourists in 2025, according to the latest historical tourism profile.
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| Tenerife tourism | Visitors |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.675 million |
| 2022 | 5.822 million |
| 2023 | 6.449 million |
| 2024 | 7.238 million |
| 2025 | 7.412 million |
The five-year comparison shows how sharply Tenerife’s tourism market recovered after 2021. Between 2021 and 2025, the reported tourist total increased by roughly 177%.
The 2025 tourism profile also reports average expenditure of about €1,418 per tourist, with average daily expenditure of approximately €132.16. Average stay was close to nine days.
For travellers arriving on Air Canada services, Tenerife can become a base for exploring the wider Canary Islands. Teide National Park is the major inland attraction, while the north offers greener landscapes around La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz.
A practical seven-day itinerary can begin in Santa Cruz de Tenerife before moving toward Teide, Costa Adeje and the western coast. Travellers can also add whale-watching, hiking and volcanic landscapes.
Local food is another reason to extend the stay. Travellers can look for papas arrugadas with mojo, gofio-based dishes, fresh seafood and Canarian cheeses.
Accommodation ranges from large coastal resorts to smaller rural properties. Visitors seeking beaches can stay around Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, while travellers prioritising scenery may prefer northern Tenerife.
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The expanded Canadian connectivity could make Tenerife more accessible for visitors who previously required a connection elsewhere.
Sapporo Can Pull More International Travellers Into Hokkaido
Sapporo represents a different tourism opportunity. Instead of a beach-focused market, the destination can attract travellers interested in winter sports, Japanese food, festivals and northern landscapes.
Sapporo City reported approximately 16.047 million visitors in fiscal 2025, up from about 15.257 million in fiscal 2024, representing a 5.2% increase. Foreign guest numbers reached approximately 2.488 million, compared with about 2.179 million previously, a 14.1% increase.
| Sapporo indicator | FY2024 | FY2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total visitors | 15.257m | 16.047m | +5.2% |
| Foreign guests | 2.179m | 2.488m | +14.1% |
| Increase in total visitors | — | +0.79m | — |
| Increase in foreign guests | — | +0.308m | — |
Air Canada’s Vancouver–Sapporo service is especially relevant for winter travellers. Sapporo can function as a gateway to ski areas across Hokkaido.
Travellers can spend two days exploring central Sapporo, including Odori Park, the historic clock tower area and the city’s food districts. The itinerary can then continue toward Otaru for canals, seafood and traditional streets.
A longer journey can include Niseko, Furano or Asahikawa, depending on the season.
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Food should be part of the planning. Hokkaido is known for seafood, miso ramen, soup curry, dairy products and crab.
For accommodation, visitors can choose city hotels in Sapporo, boutique properties around Otaru or ski resorts closer to mountain destinations.
The route can therefore transform Sapporo from a city stop into the starting point for a wider Hokkaido holiday.
Quito Can Become a Gateway to Ecuador’s Andes
Quito gives the network a strong South American dimension. Official Quito tourism statistics identify international arrivals, hotel occupancy and accommodation capacity as key indicators for the city. Quito reported 531,000 international tourists in 2022, representing an 89% increase from 2021.
| Quito indicator | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| International tourists | Approx. 281,000* | 531,000 |
| Year-on-year change | — | +89% |
| Tourism establishments, 2022 | — | 5,485 |
| Direct tourism employment reported, 2022 | — | 32,000+ |
*Calculated from the reported 2022 increase and should be treated as an approximate comparison rather than an independently published annual figure.
Quito is particularly suitable for travellers who want a cultural city break combined with mountain experiences.
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A five-day plan could begin in the historic centre, followed by viewpoints, museums and local markets. Travellers can then visit nearby Andean attractions or continue toward other Ecuadorian destinations.
Traditional Ecuadorian food can add another dimension. Locro de papa, fritada, llapingachos and ceviche are among the dishes travellers can seek out.
Accommodation is concentrated around the historic centre, La Mariscal and other established visitor districts. Travellers should choose based on whether they prioritise heritage, restaurants or nightlife.
For a longer itinerary, Quito can be combined with the Ecuadorian Amazon, Pacific coast or Galápagos, subject to separate transport and entry arrangements.
The Montréal and Toronto connectivity therefore has potential to make Ecuador easier to incorporate into a wider South American journey.
Dubrovnik Can Extend Croatia’s Canadian Visitor Reach
Dubrovnik already ranks among Croatia’s most internationally significant tourism destinations. Croatian official statistics show the city recorded approximately 3.8 million tourist nights in 2023 and 4.2 million in 2024. In 2025, Dubrovnik again recorded approximately 4.2 million nights, with the official statistics showing a 0.3% increase from 2024.
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| Dubrovnik tourist nights | Year |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3.8m |
| 2024 | 4.2m |
| 2025 | 4.2m |
In 2024, visitors from the United Kingdom generated approximately 886,000 foreign tourist nights, representing 22.1% of Dubrovnik’s foreign tourist nights. Visitors from the United States, France and Germany also recorded increases that year.
The Montréal–Dubrovnik route can therefore support longer Canadian travel itineraries across the Adriatic.
Travellers can spend three days exploring the Old Town, city walls and nearby coastal areas. Additional days can be used for Lokrum, Cavtat and boat excursions.
Croatian seafood, grilled fish, black risotto, octopus preparations and regional wines can form the culinary side of the journey.
Accommodation ranges from historic Old Town properties to modern hotels outside the walls. Travellers seeking easier vehicle access may prefer locations beyond the central pedestrian zone.
A seven-day Croatia itinerary can combine Dubrovnik with Split and nearby islands. Travellers should consider ferry schedules carefully before connecting destinations.
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Oslo Can Distribute Travellers Across Norway
Oslo’s new Toronto connection arrives as Norway records exceptionally strong tourism accommodation figures.
Statistics Norway reported 40.6 million commercial accommodation guest nights in 2025, the highest annual figure in its series. Foreign guest nights reached 14.2 million, up 14% from 2024.
| Norway commercial accommodation | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total guest nights | Approx. 38.6m | 40.6m |
| Foreign guest nights | Approx. 12.5m | 14.2m |
| Foreign growth | — | +14% |
| Hotel guest nights, 2025 | — | 28m |
| Asian guest nights, 2025 | — | 1.2m |
Oslo was also Norway’s leading major-city hotel market in July 2025, recording about 657,604 hotel guest nights during the month.
Travellers can spend two or three days exploring Oslo’s museums, waterfront and parks before moving into the wider country.
The Oslofjord provides an easy urban-to-nature transition. Longer itineraries can continue toward Bergen, the fjords, Trondheim or northern Norway.
Norwegian cuisine includes seafood, salmon, brown cheese and seasonal dishes. Travellers should also consider modern Nordic restaurants alongside traditional food.
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Hotels around the city centre and waterfront offer convenient access to major attractions. A longer Norway trip can mix city hotels with fjord-side accommodation.
The new Toronto service could therefore become an entry point for multi-region Norway holidays rather than Oslo-only trips.
Shannon Can Support Wider Ireland Itineraries
Shannon’s importance comes from its location in western Ireland. A Toronto–Shannon connection can make western and southern Ireland easier to incorporate into a Canadian itinerary.
Ireland recorded 6.4 million overseas overnight visitors in 2025, down 3% from 2024 but up 2% from 2023. Foreign visitors generated 47.9 million nights and approximately €5.5 billion in expenditure during the year.
| Ireland inbound tourism | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas overnight visitors | 6.3m | 6.6m | 6.4m |
| Foreign visitor nights | — | Approx. 49.4m | 47.9m |
| Visitor expenditure | €5.4bn | €6.0bn | €5.5bn |
| Average stay | — | 7.5 nights | 7.5 nights |
For travellers, Shannon can work particularly well for road trips. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way can all be incorporated into a broader itinerary.
A seven-day route could begin around Limerick and Clare, continue to Galway, and then move toward Connemara.
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Irish cuisine offers seafood, soda bread, beef, lamb and locally produced dairy products.
Visitors can choose historic hotels, country properties, city accommodation or smaller guesthouses.
Shannon also gives travellers an alternative starting point for western Ireland rather than automatically beginning in Dublin.
Basel Can Become a Three-Country Travel Gateway
Basel offers one of the strongest multi-country opportunities within the new network because of its position near Switzerland’s borders with France and Germany.
Official Basel tourism statistics show 1,686,289 overnight stays in 2025, a record. The number represented an 8.5% increase from 2024. Foreign visitors generated 1,059,022 overnight stays, crossing the one-million mark for the first time.
| Basel hotel overnight stays | Total |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 545,906 |
| 2021 | 784,607 |
| 2022 | 1,301,107 |
| 2023 | 1,474,975 |
| 2024 | 1,553,925 |
| 2025 | 1,686,289 |
From 2020 to 2025, Basel’s reported overnight stays more than tripled.
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Travellers can use Basel as the base for a Switzerland–France–Germany itinerary. The old town, Rhine waterfront and museums can fill the first two days.
A longer journey can continue to Strasbourg, the Alsace wine region, Freiburg or Lucerne.
Basel’s food scene includes Swiss classics alongside French and German influences. Visitors can seek rösti, regional pastries, cheese and seasonal dishes.
Accommodation ranges from business hotels near transport hubs to boutique properties in the historic centre.
The Montréal–Basel route therefore offers potential for travellers who prefer a multi-country European holiday rather than a single-city visit.
Nice Can Spread Visitors Along the French Riviera
Nice is another destination where a direct Toronto connection can support tourism beyond the city itself.
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French official statistics show strong passenger activity at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. In 2025, monthly passenger volumes reached about 1.80 million in August, 1.77 million in July and 1.53 million in September. The comparable 2024 figures were approximately 1.73 million, 1.73 million and 1.49 million respectively.
| Nice Airport monthly passengers | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| July | 1.729m | 1.773m |
| August | 1.725m | 1.798m |
| September | 1.487m | 1.530m |
| January | 0.705m | 0.753m |
Nice can serve as the opening point for a French Riviera journey. Travellers can visit the Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice and surrounding coastal viewpoints.
A seven-day itinerary could then include Antibes, Cannes, Menton and Monaco.
French cuisine provides another attraction, from Niçoise specialities to Mediterranean seafood and Provençal dishes.
Accommodation options range from historic hotels in central Nice to beachfront properties and quieter stays outside the city centre.
The Toronto service could make the Riviera easier to access directly while allowing travellers to distribute their spending across several destinations.
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Guangzhou Can Open Southern China to Longer Holidays
Guangzhou represents Air Canada’s year-round Asian expansion from Vancouver. The airline says the Vancouver–Guangzhou service will operate year-round from May 4, 2027, with three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
For travellers, Guangzhou can work as both a city destination and a regional gateway.
A four-day itinerary can cover Canton Tower, historic districts, museums and major food areas. Longer trips can incorporate nearby destinations within southern China, subject to current entry rules and transport conditions.
Cantonese cuisine is a major attraction. Travellers can explore dim sum, roast meats, rice dishes and regional seafood.
Accommodation choices range from international hotels in central commercial districts to properties near major transport hubs.
The route also provides another option for travellers building multi-city Asian itineraries.
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Five-Year Tourism Comparison Across Key Air Canada Markets
| Destination or market | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Latest official measure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | 2.675m | 5.822m | 6.449m | 7.238m | 7.412m | Tourist arrivals |
| Basel | 0.785m | 1.301m | 1.475m | 1.554m | 1.686m | Hotel overnight stays |
| Norway | — | — | — | ~38.6m | 40.6m | Commercial guest nights |
| Ireland | — | — | 6.3m | 6.6m | 6.4m | Overseas overnight visitors |
| Dubrovnik | Pandemic year | Recovery | 3.8m | 4.2m | 4.2m | Tourist nights |
| Sapporo | Historical series available | Historical series available | Historical series available | 15.257m | 16.047m | Total visitors |
| Quito | Official statistics available | 0.531m | Official statistics available | Official statistics available | Latest series varies | International visitors |
The figures should not be added together because they use different definitions. Tenerife and Sapporo report visitor totals, while Basel and Dubrovnik prominently use overnight stays. Norway’s national figure covers commercial accommodation across the country, and Ireland’s measure covers overseas overnight visitors.
This distinction is important when comparing tourism markets.
Destinations That Could Benefit Beyond the Airport Cities
| New or expanded gateway | Potential secondary destinations | Travel style |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Gigantes | Nature and beach |
| Sapporo | Otaru, Niseko, Furano, Asahikawa | Winter and outdoor |
| Quito | Andes, Amazon, Pacific coast | Culture and adventure |
| Dubrovnik | Cavtat, Split, Korčula, Hvar | Adriatic and island travel |
| Oslo | Bergen, fjords, Trondheim | Nature and culture |
| Shannon | Galway, Clare, Connemara, Kerry | Road trips |
| Basel | Alsace, Freiburg, Lucerne, Strasbourg | Multi-country Europe |
| Nice | Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Monaco | Riviera and coastal |
| Guangzhou | Shenzhen, Foshan and wider southern China | Food, culture and business |
How Travellers Can Build Longer Trips Around the New Routes
The biggest opportunity is not necessarily staying in the arrival city for the entire holiday.
Travellers can use these routes as starting points for regional journeys. This approach can spread accommodation, dining and attraction spending across multiple communities.
A Toronto–Oslo trip could become a Norway road journey. A Toronto–Nice booking could develop into a French Riviera circuit. A Montréal–Basel flight could support a Switzerland, France and Germany itinerary.
Similarly, Montréal–Dubrovnik can form the first stage of a Croatian Adriatic holiday.
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The same principle applies in Asia and South America. Vancouver–Guangzhou can support a southern China itinerary, while Toronto or Montréal services to Quito can provide a starting point for broader Ecuador travel.
A Practical Planning Framework for Global Travellers
| Planning stage | What to check |
|---|---|
| 1. Flight | Exact operating date and frequency |
| 2. Entry rules | Passport, visa and transit requirements |
| 3. Season | Weather and destination opening periods |
| 4. Transport | Rail, road, ferry or domestic flights |
| 5. Accommodation | Central location versus regional base |
| 6. Food | Local specialties and dietary requirements |
| 7. Activities | Major attractions plus regional experiences |
| 8. Insurance | Medical, cancellation and disruption coverage |
| 9. Connections | Minimum transfer time for separate tickets |
| 10. Return journey | Open-jaw or round-trip possibilities |
Air Canada’s announcement is particularly relevant to travellers who prefer direct access to international destinations. However, route schedules can change, and travellers should verify the operating timetable before making non-refundable arrangements.
The Government of Canada also advises travellers to check destination-specific entry requirements before departure. Requirements can depend on nationality, passport type, destination and purpose of travel.
What the Network Means for Global Tourism
The new Air Canada network connects several tourism markets with very different travel identities.
Tenerife offers Atlantic islands and volcanic landscapes. Sapporo adds northern Japan. Quito provides an Andean gateway. Guangzhou strengthens access to southern China.
Europe receives several additions with Oslo, Shannon, Basel, Nice and Dubrovnik.
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The tourism statistics show that many of these markets already attract substantial visitor volumes. Tenerife recorded more than 7.4 million tourists in 2025. Basel passed 1.68 million hotel overnight stays. Norway exceeded 40.6 million commercial accommodation nights nationally. Dubrovnik reached roughly 4.2 million tourist nights.
These figures do not prove that the new flights will produce a particular level of additional tourism. Actual effects will depend on fares, capacity, seasonality, consumer demand, economic conditions and competing routes.
For travellers, however, the network creates more itinerary possibilities. Direct access can reduce connection requirements while making multi-destination holidays easier to design.
As these services enter operation, travellers should compare flight dates with regional events, weather conditions, hotel availability and local transport.
The result is a broader travel map from Canada, with potential benefits extending well beyond the individual airports named in Air Canada’s announcement.
Conclusion
Air Canada’s new routes are creating fresh possibilities for global travellers seeking memorable international adventures. Tenerife, Sapporo and other destinations now gain stronger visibility through expanded connectivity from Canada. Moreover, these routes can help travellers build longer holidays that combine cities, culture, nature, food and regional experiences. From Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes to Sapporo’s winter attractions, every destination offers a distinct reason to travel. Therefore, Travel And Tour World urges travellers to check flight schedules, seasonal availability, entry requirements and local travel conditions before planning their journeys. As Air Canada expands its international network, these destinations could become exciting choices for future global travel.
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