U.S.
Travelers Prefer Greener Travel Options
In
making lodging and vehicle choices while traveling, new studies show that more
than 50 percent of all U.S. adults say they would be more likely to select airlines,
rental car companies or hotels that use and offer environmentally-friendly products,
processes and options.
However, according
to the latest Travel Horizons study conducted by the Travel Industry Association
(TIA) and Ypartnership, while more than 50 percent of travelers advocate environmental
responsibility, only 14 percent of respondents said their actual travel selections
are influenced by a providers efforts to preserve and protect the environment.
Additionally, only a mere 13 percent
reported they would be willing to pay higher rates or fares to use suppliers who
demonstrate environmental responsibility. Although, 56 percent did report they
would consider paying more. The study
further reveals that 76 percent of travelers polled agreed to pay only less than
10 percent more in fees for environmentally safe business practices. The majority
of people surveyed said they would only pay up to a five percent price increase
for lodging, flights or rental choices that are eco-friendly. According
to Suzanne Cook, TIA's senior vice president of research, cost more than anything
drives current consumers trends. “The
results of the survey suggest that awareness of a travel service supplier’s
efforts to operate in an environmentally responsible manner may be sufficient
to attract additional patronage, but not at a significantly higher fare or rate,”
Cook said. “The value assessment consumers ascribe to any travel service
transaction appears to remain the primary determinant of their actual purchase
behavior.” Specifically, 50 percent
of travelers said they would be more likely to use an airline if it took initiatives
to offset carbon emissions, used more fuel-efficient jets or implemented recycling
programs. An additional 56 percent stated the same in regards to car rental companies
offering more fuel efficient and hybrid vehicle choices. Fifty-four percent claimed
they would be more likely to patronize hotels or resorts that practiced environmental
responsibility. According to the survey,
consumers do favor properties that actively try to prevent beach erosion (oceanfront
hotels), reuse towels and sheets, use energy efficient lighting and low flow toilets
and showers. Though basing most of
their decisions on finanical variables, 78 percent of travelers considered themselves
environmentally conscious, according to the survey. The report showed that many
travelers do try and take small steps to be eco-friendly and green while on vacation
or traveling for business.
Green,
Eco-Friendly Travel Measures
- 85
percent of travelers turn out lights when leaving a room
- 67
percent regulate air conditioning and heating while away from home
- 60
percent recycle their trash
- 60 percent
shut off water while brushing their teeth or shaving
- 53
percent keep their showers short
For
more tips on traveling and living green, visit our Earth
Tones page.
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