Holidaymakers Save Money rather Than Their Carbon Footprint

Only a tiny number of holidaymakers look for an environmentally friendly place to stay and more than three-quarters think offsetting their carbon footprint is an added expense they can do without, claims new research.
A survey of 9,500 travellers found just 1.5 per cent consciously opt for eco-friendly holiday accommodation while 77 per cent associate offsetting their carbon footprint with holiday-related financial burdens, claiming to have other priorities or that they can't afford it.
Experts claim that in cash strapped times, where 64 per cent of respondents of the same survey denote holidays as “essential for quality family time and well being”, the low priority approach to the carbon footprint of holidays is not surprising as priorities simply lie elsewhere,.
Although interest for UK based vacations has grown during the recession, with demand for self-catering holidays growing by more than 40 per cent in 2009 and a further 2010 so far this year, most environmental considerations are left to property owners rather than tenants.
“There’s no doubt about the psychological value holidays provide or the increased financial and ecological pressures we are under in society today,” said Ross Elder, managing director of holidaylettings.co.uk, which commissioned the study.
“What is reassuring, however, is the number of holiday home owners that reduce the need for their guests to carry an eco-conscience while on holiday by providing various means to make waste recycling and other energy burning activities ‘low-hassle’.”
Some of the tactics employed to ensure ‘low-hassle’ green holidays for guests include the use of locally sourced products made from sustainable resources, the provision of recycling facilities for different types of waste and the installation of energy efficient lighting and heating as well as other measures.
“Introducing practices which help the environment needn’t be expensive and businesses that do try to be sustainable and responsible can look forward to cost savings as well as increased custom,” said Andrea Nicholas, Director of the Green Tourism Business Scheme which now has more than 2,300 members across the UK and is the biggest scheme of its kind in the world.
A recent study found accommodation providers with independently verified green credentials enjoyed 19 per cent higher occupancy rates than non-accredited businesses last year (2009).
“As people become more aware of the steps which must be taken to protect the future of the planet they are making more and more green choices and that extends to where they go on holiday,” add Ms Nicholas.
“GTBS members have found that saving the planet, saving money and increasing business can go hand in hand”.
SYHA Hostelling Scotland, a member of the GTBS, is one of those accommodation providers to report an increase in bookings from both overseas visitors and UK residents looking for bargain breaks.
“Finding an environmentally friendly place to stay doesn't have to be expensive. All of our hostels have a Green Tourism Business Award, are affordable and situated in spectacular locations. Even our city centre hostels are close to major attractions, which cuts down on unnecessary travel,” said a spokeswoman for SYHA Hostelling Scotland.
“People want to go on holiday for a break. It's not that they don't care about the environment or carbon footprints. They just don't want to think about it, or pay extra for it, when they are trying to relax.
“SYHA Hostelling Scotland is the original green tourism business. Environmental care has been part of our philosophy ever since we started in 1931 and that has continued to be part of our growing appeal.”

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