Study reveals environmental factors have little impact on travel plans

Despite the high profile of the Copenhagen Summit and the vocal green lobby, a new study reveals that environmental factors continue to have very little impact on people’s travel plans.

According to a study by TNS-RI Travel and Tourism, only 13% of people expect to fly less over the next twelve months. This is a worrying 4% fewer than aspired to cut flying two years ago. In fact, 15% have admitted that they are likely to fly more in the next year than they have in the past.

Public worried but take no action

While they may claim to be concerned about climate change, most Britons appear unwilling to cut their flying in a bid to help the environment. The report showed 90% are unlikely to change their holiday plans to reduce the environmental impact of their trip. Factors such as price and convenience are seen as being far more important.

The travel figures come in stark contrast to general environmental attitudes which show that the British public is becoming increasingly worried about climate change. Two thirds admit that they frequently discuss environmental issues, and 73% insist that they are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ concerned about what the future holds. Yet only 5% of travellers have made a payment to offset the environmental cost of a trip.

Equally concerning is that only 11% are confident that plans made by the governments of major economies will be able to tackle climate change.

Tom Costley, group director said, ‘This research points to a ‘hands off’ approach to the question of travel and the environment. Even though we claim to be concerned about climate change, we prefer to consider our travel plans in isolation and avoid letting green concerns affect our flying.

‘There seems to be a feeling that going on holiday is an escape from reality and everything that comes with it – including considering our role in the long-term health of our planet. Consumers are expecting the travel industry to take responsibility for implementing changes and improvements, rather than taking direct action themselves.’

Download a PDF copy of TNS-RI Travel and Tourism’s report from the TNS-RI website at www.tnsglobal.com/_assets/files/TNSRI_Travel_and_the_Environment_Report1209_updated.pdf.

Business travel

A survey of 1,400 business travel managers by the Business Travel & Meetings Show (BTMS) has revealed 67% still do not have a green buying policy in place.

Twenty one per cent stated being green is simply not a priority and 12% claim it is ‘not economically viable right now’. However, on a more positive note 21% are planning to introduce a green strategy, while half of the 44% of respondents who currently have one in place have plans to grow it.

David Chapple, event director, BTMS said, ‘The business travel industry can no longer ignore the importance of being green. Although suppliers and buyers are being increasingly proactive in this area, there’s no denying they are finding it a challenge; a challenge that has been hindered somewhat by the recession.

‘However, government and indeed global legislation is pushing green firmly back up the agenda and as an industry we need to act.’

Chapple adds, ‘To aid business travel managers in this transition, BTMS is hosting a wide range of free-to-attend educational sessions addressing critical green issues such as tuning into sustainability, measuring, reducing and compensating travel related carbon emissions, reducing your carbon footprint and the pros and cons of video conferencing.’

The Business Travel & Meetings Show (previously The Business Travel Show) will take place on 9 and 10 February 2010 at Earls Court in London. To register for a free pass to BTMS 2010 visit the show’s website at www.businesstravelshow.co.uk/en/registration.aspx.