Big hearts don’t necessarily mean big wallets, reveals recent research commissioned by Contiki (released as part of The Shades of Green Report conducted by Galaxy), which offers a snapshot of how age and prosperity makes a difference to the compassion levels of 18 to 34 year old travellers.

Those who earn under $40k annually are more than twice as likely to pay extra to carbon offset their holiday than those raking in over $70k annually. Seventy five per cent of the low earners thought it important to scrape together the extra cash to carbon offset while less than half of the big wigs were prepared to part with their hard earned dollars for the environment at 45 per cent.  

The high earners were unable to redeem themselves when it came to making a donation while overseas with only 34 per cent percent feeling it necessary to open their wallets for a cause while the low earners proved that what they lack in cash they make up for in generosity, with 69 per cent listing donating money as important while overseas.

When it came to supporting the local economy, an equal amount of high earners to low earners found this important, with 88 per cent in both income brackets feeling it important to pour their hard earned travel dollars into local shop rather than the big multinationals.

With many people balancing the demands of work, home and for some, study, leading increasingly busy lifestyles, time has become a valuable commodity. 

When it came down to making this priceless contribution, low earners trumped those in the high income bracket, with almost half indicating they would consider volunteering when on an overseas trip.  Sixteen percent of high earners consider volunteering an important part of an overseas trip, compared to 41 percent of low earners.

Contiki’s report has found that young Aussie travellers in general rate social and green issues very highly. Eighty one percent of Australians between 18 and 34 try to avoid having a negative social and environmental impact on the places they visit and 48 per cent consider donating while overseas. Ninety six percent list understanding local customs and the issues of the places they visit as an important activity when travelling and 84 percent use resources sparingly.

Contiki plays its own social role. Along with fellow Travel Corporation brands, the company is part of The Leading Travel Companies of the World Conservation Foundation, donating US$1 million per year to fund conservation, community and sustainable tourism projects designed to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance, defend wildlife, alleviate poverty and assist local communities in need. Contiki has also introduced a carbon offsetting option on their website for travellers who wish to neutralise the carbon emissions generated by their holiday. 

Providing the latest trends and insights in youth travel, The Contiki Shades of Green Report offers a comprehensive overview of the Australian youth tourism market.

The complete report is available for download at www.contiki.com.au/ShadesOfGreen.

A Report by The Mole