Brits not that green, says Eurostar
Brits are less likely to worry about the environmental impact of flying than the French or the Belgians, new research by Eurostar has shown.
The study of more than 3000 adults in the UK, France and Belgium found that more than 55% of Brits take up to three flight based holidays a year, compared to just over a third (38%) of French people.
What’s more, more than 6% of Brits take at least five flight-based holidays each year.
The survey showed that as foreign travel has become more accessible, people are travelling further and from a far younger age.
Less than 3% of over 65s in the UK went on their first overseas holiday before they were five years old, compared to almost half (48%) of 18-24 year olds.
Eurostar found that Belgians also seem to travel from an early age, with over half (57%) of 18-24 year olds in Belgium taking their first holiday abroad before their fifth birthday, compared to only a third (36%) of French 18-24 year olds.
The findings also showed that while Brits seem to be very clear on how day-to-day car travel impacts the environment, they are less so when it comes to holidays.
The operator says that studies have shown that 27% of an average consumer’s annual CO2 emissions are generated from leisure and holiday activities, the largest segment, compared with only 18% of CO2 emissions generated by driving.
It adds that for consumers flying to their holiday destination, the carbon emissions from the flights alone account for over half (52%) of the total emissions of their holiday.
The findings also showed that only 23% of Belgians would consider booking an eco hotel compared to 30% of French people and 26% of Brits.
French and Brits are the most concerned about travel time when booking a holiday with 28% of people in France and the UK ranking it as a top three holiday consideration compared to 24% in Belgium.
Head of Environment and Energy for Eurostar Peter Bragg said: “We know that many of our customers are concerned about environmental issues, yet this research shows that when planning their holidays, only a few consumers are willing to make changes to reduce their carbon footprint. There are confusing messages around the issue but as people are now travelling from a younger age, it is crucial that they understand there are sustainable travel options available.â€
Dinah
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