Domestic holidaymakers ‘going green’ – research shows
A majority of UK holidaymakers are concerned with protecting the natural assets of their home country, a study has found.
Research by Devon County Council shows that more than three quarters of people would be prepared to pay more for “environmentally responsible” products while more than half visiting the county consider environmental issues when booking their holiday.
The findings were released to coincide with the publication of the first Discover Devon Naturally ‘green paper’ examining responsible tourism practises in the region.
The green paper highlights that responsible tourism is as much a local issue as a national and international one.
The study of almost 500 people, including both those visiting and not visiting Devon, found:
*82% of these visitors are willing to put their money where their mouth is and pay extra for environmentally responsible products;
*98% class themselves as someone who cares about protecting the natural environment;
*54% of those visiting Devon consider environmental issues when booking their holiday.
*84% said that car free days out appeal to them whilst on holiday
*88% are concerned about climate change
The views of consumers were confirmed by Devon tourist businesses, who have found that the introduction of ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ practises has lead to an increase in business, profitability, repeat visitors and referrals.
Andrew Huckerby, director and general manager of Kitley House Hotel, near Plymouth said: “I really am a back door environmentalist; it just makes good business sense.
“We save on average £13,000 a year through our environmental management practices. The market for ’responsible’ properties like ours is huge and this has been demonstrated by us running at nearly 80% occupancy year round.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports