Local and authentic travel the post-recession trend
Monday, 19 May, 2009
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A shift towards more local and authentic travel following the global recession is being suggested by a new study.
A survey of more than 900 responsibletravel.com operator and accommodation suppliers revealed that 94% believe in the ‘local and authentic’ travel trend.
More than half (53%) of respondents said they had seen an increase in business since the recession started.
A majority of 80% believe Dubai will “lose out” as a tourist destination in the wake of the recession, 40% of those surveyed blamed its "lack of authentic, distinctive travel experiences" and a further 38% believe it to simply be an "environmental disaster".
Meanwhile, 41% conclude that the UK will benefit from travellers’ desire to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and travel closer to home.
All inclusive package holidays will be the ‘losers’ of the recession, according to more than half of respondents (58%), whilst the winners, predicted by over a quarter of those surveyed (26%), will be ‘back to basics’ holidays such as camping and visits to national parks.
A further 18% believe self-catering accommodation will have flourished by the end of the recession and 16% say domestic holidays will be the future.
More than one third (35%) felt euro zone countries are now too expensive to attract holidaymakers.
Instead 41% predicted that people would turn to ‘staycations’ closer to home in the UK.
A further 10% believe Turkey will come out trumps as an affordable, alternative to Europe.
Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, said:
"I am staggered but delighted by the positive growth our suppliers are seeing at this difficult economic time, particularly when similar sectors such as organic food are suffering.
"I am staggered but delighted by the positive growth our suppliers are seeing at this difficult economic time, particularly when similar sectors such as organic food are suffering.
“For some time we have seen the beginnings of a changing mindset amongst consumers and the recession has sped this up where travel is concerned.
“Responsible tourism offers great value local and authentic travel experiences – in fact it is often a cheaper holiday option."
He added: "It’s fantastic to see UK holidaymakers rediscovering their own backyard at a time when we face a double incentive – the environment and our spending.
“I have no doubt those destinations such as Dubai will suffer unless they clean up their act and begin to switch towards providing more authentic, responsible tourism options."
Phil Davies
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