UK travellers against eco-tax, survey reveals
Brits not prepared to pay a premium to help conserve holiday destinations
Despite the rise in eco-tourism and increasing concerns over our carbon footprint, it seems that the British are not prepared to pay a premium to help conserve holiday destinations.
A recent poll by HolidayExtras.com, a UK travel add-on provider, revealed that a massive 70% of travellers do not believe that they should be forced to pay an eco-tax when going abroad – men were more cynical than women, with 7% more males believing that the tax is merely another way for foreign governments to take cash from tourists. Just 12% of those asked said that they would pay the tax because of their responsibility to protect the environment.
However, 18% of HolidayExtras.com customers would be happy to pay a tourist eco-tax if the funds went on nature and wildlife.
When asked how environmentally-friendly they are on holiday, more than one in two holidaymakers (55%) claimed to be eco-conscious, yet almost one in five (19%) admitted that they make no effort to save energy while away, and a reluctant 22% of respondents declined to give an answer! A brazen four per cent admitted to leaving their air-conditioning on and requesting fresh towels daily.
Anthony Clarke Cowell, HolidayExtras.com's head of product innovation and merchandising, said:
"Tourist eco-taxes have been unpopular in the past and the poll results reflect this. However, we have found that UK holidaymakers do like to support sustainable tourism if it's made easy and does not impact too heavily on the pocket. Our Travel Foundation donation scheme is one example of hassle-free, responsible travel."
Valere Tjolle: Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE
Valere
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 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026