Comments on: Responsible travel: why people don’t give a ****

By: Aparna Guha

Aparna Guha — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:56:14 +0000

Unfortunately this article does ring true. Price is the main factor for many travellers and from a stand point of helping local economies and/or community-based tourism this is also a huge problem. Fair prices are important because sadly the ones who end up losing out are the locals in the countries visited. Making travel a win-win situation for the traveller and those being visited is of utmost importance. It shouldn’t be a marketing ploy, but just the right thing to do and the norm. We, in the industry have a responsibility to educate and it makes me happy to see so many like-minded people in this thread. Little by little, we can make a difference.

By: todd lucier

todd lucier — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:48:24 +0000

We’ve watched this trend in amazement for years. Still seeking our first ecotourist, despite the fact we’re a nature retreat that is solar powered, has an earth roof, grow lots of local food, buy organic and fair trade food, prepare food in the SLOW hands-on way, and deliver experiences that are carbon free.

Still, the reasons people travel are largely for the experience without regard (at least initially) for the eco-labels. Watching this trend has been disheartening, but thankfully we’re in the green, responsible, sustainable travel experiences in Canada because its the right thing to do, not just as a marketing ploy.

When guests arrive they get it…. and they come back.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:23:53 +0000

Thanks Anny, your findings are in line with others’ experiences. I suspect some of those clients that mention your green credentials still book with you because of the attractiveness of your product ahead of other factors.

By: Anny at BikeHike Adventures

Anny at BikeHike Adventures — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:17:28 +0000

We’ve gotten feedback from clients saying one of the reasons they chose BikeHike Adventures was that we are a green and responsible travel company, but it’s true that these clients are few and far between.

A fellow Adventure Travel Trade Association member also noted in a discussion that less than 1% of adventure travellers consider sustainability to be one of their priorities when booking a trip. There’s a major divide between what people are saying they’re looking for, and what they’re actually looking for. I hope this division begins to shrink soon.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:11:50 +0000

Thanks for the insights Mark. Agree with your points, and like the last line. That’s exactly what some green companies tried to do a few years ago. Most are now coming round to the fact that the product is what sells, not the its greenness.

By: Mark Pawlak

Mark Pawlak — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:38:01 +0000

Andy,

Again it’s about the audience here. The callers to the show are not representative of all travellers, probably more indicative of budget holiday-makers. Although, you may be onto something: The summer holiday, for many, is payback for a year of hard work. And because of its cost, will be bargained for.

Recent speculation about ropey climate change statistics aside, there are some things people will change, and others they will not: Recycle – yes, cycle to work in the rain – no.

Cheap flights sell. And there is no end to the price cutting. But, just remember: Horses can be taken to water, just don’t expect them to demand Perrier.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:57:09 +0000

Thanks for the link Sally. An interesting debate about how green should not be marketed as such, but should be evident in the actions of businesses, and it is by giving people a better experience while getting engaged with local issues that they will go forth and spread the word. I know Hugo too, and he has done a lot of good work in this area.
Thanks for sharing

By: Sally Broom

Sally Broom — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:16:12 +0000

PS. There’s also an interesting comment after that article from Hugo Kimber of Carbon Consultancy

By: Sally Broom

Sally Broom — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:14:17 +0000

Hi Andy

Interesting indeed – I heard a VP from Ritz Carlton share some fascinating stats at ITB last year relating to their volunteer family holidays. It was one of the rare occassions I have been really impressed on this subject

I had forgotten the details but I wrote something for TravelMole about it here: http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1135258.php

Surprises me even now re-reading it! Hope of interest here too

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:08:55 +0000

Thanks Natalie, it’s always great to hear the experiences of a tour operator. I can understand why clients are more keen to choose ‘responsible travel’ options when they are offered, particularly when these are well presented and are at least as attractive as the alternatives. And a day in a school or on a farm can be a memorable part of a trip.
Carbon offsetting seems to be an unknown entity to most of the public. Yes, they are being asked to pay something extra, but exactly where it goes, who administers it, and how it will actually make a difference is usually less than clear. It’s easy to say “I’d rather pay that £15 to a charity”, especially when several profitable carbon offset companies have been the subject of TV documentaries in recent times.

Sally, many thanks and yes it’s very interesting to hear that children are possibly leading the demand for eco holidays. Is that a positive sign for the future?