More Australians going green - but with reservations
An increasing number of Australian travellers are keen to travel 'green' and are conscious of the environment on holiday - as long as it does not cost them money, according to an Australian survey conducted by HotelsCombined.The survey revealed more than a quarter (28 per cent) of respondents said they enjoy their stay more if their hotel has a full eco-policy and everything is sustainable.
Travellers also are accepting responsibility for their choices, with 38 per cent saying they are aware of their impact on the environment and want to have more sustainable and responsible trips; 49 per cent said they want to be green, but need it to be made easy for them and only 13 per cent said they want to enjoy the luxuries without compromise when on holiday.
Aussies are still watching their pennies, though, with 63 per cent saying that being eco-friendly is important, providing it doesn't cost them extra.
Being green conscious on a holiday can be as simple as foregoing a couple of luxuries. Eight out of 10 Australian travellers choose to re-use their bath towel when staying in a hotel for more than one night in an effort to reduce unnecessary water and electricity waste from laundering.
The greatest concern for eco-savvy travellers is the sustainability of the practices, products and goods, including food and drinks available at the property.
Almost 35 per cent of respondents said they look for properties offering goods that are sourced or produced locally, and 33 per cent said they prefer eco-friendly practices like towel recycling, green cleaning products and reuse of linen.
More than one thousand people participated in the survey. Kristen McKenzie, HotelsCombined global public relations and content manager said: "It's great to see Australian travellers beginning to think about the impact of recreational travel on the environment. Conscientious tourism is a subject we take very seriously as part of our Green Hotels and Responsive Tourism Initiative."
Source: MICE BTN, 4 December 2013
