British holidaymakers unmoved by environmental concerns, says study

The cost of a holiday is of much greater significance to British travellers than environmental concerns, a study has suggested.

The YouGov poll revealed that only one per cent of British holidaymakers actually considered the environment when booking a break.

However, 43 per cent pointed to the cost of the holiday as being of primary importance in their decision making.

Among the 2,091 respondents to the survey, very few identified limiting their carbon footprint as important when searching for a holiday.

Also, 23 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 24 actually put concerns for the environment as bottom in their list of priorities.

The research was commissioned by travel website celticcastles.com and its founder Roger Masterson indicated his surprise at how low the environment factored in people's mind.

"With climate change never far from the headlines I was taken aback by how unimportant the environment is to those seeking a break."

"I'm confident, however, that we will start to see a shift towards sustainable tourism, with people thinking more about their environmental impact and reducing carbon emissions by holidaying closer to home."

Mr Masterson indicated that "quality, affordability and culture" are the most important factors in motivating a holiday booking.

In the poll, 17 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women pointed to cultural attractions as important in choosing where to go.

Moreover, increased air fares and raised security at airports was motivating people to travel closer to home, which inadvertently helps the environment.

Travel Counsellors News posted on 11 June 2008

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British holidaymakers unmoved by environmental concerns, says study

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