Young adults most concerned about green travel, survey says (cloned)

Young adults are leading the charge for green travel and are willing to spend 25 per cent more for an eco-friendly holiday.

A survey of 2,000 adults found one third want to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels, but this rises to 41 per cent for 18 to 24-year-olds.

And while the typical Brit is willing to spend 16 per cent more on top of the existing price per night on ‘green’ accommodation, 18 to 24 year-olds said they would spend up to a quarter more.

But those aged 55 and over would only pay an extra 10 per cent.

It also emerged that of all the adults polled, many care more about doing their bit for the planet while travelling today than they did 10 years ago.

And most feel it’s important to get to know the local community when visiting somewhere new.

Many say they will go on educational or cultural sightseeing, while a few aged 18 to 24 have got involved in community projects, including volunteering. The majority of travellers said they support local eateries, shop locally and speak with the residents of the country they are visiting.

The poll commissioned by IHG Hotels & Resorts showed that three quarters of Gen Z also feel it’s important that where they stay is green and ethical, but just 64 per cent of those aged 55 and over feel the same.

Karin Sheppard, managing director for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “Now more than ever an emphasis is being placed on how consumers can travel better – with green credentials, reducing our carbon footprint and caring for the community being talking points.

“It’s interesting to see how the younger demographic are leading the way by doing their research into eco-friendly accommodation and are even willing to spend extra money to ensure they are being environmentally and socially conscious.”

The survey also found many adult seem to take their everyday sustainable habits with them when they travel.

This includes using the correct bins for rubbish and recycling, not allowing the water to run while brushing their teeth and opting to walk rather than use transport for short distances.

Other popular habits from those polled via OnePoll were found to be reusing towels and not leaving the air conditioning on when they leave the room.

SWNS