News & Analysis

Concern about climate change appears highest among the better off and those aged 35-44, and lowest among the under 25s, according to research firm TNS.

However, a survey of more than 2,000 UK adults - carried out for Travel Weekly's Green Issue - found 67% discuss climate change with friends and family.

One in 10 said they would change their travel plans in the next 12 months to reduce the impact of their trip - 2% saying they would be 'very likely' to do so, and 8% 'fairly likely'. However, there was no significant change in the proportions compared with similar surveys in 2007 and 2008.

Of those who would change their plans, 15% would choose a hotel promoting 'green' tourism, and 14% would choose a tour operator that offers a carbon-offset or similar scheme - down on the proportion a year ago. Almost one in five said they would consider a holiday based on conservation.

About one in four of the total agreed (8% strongly) that measures such as recycling and sourcing alternative energy at a resort were important in deciding where they would stay, and 18% said they consider the carbon footprint of a holiday (5% strongly).

There was majority support for two propositions. Two out of three agreed (40% strongly) that visitors to fragile destinations such as the Galapagos or Antarctica should be strictly controlled.

And four out of five agreed (40% strongly) that tourism development generates jobs and benefits for local people.

However, 30% also agreed (7% strongly) that tourism has a negative impact on local environments.

Asked about eating out on holiday, 17% said they mainly eat in their hotel or resort, 13% visit local restaurants but eat international food, and 54% visit restaurants that serve local food and drink.

The survey found 4% aware of industry charity The Travel Foundation - equivalent to about two million of the population. Of these one in 25, 15% say they have made a donation to The Travel Foundation.

TNS said: "Environmental issues are not a significant factor for the traditional annual holiday. Bearing in mind the efforts that have gone into the promotion of green tourism schemes, the accommodation industry will be disappointed a higher proportion of customers do not consider it important."

• Other findings: Consumers who show concern about climate change are reluctant to change their flying habits

The survey

Head of TNS Travel and Tourism research Tom Costley said: "There is nothing wacky about these results - they bear out other studies.

"The evidence is very much that people want to carry on flying and rely on the industry to make changes.

"The general belief in and support for government is low. But the findings also involve recognition that the environment is complex and the extent to which policy can have an effect is limited.

"Research generally suggests the environment does not have much influence among younger people."

Conclusions

TNS concludes the travel industry is "in an interesting position", suggesting four conclusions from the latest research among travel consumers:

• Tourism is generally seen as a force for good in providing financial benefits and employment to communities in destinations - "a benefit seen to outweigh any concerns on the environmental impact of tourism, except in fragile environments".
• Despite the media emphasis on the contribution aircraft make to greenhouse-gas emissions, "there is little evidence to suggest the British public are keen to reduce the amount they travel". A minority are willing to consider making changes to their pattern of travel.
• There is most public support for initiatives where the travel and tourism industry takes primary responsibility for change and making improvements, rather than where the emphasis is on the traveller.
• There is little evidence public attitudes towards the environmental impact of travel have changed in the UK in the past three years. "People are no more or less likely to take environmental factors into account when planning a trip in 2009 than in 2007," said TNS.

All 2009 data taken from a TNS Omnibus survey among a sample of 2,090 respondents in August 2009.