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More sustainable travel remains a top concern for UAE travelers, with more than three quarters (77%) agreeing that people need to act now and make more sustainable choices to save the planet, according to a report.
News remains the main influence driver for 66% who say the recent climate change news agenda encourages them to be more sustainable, but it also illustrates the dilemma people face when they pay more attention to when, where, and how they travel, According to the latest research published by Booking.com.
While a third (33%) think the environment will get worse in the next six months, 44% think the cost of living crisis will also get worse, leaving people struggling to reconcile important things Identify what they should prioritize with respect to everyday needs.
A tale of two wallets in an unstable global climate
The economic situation has changed dramatically since last year, and the big topics of concern today are the cost of living and the climate crisis. In the UAE, (90%) travelers say they want to travel more sustainably within the next 12 months. With inflation rising, nearly half of travelers insist on having to choose between sustainability and consumption, with 56% of them believing more sustainable travel options are too expensive.
For these respondents, the combination of sustainability and travel did not seem urgent when they were worried about not being able to afford the bills. On the other hand, with travel bringing back real goodness for others and a more urgent focus on conscious choices, 54% of travelers today are willing to pay more for travel options that are certified sustainable, increasing spending to ensure own safe driving.
As more travelers feel the pinch, they are seeking more sustainable and rewarding travel options, highlighting the trade-off between making conscious choices and saving money, and the need for incentives. Half (50%) want discounts and financial incentives to choose eco-friendly options, while 40% would be encouraged to travel more sustainably, with bonus points for making more sustainable choices, which they can earn by traveling online Free perks or discounts booking sites.
Breaking down barriers to drive change
It’s not just cost that stands in the way of more sustainable travel. From limited data to a perceived lack of choice, the barriers to traveling more sustainably appear to be higher than ever, with some notable shifts over the past 12 months. Just under half (46%) of UAE travelers feel there are not enough sustainable travel options, while 79% want more sustainable travel options from travel companies.
Despite good intentions, 42% of travelers don’t know where to find more sustainable options. For example, 78% look for authentic experiences that represent the local culture, yet in stark contrast 42% don’t know how or where to find these tours and activities that ensure they give back to the local community.
Create Sustainable Mini Habits During the Holidays
Despite the barriers and tight wallets, it is clear that a majority (93%) of travelers in the UAE confirm that more sustainable travel is important to them, so there is a huge demand for solutions. Travelers say they are turning intentions into action by taking positive small steps at home and while traveling to drive a more sustainable future. Encouragingly, 55% of people today use reusable shopping bags, 46% recycle their trash and 50% carry their own reusable water bottles.
More than three-quarters (78%) say they turn off lights and appliances in their accommodation when they are away, and more than a third (36%) now recycle while traveling. Even more hopeful, travelers are taking action to make conscious choices on vacation that go beyond these daily micro-habits.
When it comes to transport, 38% now plan their sightseeing so they can walk, cycle or take public transport, while 36% travel outside peak season to avoid overcrowding. Travelers also agree on the idea of ’buying local’ while on vacation, with 48% favoring small, independent stores.
Trust, truth and tourism
There is no doubt that travelers are becoming more responsible consumers, from their accommodations to their transportation choices. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of UAE travelers leave the places they visit wanting to leave the places they visit better than they arrived, with today’s travelers increasingly traveling regeneratively and looking for holidays with maximum positive impact, while at Seek reliable guarantees for your entire travel experience when booking across regions.
For example, travelers can now easily filter their rental car search results to quickly find electric and hybrid vehicles for their next trip in 110 countries. Or choose from one of over 500,000 more sustainable accommodation options, regardless of accommodation type. Nearly three-quarters (74%) would feel better knowing a property had sustainable certification or labels, and 70% would like to screen for sustainable certified accommodation options when booking their next time.
In response, the travel industry must adapt to the changing expectations of these more conscious consumers, with a third (38%) always looking for brands that promote sustainability, and 72% interested in learning more about why a particular Options are considered more sustainable, such as eco-friendly LED lighting and water-efficient toilets, for a more sustainable stay. Still, with almost a quarter (35%) of travelers today not convinced that labels featuring sustainable travel options are indeed more sustainable, the travel industry has a lot to gain in earning consumer trust.
“While travel may return, climate anxiety has led to increased demand for more budget and eco-friendly options,” said Carlo Olejniczak, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA, Booking.com.
“Travel can be a force for good and it turns out that travelers themselves are the game changers of today, adopting more sustainable travel habits and seeking responsible experiences. We are listening and speaking with our colleagues across the industry Together, we lead positive change and examine every part of travel to support travelers and benefit local communities and the environment.
“More sustainable travel is an investment in the world, and we are committed to making it easier for everyone to experience travel in a more mindful and responsible way, no matter where they are on their sustainability journey,” he said. added. – trade arab news agency
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