Consumers aged 25-34 'most concerned' about impact of holidays on environment

Abta research has found travellers aged between 25 and 34 years old are “perhaps both most engaged and concerned” about the impact of their holidays on the environment.

 

The association carried out research to find out which age group is the “most conscious traveller” as part of its annual Holiday Habits survey, which it unveiled at its annual convention in Calvià, Majorca.

 

In total, 64% of people aged between 25-34 said they would like to know how travel companies are benefitting the destination they are going to, compared with the average of 48%.

 

Further, 20% of people in this age bracket said they chose one company over another when going on holiday in the last 12 months because it had a better environmental/sustainable record, double that of the national average.

 

However, despite higher levels of awareness, people in this segment are also more likely to feel pessimistic about their ability to have an impact, said Abta – 47% said they believe there is not much they can do as a consumer around climate change, carbon emissions and the environment, compared with the average of 39%.

 

The association added that consumers’ concern about sustainability “doesn’t detract from their desire to travel overseas”.

 

This is highlighted by the fact 62% of people aged between 25 and 34 said they are not prepared to give up their holidays abroad, while 27% were neutral and 12% disagreed.

 

Speaking about the findings, an Abta spokesperson said: “While attitudes [towards sustainable travel] overall remain consistent with previous years, there is one group of people whose strength of feeling outstrips others: 25-34 year olds.

 

“When looking at the concerns about the impact of holidays, 25-34 year olds are above average for five out of eight concerns highlighted – sometimes by 10 to 20 percentage points.”

 

The spokesperson added: “All in all, it suggests this age group is perhaps both most engaged and concerned when it comes to sustainability, meaning they are a good audience for businesses to speak to about their credentials; they have high expectations of business, and are keen to take action themselves.”