Consumers are not yet taking action at the level needed to deliver impact at scale despite 83% previously saying that sustainable travel was important to them, new research by Prince Harry’s not for profit coalition Travalyst found.
Of those who have travel plans for 2025, just 30% from the UK and 42% of Americans considered accommodation providers’ sustainability efforts and only 13% of UK travellers and 18% from the US factored this into their decisions.
The consumer response to a YouGov poll commissioned by Travalyst comes as a separate study by Travalyst suggests widespread commitment within the industry for continued action on sustainability.
A survey of industry leaders Travalyst found that more than nine in 10 agree that governments should ensure that travel and tourism companies report on their sustainability and environmental impact.
More than seven in 10 say that the recent backlash against environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts in some countries has had no impact on sustainability efforts within their organisation.
But they need more support and collaboration to take their efforts to the next level as only three in 10 said they feel very well-equipped to deal with incoming sustainability regulations.
Travalyst pledged to deepen its collaboration with partners aiming to close the gap between travellers’ desire to be more sustainable and the action they take.
In a forward to a report outlining achievements since there body was founded five years ago, The Duke of Sussex said: “Last year saw a staggering 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals globally. As more people travel, they have huge potential to drive inclusive growth in the destinations they visit.
“But they must be empowered with the information they need to make those trips count, ensuring that their travel plans – and spending – contribute to creating thriving ecosystems and prospering communities.”
He also called on the travel industry to align behind a set of three key goals focused on climate, nature, and communities – cutting carbon emissions by 50% by 2030; protecting and restoring at least 30% of the planet, land, and sea by 2030; and promoting truly sustainable tourism that enables a “just transition” of inclusive economic benefits, reduced inequality, and which preserves local culture and fragile ecosystems.
Travalyst chef executive Sally Davey said: “Since our founding, we have brought together some of the world’s biggest travel and technology companies to deliver consistent, credible, and compliant sustainability information at scale.
“Over the next five years, we will expand and future-proof our existing efforts, roll out new and impactful initiatives, and support the industry to align with incoming regulations.
“This report outlines our plans – and the impact we aim to achieve.”