As part of the ITB CSR Programme a panel discussion “Who is the EcoTourist” was held that yielded some interesting results.

Jurgen Maier of American Express Int presented results of research they conducted looking into the green marketplace, which suggested that a typical eco-traveller is around 30 years old living a broadly healthy lifestyle that is good for themselves and good for the world – the “Conscious Consumer”. “Green” says Amex is new luxury

Andrew Harding, founder of Nature and Kind said he believed that travellers desire more immersive and diverse experiences yet lack the time to research holiday options. Harding suggested here that green and ethical travel is actually not the luxury commodity; it is time that we crave.. 

  Seeing Green: Communicating With the Environmentally Conscious Traveler

The green lifestyle has become ever more popular over the course of this decade. The travel industry, somewhat conspicuous for its environmental impact, has been one of the primary fronts of the green revolution. Today, 44% of U.S. travelers consider environmental impact to be important to them when planning travel according to PhoCusWright’s Going Green: The Business Impact of Environmental Awareness on Travel. Over the past several years in our industry, green practices have been implemented en masse. Hotels tout linen reuse programs, airlines sell carbon offsets and car rental companies offer hybrids. But now green travelers are asking; what impact will I really make if I never let the maid change my sheets? Where can I find truly impactful green travel options, and will I have to pay for them?

Klimaschutz spielt im Konsumverhalten der allermeisten Deutschen keine Rolle. Sie finden ihn zwar wichtig, wollen aber nichts dafür zahlen. Mit diesem Ergebnis einer aktuellen Studie gingen nun Unternehmen an die Öffentlichkeit, die sich dem Klimaschutz verschrieben haben. Das könnte man zum Anlass nehmen, auf die mangelnde Verantwortung und Moral von "König Kunde" einzudreschen; oder den Firmen zu unterstellen, dass sie Argumente gegen klimafreundliche Produkte sammeln. Beides greift zu kurz.

 Although the current economic climate is uncertain, there are many things you as a hotelier or a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) can do to influence the consumers who are still traveling to your area. And if you are a green or environmentally friendly establishment, you have even more incentive to tout your green credentials in the right way to consumers who really care. I’m going to make this a two-part series since there are so many strategies and tactics you can include.