Responsible holidays buck recession trend as travellers reach out for authenticity
A survey of over 900 responsibletravel.com tour operators and accommodations has shown that over half (53%) of respondents have seen an increase in business since the recession started. A startling 80% believe Dubai will ‘lose out’ as a tourist destination in the wake of the recession and 41% conclude that the UK will benefit from travellers’ desire to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and travel closer to home.According to those surveyed the trend in responsible tourism - which bucks that of the organic food movement - is here to stay as people search out authentic, local travel experiences with almost all respondents (94%) believing that more local and authentic travel will be increasingly popular following the global recession. Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com said:“I am staggered but delighted by the positive growth our suppliers are seeing at this difficult economic time, particularly when similar sectors such as organic food are suffering. For some time we have seen the beginnings of a changing mindset amongst consumers and the recession has sped this up where travel is concerned. Responsible tourism offers great value local and authentic travel experiences – in fact it is often a cheaper holiday option." Destination ‘winners and ‘losers’ When asked about Dubai’s future popularity, 80% felt it would ‘lose out’ from the recession. 40% of those surveyed blamed its “lack of authentic, distinctive travel experiences” and a further 38% believe it to simply be an “environmental disaster”. Over one third (35%) of respondents felt Euro zone countries are now too expensive to attract holidaymakers and instead 41% predicted we would turn to ‘staycations’ closer to home in the UK instead. A further 10% believe Turkey will come out trumps as an affordable, alternative to Europe. Francis said:“It’s fantastic to see UK holidaymakers rediscovering their own backyard at a time when we face a double incentive – the environment and our spending. I have no doubt those destinations such as Dubai will suffer unless they clean up their act and begin to switch towards providing more authentic, responsible tourism options.” Holiday ‘types’ All inclusive package holidays will be the ‘losers’ of the recession according to well over half of respondents (58%), whilst the winners, predicted by over a quarter of those surveyed (26%), will be ‘back to basics’ holidays such as camping and visits to national parks. A further 18% believe self catering accommodation will have flourished by the end of the recession and 16% say domestic holidays will be the future. - ENDS – Notes to editors
