People are more mindful than ever about travelling responsibly following the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts.

A view of InterContinenntal Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Da Nang, a resort managed by IHG Hotels & Resorts in Viet Nam. — Photo Sun Group

The research is part of IHG’s launch of ‘Journey to Tomorrow’, a 10-year action plan comprising a series of far-reaching new commitments to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel.

Sixty per cent of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, the UAE and Australia said that they want to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels. This is led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 to 24) compared to just 48 per cent of 55s and over, according to the survey.

It appears travellers not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, they are willing to pay for it too. The research found that consumers will spend an average of 31 per cent more on accommodation they know operates responsibly – with 51 per cent happy to fork out more than 20 per cent extra a night.

With the world travelling more locally – or not at all – right now, it seems the pandemic has made consumers more mindful about preserving and connecting with the communities around them. More than half of respondents across the globe (57 per cent) said they cared more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling now than they did 10 years ago. In fact, 46 per cent of people said they are more likely to be mindful about avoiding tourist activities that have a negative impact on the local environment and communities since the global pandemic.

The appetite for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible 82 per cent of adults around the world said they are committed to taking their everyday sustainable habits with them when they travel, with using the correct waste and recycling disposal for different items taking the top spot as the number one habit.

“Journey to Tomorrow embodies IHG’s strengthened commitment to make sure we do what’s right, not just what’s needed, and we are determined to contribute towards positive social and economic change, to stand up for key issues such as diversity and inclusion and human rights, and to make more responsible environmental choices,” said Keith Barr, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has 16 hotel brands and nearly 6,000 properties in more than 100 countries, including 13 in Viet Nam.

Source: VNS