17 Feb 2021
People are more mindful than ever about travelling responsibly following the Covid-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts. The research is commissioned as 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.
60 per cent of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, Australia and the UAE agree 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, the UAE ranked second highest with 79% of respondents.
It appears travellers not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, but they are also willing to pay for it too. The research found that UAE consumers will spend an average of 45 per cent more on accommodation they know operates responsibly – with 51 per cent happy to fork out more than 40 per cent extra a night.
Community first: Guests connecting with purpose
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 UAE (59 per cent) say they care more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling now than they did 10 years ago. In fact, 52 per cent of people say 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.
96 per cent of UAE respondents say it is important to get to know the local community when visiting somewhere new, with 71% doing this by speaking with the locals, supporting local eateries (68 per cent), followed by shopping locally (63 per cent), and getting involved with local tours (62 per cent). A further 4 in 10 choose to stay with travel companies that offer local community programs.
Travelling better for a sustainable future
The appetite for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible 86 per cent of adults in the UAE say 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.
And it seems sustainability doesn't need to take a backseat on holidays. When asked what people in the UAE have ever done on their travels to be more sustainable, the three most popular habits included carrying their own re-usable water or coffee cup, taking the public transport and walking short distances to explore the local area. And, when asked what people would avoid so they could be a more responsible traveller, 56 per cent of respondents said they would avoid leaving the air conditioning on when they leave the room.
Our Journey to Tomorrow
Keith Barr, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “As we look to the future, the global response to Covid-19 reminded us what can be achieved when we come together and work towards the greater good. This has made us all more conscious than ever about caring for people, communities and planet. 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, equity and inclusion and human rights, and to make more responsible environmental choices.
“A great guest experience at our hotels is inextricably linked to operating responsibly and growing sustainably. So while travel may have been temporarily paused for many, we want the next stage of our journey to be successful in every sense of the word.”
The ambitions and commitments are firmly rooted in an understanding of what is most important to colleagues, guests and partners across the world when it comes to doing business responsibly, as well as how IHG can play its part in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in this important 10 years of action. For decades, IHG has been championing its purpose of True Hospitality, from providing skills and education to supporting young people and taking action for environmental change, to partnering with experts globally on urgent causes such as humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
Commenting on IHG's Journey to Tomorrow, Razan Bashiti, CEO, INJAZ UAE said: “Tourism and hospitality is an important economic sector for the UAE, that supports a significant number of employment opportunities. The country is also leading the way in sustainability for the region and companies such as IHG Hotels and Resorts play a momentous role in helping shape the future of responsible travel in the region. We are proud of our partnership with IHG and our commitment together to nurture the next generation of talent and help them become a part of a sustainable future. The programmes that we have designed together give young talent an opportunity to understand the hospitality industry better, and inspire them to think creatively for solutions that promote a more sustainable future for the sector.”
With a family of 16 brands and almost 6,000 hotels and resorts at the heart of local communities around the globe, IHG is here when travellers are ready. IHG recognises the power of collaboration and will join forces with all who stay, work and partner with them to reduce carbon emissions in line with climate science, eliminate single-use items or move to reusable/recyclable alternatives, reduce food waste, and collaborate locally to tackle water sustainability in high-risk areas.
Join the journey: More information on IHG's Journey to Tomorrow can be found here, including information on the plan, ambitions, detailed commitments, and to follow the progress.
