A key trend highlighted in the Travel Trends Report 2019 by UK travel trade association, ABTA, was that responsible tourism is going mainstream, with 45% of people saying sustainability is an important element when booking a holiday.
The report brings together news and insights from ABTA members, market information and ABTA research, offering a review of the last 12 months and looking ahead.
Holidaymakers are increasingly aware of the impact they have on a destination and it is also a factor when choosing who they travel with. Over a third (36%) of people would choose one travel company over another if it had a better environmental record.
Responsible tourism is becoming a significant consideration for consumers planning a holiday. Also for travel companies, which are taking different approaches to how holidays can be more sustainable in the long term and create a positive impact on local communities. “Increasing awareness among consumers means we can expect to see this trend continue in 2019 and far beyond,” the report says.
The report highlights that sustainability issues have become a concern for travel companies, from waste management (including plastics) to carbon, as well as taking action to support the local economy and local workers. The impact on the communities they visit is becoming a mainstream consideration for travel companies and an integral part of business decisions and planning.
The report also highlights 12 destinations to watch in the future, with KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, making the list. Reasons for its inclusion include easy air access due to British Airways’ direct flight from the UK to Durban and its variety of tourism offerings, ranging from “exceptional beaches” to the Drakensberg Mountain range.
