State of Gen Z survey finds concerns on ‘environmental impact’

As a new decade begins, two of the most significant challenges for travel are climate change and overtourism. However, a Globetrender and YouthSight survey of young people within the Gen Z demographic shows a distinct sense of responsibility for the way they travel and a willingness to alter their booking decisions for the sake of the planet.

The “State of Gen Z” travel survey was conducted by independent research agency YouthSight in August 2019 and polled 1,070 young people aged 16 to 24, both male and female, from the UK. Some were at school, some were at university and some were employed. The result showed that 44% of Gen Zs either agree (34.5%) or strongly agree (9.5%) with the statement “I think a lot about the environmental impact of my travel”.

(38.5% neither agree nor disagree, 11% disagree, 6.5% strongly disagree.) Of those who said they think about the environmental impact of their holidays, 65% would consider taking a train instead of a plane to reduce their carbon footprint. 57% would book an eco-friendly hotel, 48% would use an ethical tour company and 48% would pay for carbon offsetting. Meanwhile, 49% either agree (36%) or strongly agree (13%) that UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Angkor Wat should limit the number of visitors allowed. (20% neither agree nor disagree, 3% disagree and 28% strongly disagree.)