IHG Hotels & Resorts Reveals Guests’ Growing Passion to Travel Better
People are more mindful than ever about travelling consciously following
the Covid-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey by IHG:registered:
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, the UAE
and Australia 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. 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. Community first: Guests connecting with purposeWith
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) 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, 46 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. 86 per cent of people say it is important to
get to know the local community when visiting somewhere new, with two
thirds doing this by supporting local eateries (67 per cent), followed
by shopping locally (64 per cent), speaking with the locals (61 per
cent), and getting involved with local tours (48 per cent). A further 3
in 10 choose to stay with travel companies that offer local community
programmes. As for activities such as volunteering and restoration
projects, young travellers aged 18-24 are nearly three times as likely
to get involved when visiting another country, compared to those 55 and
over. Travelling better for a sustainable futureThe appetite
for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible 82 per cent of adults
around the world 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. Hotels are a welcome spot to do better:
the two most popular habits when travelling include re-using towels and
walking short distances to explore the local neighbourhood. And, when
asked what people would avoid so they could be a more responsible
traveller, 47 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 thoughtfully 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 in the right way, 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, Laurie Lee, Chief Executive Officer, CARE
International UK said: “For the past decade, IHG Hotels & Resorts
has demonstrated its commitment to responsible travel by working with
CARE International UK to respond to emergencies around the world with a
special focus on providing safe shelter. IHG’s support of CARE has
remained firm despite the unprecedented challenges facing the travel
industry – and the communities we serve – as a result of the pandemic.
In the past year alone, CARE and IHG provided essential Covid-19
prevention resources to almost 5,000 people in the Bogor district of
Indonesia, a region severely affected by floods and subsequent Covid-19
outbreaks. “Furthermore, with IHG’s support, CARE helped nearly
20,000 people following Vanuatu’s devastating cyclone by providing
emergency materials as well as the training and tools to rebuild homes.
These life-saving humanitarian efforts are critical to helping
communities respond to, and recover from, crises wherever they happen,
and we look forward to continuing the next decade of action with IHG.” 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.
Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 International News
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