Holidaymakers Refuse to Help the Environment (From York Press)

Holidaymakers Refuse to Help the Environment

5:47pm Sunday 3rd January 2010 in Travel Promotions

It appears British holidaymakers are unwilling to alter their holiday arrangements in order to help the environment.

As world leaders meet at the Copenhagen Summit to discuss climate change, research has revealed that the majority of holidaymakers are not prepared to change their travel habits in a bid to be more environmentally friendly. An amazing 90% said that cost and convenience were more important to their holidays than saving the planet. Just 13% said they were prepared to reduce their flights next year as opposed to 15% who were considering flying more during 2010.

Only 5% out of the 2,000 people surveyed said they would be prepared to pay more for holidays in an effort to offset their journey's environmental cost. And just 11% have the confidence in leading global governments to deal with climate change.

The research company's group director, Tom Costley said "This research points to a 'hands off' approach to the question of travel and the environment. Even though we claim to be concerned about climate change, we prefer to consider our travel plans in isolation and avoid letting green concerns affect our flying."

Costley added that travellers see their holidays as a chance to escape reality for a while and didn't always see the responsibility for climate change as theirs. Many passengers feel that they are already 'doing their bit' by paying the increased Air Passenger Duty (APD) which took effect in November this year.

The government refers to this as a 'green' tax but there's not much evidence to suggest that any of the money is being spent on the environment.

Increases saw short haul economy flights such as those to Ibiza, Majorca or Menorca holidays rise by just &pound1 per person. Egypt holidays, being a little further afield will cost &pound5 per person more. While those travelling long haul to destinations such as the Caribbean will see charges rise by up to &pound30 per person. Premium seats are all set to go up by &pound150 per person next year, which won't help tourism in the Caribbean. The banding system is determined by the distance of the destination from London, and prices are set to rise even further next year.

The arguments will continue as to just who is responsible for paying for the carbon footprint left by self indulgent holidaymakers wanting to take holidays abroad.

Commercial airlines complain that the tax does not affect private jets or cargo flights. The government will continue to charge for it, even though they cannot tell us where the money is going, and no doubt we, as travellers will continue to lie on those foreign shoreson our Menorca holidays, seemingly oblivious to the damage we may be causing the environment around us.