The travel andtourism industry could do more for responsible and sustainable tourism, revealsa survey that took place at World Travel Market 2011 – the leading global eventfor the travel industry – by exhibitor SustainIt.
As the travel and tourism industry continues to grow there is an increased emphasis on responsible travel. During WTM 2011 Technology and Online Travelexhibitor Sustain It, the leading software and data consultancy that specialise in sustainability performance, surveyed more than 200 WTM participants. This was to understand the industry’s experiences of sustainability and responsible tourism and work out whether the industry really is engaging in the principles of sustainability. More than seven out of ten industry professionals including hoteliers, airlines, resorts andtourist attractions believe the travel and tourism industry could do more to reduce poverty and support sustainable local economic development in destination communities. Only 18% of companies questioned have sustainable supply chainsand procurement policies in place. An increasing number of companies offer their customers carbon offsets, but only 26% ofcompanies were looking at their own carbon footprint. Six out of ten industry professionals asked felt their company could do more to promote sustainability overall, with only 29% of employees not knowing if they had an targets orobjectives to meet in these areas. When WTM delegates were asked to identify the key responsible tourism issue for 2012, the survey ranked ‘Increasing employee and customer engagement insustainability’ as the top issue. With only 29% of respondents believing their company is doing enough to promote sustainability and responsible travel/tourism to its employees and customers. These two statistics coincide to unveil that the industry is informed and aware of sustainability on one hand but has a lack of employee and customer engagement on the other hand. SustainIT ManagingDirector Charlie Stockford explains: “Our survey shows that whilst there is increasing activity and concern around sustainable and responsible traveland tourism within the trade, many employees are not aware of what their owncompany is trying to achieve and therefore are unable to share it with their customers. We really hope that 2012 is a year where businesses start communicating and engaging far more with their employees about their sustainability and responsible travel programmes and that those companies whoare just starting out realise the real positive impact a good sustainabilityprogramme can make to both their profitability and to the future of ourplanet.” Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman World Travel Market and pioneer of responsible tourism Fiona Jeffery expressed that the key observations revealed are ultimately the key reasons why WTM World Responsible Tourism Day – an international day of action dedicated tohelp protect the world – was formed. “Travel companies, destinations and professionals worldwide recognisethat responsible tourism offers a valuable and exciting new dimension to traveland tourism. With this in mind, one of the key objectives of WTM WRTD is tohelp drive change by educating more responsible behaviour with the travel andtourism industry and travelling public.” This year WTM WorldResponsible Tourism Day will take place on Wednesday 7 November atWTM, ExCeL London. For further information please visit www.wtmlondon.com or www.wtmwrtd.com
