Blog 3
The eco-conscious traveller: How to tap into this lucrative market
According to Expedia, 90% of travellers are seeking sustainable travel options.
This new generation is looking for authentic experiences that emphasize ethical travel and allow them to reduce their impact on the environment. The ways in which travellers are hoping to satisfy this need is commonly through seeking eco-certified accommodation, booking local experiences with local guides, reducing single-use plastic, supporting local businesses, taking public transport/low-emission options, and offsetting their travel emissions*.
With this in mind, it’s very likely you’ll welcome a number of visitors who are after this information for your region. Furthermore, it’s valuable to start promoting sustainable options for travellers who may be considering your region.
Useful tips
Below are a few useful tips to help your AVIC tap into this eco-conscious market.
Create a sustainable travel section at your AVIC: This may be a segment of your brochure rack, a folder with operators/accommodation providers behind the desk, or a series of posts on your social media account. Here you could include a list of local operators and accommodation providers that have eco-certification, a sustainability pledge or advertise as an eco-operator/sustainable tourism.
*When looking for eco-certification, industry recognized providers include Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck. Look for these badges on the provider’s website.
Create a ‘Sustainable Travel’ section on your AVIC description on the app: Add a titled section to the bottom of your description (descriptions can be edited via the Business Portal) where you can link local tourism webpages about sustainability or add direct links to operators/accommodation providers who have eco-certification.
Promote your region/AVIC’s sustainability efforts via your profile on the app: If your region is powered by renewable energy, has a sustainability initiative in place or measures its carbon emissions, then don’t forget to include this in your AVIC’s description on the app. Furthermore, if your AVIC has some great initiatives, include these too.
Have sustainable travel information ready to go: Whether this is a webpage to add to your AVIC’s profile on the app, a booklet behind the desk or a series of social media posts, it can be handy to have the information eco-conscious travellers are looking for ready to go. This can include the following:
- Where to find keep cups/ water stations
- Where to find local community-based experiences
- How to be involved in voluntourism opportunities
- How to be involved in tree planting or beach clean up days
- Public transport options
- Paddock to plate dining experiences
As more travellers become mindful of their impact on the natural environment, it’s important to ensure the tourism industry is not left behind in knowing how to cater to these changing wants and needs.