What’s the single hottest travel trend today? Eco-awareness, say some experts.
“A couple of years ago, you didn’t hear about this as much, but now upscale travelers want to do whatever they can to be eco-conscious,” Alexandre Chemla, president and owner of Altour International, told Forbes.
Forty three million US travelers say they are concerned about ecological consciousness in the hospitality industry, according to research from Green Hotel Association.
The trend is everywhere.
Car rental companies Hertz, Budget and Avis are adding more fuel-efficient cars to their fleet, and many limo companies use hybrid vehicles.
Hotel chains including Fairmont and Aloft also have new green programs.
Another trend is upscale travel: private jet charters.
There are around 500 private jet operators worldwide, up from around 100 just five years ago. Prices to charter a plane have also declined to as little as $2,200 an hour for three to five people, down from $3,800 five years ago.
Report by David Wilkening
