Few agents enable carbon offsetting – poll

Thursday, 12 Dec, 2006 0

Only 12% of leisure travel agents and 14% of business agents are offering customers the ability to offset their carbon footprint.

This is despite around a quarter of both leisure (26.5%) and business (25.6%) agents fielding an increased number of questions from their clients on the environmental impact their travel plans are likely to have.

The results come from an Amadeus snap poll of more than 115 agents.

When asked what their own agencies are doing to address environmental concerns only 12.5% said they are providing clients with the ability to offset their carbon footprint.

Thirty five per cent said they are promoting travel providers and suppliers with clear environmentally-friendly policies and a similar proportion say they are publicly supporting charities that care for the environment, while more than half are offering customers and staff recycling programmes within their premises.

More than 14% of business agents say they are providing clients with the ability to offset their carbon footprint; 46.4% are promoting travel providers and suppliers with clear environmentally-friendly policies; 42.9% are offering customers and staff recycling programmes within their premises and 17.9% are publicly supporting charities that care for the environment.

Amadeus UK & Ireland marketing director Elaine Seeto said: “With the ever growing number of column inches dedicated to climate change, it’s not surprising agents are noticing an increase in the number of environmentally conscious customers.

“As the green debate ‘hots up’, it’s likely that agents will be asked to demonstrate clear action on green issues.”

She said she expected technology to play an increasing role in developing environmentally-friendly solutions.

Report by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

Since 1932, P&O Cruises has offered Aussies and Kiwis the opportunity to take to the seas and have the holiday...

At Wilderness Safaris we believe in creating life-changing journeys and have been doing so for over 39 years. Our purpose...

Our leadership is bold. Our agility thrives on open innovation and we embrace the new, whether it’s diversity, trends, challenges....

We’re the number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean – a fact we love to...

Philippine Airlines (PR), also known as PAL, is the Filipino flag carrier. The company started their operations in February 1941,...

Since its launch in 1999, TravelMole.com has become, one of the largest global online travel industry communities. It is comprised...

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

Palladium Hotel Group is a renowned Spanish hotel chain that first emerged towards the end of the 1960s. Currently present...

Welcome to Qatar Airways Qatar Airways is proud to be one of the youngest global airlines to serve all...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

This is Jersey. An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle...

Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors. We...

Princess Hotels & Resorts is a hotel chain specialising in holiday and urban hotels located in first class tourist destinations,...

Take your clients’ vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios...

Local spices spike the fragrant air of Morocco. Cradled by the dunes of the Sahara, the Kingdom has been inhabited...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...