A new study by travel industry leaders is working to address the nearly 55 million travelers who, according to the U.S. Travel Association, have growing concerns about environmental issues.
The Sustainable Travel and Tourism Study – spearheaded by Mandala Research and World Footprints while sponsored by Sustainable Travel International (STI) – will assess the value and impact of sustainability on travelers by understanding their expectations and their propensity to support destinations and travel companies that implement sustainable practices.
The research will involve an online survey of 1,000 consumers who have taken one or more overnight leisure and/or business trip(s), 50+ miles from home, in the past 12 months. Sponsorship opportunities are available that provide sponsors proprietary questions and input into the survey design.
In addition, the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Study will assess the impact of the new GSA Federal Travel Regulations on destinations, cities, and venues where government conferences and meetings are held.
Commenting on STI’s involvement, Tonya Fitzpatrick of World Footprints noted that “..sustainable tourism is one of the most progressive and rapidly growing travel segments in the world, and that it hasn’t been adequately defined or measured. Having relevant information about this growing segment is imperative to understanding the market and its potential.”
World Footprints is an award-winning travel media company and leader in socially conscious travel.
Laura Mandala of Mandala Research, a leading travel and tourism research firm based in Alexandria, VA, stated that “This study will change the playing field in the area of sustainability. There are many assumptions about what sustainability means but no real data to help the industry develop and market sustainable practices that consumers understand or can appreciate.”
Both Mandala Research and World Footprints are seeking additional companies to invest in and help shape research for this report on the explosive growth of interest in sustainable tourism and how it is impacting travel. For more information, contact Ginny@MandalaResearch.com or 508-487-6488.
Source: Joe Ascanio/Terra Curve
