An annual study has been released and the results are in: most Kiwi travellers value sustainability but for many, it’s not a priority on holiday. There are many things Kiwis want to think about when planning a trip. We want to think about the incredible restaurants we’ll dine at and museums we’ll explore, the iconic attractions we’ll pose before and the beaches we’ll sunbathe on.
One thing we increasingly don’t want to think about is how the holiday we’re saving up for and counting down to will impact the planet, according to a recent study from Booking.com. Results from Booking.
com’s ninth annual Sustainable Travel report found Kiwis are less likely than the rest of the world to prioritise sustainability when planning travel. The report surveyed 31,000 travellers across 34 countries and territories (including 500 Kiwis) about their plans and priorities regarding eco-friendly travel. Of the Kiwis surveyed, 50 per cent said sustainability wasn’t a primary consideration when planning holidays, despite saying it was important.
This score was higher than the global average, 45 per cent. Over a quarter (22 per cent) of Kiwis said it was “very important” and one of the primary considerations when booking a trip. Yet, this was also below the global average of 38 per cent.
There are many reasons why Kiwis may not prioritise sustainability from the anticipated costs to the effort required to seek good options. However, a “sense of wariness” was a key factor, .