Articles Tagged with: Green

A new report by Ethical Traveller has revealed the top ten ethical destinations for 2011 – just in time for the post-Christmas holiday booking rush. The countries tipped as the leaders for the coming year are (in alphabetical order):

1. Argentina
2. Barbados
3. Chile
4. Costa Rica
5. Dominica
6. Latvia
7. Lithuania
8. Palau
9. Poland
10. Uruguay

The not for profit alliance produces this list every year, with the aim of inspiring travellers and helping them to pick destinations that will not only provide a memorable experience, but where visiting can also have a positive impact on the destination itself.

To come up with the list, the organisation undertakes a study of developing nations, to help identify the “best” holiday locations. Researchers look at three key areas: human rights, environmental protection and social welfare and compare not only current data, but past information, to see how a country’s record has improved over time.

Latin America scored particularly well on environmental protection, with Costa Rica one of only four nations globally to score between 100-85 points in the Environmental Policy Index. Costa Rica also received commendation for improving its human rights record by taking firm measures to address human trafficking problems.

Notably, no African or Asian destinations appear in the list. The World Cup apparently had an impact in South Africa – the tournament was linked to an increase in sex trafficking in the country and the report also mentions that several families were forced to re-locate to make way for development projects, without being offered suitable housing alternatives.

Asian countries did not make the list because of what the report authors call a “poor human rights record and lack of strong environmental policy.” Issues such as whaling and dolphin hunting in Japan have attracted negative attention from the alliance over the past year and continue to cause concern.

The island of Barbados scored particular praise for organising the Caribbean Green Economic Conference for 2011 and was the destination which scored highest overall in the Envioronmental Protection Index.

Ethical Traveller point out that no destination is perfect and that there are always improvements to be made. They hope however that the list will help travellers choose wisely and that this list will inspire countries worldwide to strive to improve their environmental, social and human rights record.

A new study undertaken by travel company Sabre, has revealed what consumers think about green travel in 2010. The report which was published this week shows ten key findings:

1. Consumers Becoming More Eco-Conscious. The study found that consumers in general are becoming more eco-conscious and paying greater attention to environmental concerns overall. Examples of activities respondents claimed to be doing on a regular basis, include recycling rubbish and shopping locally.

2. Price an Issue for Green Travel. Over 60% of respondents said they did not pay extra to stay in a green hotel in the past twelve months, suggesting consumers are unwilling to pay a premium for environmentally-friendly options.

3. Travel Industry: Could Do Better. According to the survey respondents, the travel industry could do more to improve its environmental record and become more sustainable. Survey respondents said too many companies pay lip service to being eco-friendly and that green-washing is a big problem in the industry.

4. Lack of Green Brands. Travellers said the only destination which has managed to establish itself in the mind of consumers as a true “Green Brand” is Costa Rica. No other destination comes close in terms of its brand association with sustainable tourism, the survey found.

5. Certification Needed. As consumers have become aware of green-washing practices in the travel industry, over 40% say they look for external certification of an establishment’s eco credentials before they book.

6. Business Travel on the Up – Bad News for Green Travel? Respondents said that they travelled more on business in 2010 than in 2009 and the vast majority of business travellers work for companies with no environmental policy.

7. Rise of Voluntourism. Environmental and humanitarian disasters have further fuelled demand for volunteering holidays, a niche within the travel industry which is expected to continue to grow.

8. Social Media Key. Social media such as social networks and travel review websites are far more important to consumers than advertising when deciding where to take a holiday, the survey found.

9. Events Go Green. A key finding of the study is that consumers expect conference and event organisers to do more to improve their environmental record. Could green conferences and business events be a trend for 2011?

10. Travel Agents Still Important. A third of respondents said they had used a travel agent in the past twelve months and over 50% said they would like to use the services of a travel agent which specialised in certified, sustainable travel choices.

Thomson Holidays have launched a Greener Holidays brochure to help customers choose a more environmentally friendly break next summer. All holiday properties included in the new brochure are Travelife certified, which means the accommodation has been recognised as working towards pre-defined sustainability goals.

Thomson is working towards having all of its hotels Travelife certified within five years and hopes that over 50 per cent of its customers will be staying at Travelife accommodation by the end of Summer 2011.

The new brochure is only available online – a step which the firm says will save on paper and printing. Customers can request a copy of the brochure online and specify which destinations they are interested in from a pre-defined list. A customised version is then sent to the customer by email, removing the need for paper copies to be sent by mail or picked up in a Thomson high street shop.

The new online-only brochure is part of a comprehensive sustainability plan which Thomson has implemented to improve its environmental performance across all levels of its business. Some of the commitments Thomson has made in its 2010 sustainability plan include reducing energy use in its high street stores by 7 per cent and cutting carbon emissions from its airline by 6 per cent over the next four years.

As well as the new Greener Holidays brochure, Thomson has launched a new website called Holidays Forever. This new portal is designed to share information with customers on Thomson’s current environmental performance and future commitments and includes surprisingly up-front information about the impact travel and tourism has on the environment and communities around the world.

The new website also includes tips for customers on how to have a greener holiday which include packing light, choosing Travelife certified hotels and using less water and energy while abroad.

Other things Thomson is doing as part of its sustainability plan include reducing the number of pages in its in-flight magazine and ditching the use of plastic blanket bags on-board Thomson flights. The airline is also due to start recycling on board waste from November 2011 – a move which will no doubt sound long overdue to many customers.

It is interesting to see how a major mainstream tour operator like Thomson has approached the issue of sustainable travel – we’ll be watching closely to see how other travel companies respond over the coming weeks and months.

Travel group TUI has been commended for its professional approach to reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change.

The travel operator with own brands including Thomson and First Choice, was this week ranked 6th in an annual report called the FTSE 350 Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI).

The CDLI highlights companies which show the “most professional approach” to climate change issues on a corporate level. TUI was ranked in the top 25 per cent of companies included in the 2010 CDLI and was the only travel operator included in this year’s report.

The CDLI is compiled by Pricewaterhousecoopers on behalf of not-for-profit organisation, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Paul Dickinson, Executive Chairman of the CDP said this week:

“The Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index recognises companies that demonstrate good internal data management practices for understanding greenhouse gas emissions, including energy use.

Companies that make this index have also demonstrated clear consideration of how climate change is and will impact on their business. As companies’ understanding of climate change issues grows, they are better placed to take positive action to manage and mitigate its risks.”

TUI has made several moves recently to demonstrate that it takes sustainability issues seriously. It published its first Sustainability Report in August this year, which revealed the progress the group is making across its portfolio of brands.

According to the report, TUI is “actively engaging” 71 per cent of its suppliers on environmental issues and has reduced direct carbon emissions generated by its airline by 3.6 per cent since 2007/2008.

The group has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 6 per cent by 2013/2014 and recently announced that it will include data on sustainability issues in its annual financial report.

Commenting on TUI’s 2010 inclusion in the CDLI, TUI Chief Exec Peter Long said:

“We are delighted once again to be recognised for our good corporate governance in respect of carbon management and the progress we have made this year. We have a firm commitment to manage our environmental footprint from the Board level down.”

TUI says it plans to increase the number of green offerings available to customers from 2010 by launching new brochures and is working on ways to improve the ways it communicates with customers about sustainable development issues.

If you’re thinking of booking a holiday though one of the TUI brands such as Thomson or First Choice, keep a look out for properties flagged as belonging to the Travelife scheme. These properties are actively engaging with TUI on environmental issues and working to reduce their carbon footprint.

Europe’s first-ever ecotourism conference gathered the great and good of the green travel movement to the small town of Pärnu, Estonia last week. Delegates debated critical issues, challenges and the future of sustainable travel. Here are some of the hot topics which we think will be re-surfacing as top green travel trends for 2011:

Zero Carbon Hotels

Climate change is not going away and tourism is one industry in particular that is at risk from the threat of global warming. We’ve started to see the first zero carbon hotels open in Europe over recent months. As governments introduce incentives for green businesses and pressure grows on the travel industry to green-up its act, expect to see more travel businesses focusing on eliminating, reducing and measuring their carbon footprint from 2011 and beyond.

“Voluntourism”

Travel in 2011 is going to be all about the experience – maximising the positive impact of travel as well as minimising the negative. “Voluntourism” or volunteer tourism enables tourists to contribute and benefit local communities while seeing the world and is destined to increase as travellers look for more meaningful ways to travel and contribute to local communities. Expect to see more volunteer activities integrated into green and sustainable travel programs through 2011 – and not just those aimed at backpackers and gap year students.

Slow Travel

Sticking with the theme of experience – more and more travel businesses are recognising that travelling can be more than just a means of getting from A to B. As well as companies and websites facilitating cross-country train and ferry travel, expect to see more businesses promoting slow, memorable travel where “getting there” is an important – if not the most important – element of the holiday.

Local Travel Movement

The local travel movement aims to connect tourists with local people while on holiday, ensuring enriching experiences for both parties. We’ve already seen movements like couch surfing gain ground over the past few years. Now a new website for the Local Travel Movement hopes to take things to the next level. Proponents of local travel believe it is the only truly green way to travel, as it ensures you respect local traditions and culture as well as the natural environment.

Green Travel Networks

As social media provides more opportunities for like-minded travellers to connect online and in real life, expect to see more green travel networks developing and expanding.

Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a subtropical environment to spend time in the sun and by the waves. But there is nothing worse than being in that environment, and having your view blocked by trash. Some of the most natural and beautiful places in the world are being covered up by litter. In Hawaii, paths leading to waterfalls are landmarked by man-made debris. This makes the prospect of green traveling even more attractive, as we continue to recognize our impact on the natural world around us. Here are a few tips for the eco-friendly traveler, if your destination is the Hawaiian Islands.

If the idea of community showers doesn’t bother you, then consider camping. Camping is a great option for people who want to cut down their use of energy resources and spend their time connecting with a natural environment. Who needs a lamp when you’re roasting marshmallows by a fire? Remember to pack wisely (stainless steel bottles, microfiber towels, etc.) and check your airline’s rules and regulations for bringing certain camping equipment onboard. Another upside to camping is that it’s cheap, at only about 25.00 a night; this includes both the state park fee and the cost of the permit. You can check the amenities and price for every state park (and even apply for a permit) online at Hawaii’s State Park website.

Each island has a myriad of natural attractions; you can see volcanoes on Maui, or Akaka Falls on the Big Island, or hike the Na Pali coast on Kauai, just to name a few. One of the best activities for a green traveler may be a bike ride down a volcano. You will pay a fee for the initial ride up (at sunrise), but then the day is spent coasting down steep declines and stopping at black sand beaches along the way back.  It’s an awesome way to experience the Hawaiian landscape.

Even the city-dweller will want to check out the small Hawaiian markets. Here you can find fresh organic food, straight from locals who grow it. By purchasing your groceries here as opposed to the larger chain grocery stores, you’re supporting the community business owners, eating organic healthy food and also entrenching yourself in local culture. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

If you’ve never flown to Hawaii before, be aware that you will need to declare certain personal items (this depends on what you pack or buy) to Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture. This prevents harmful plant pests and diseases from getting to the islands. Particularly, this means fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the like will need to be inspected by Department of Agriculture personnel. Honestly, just avoid this altogether by packing light and shopping for food once you arrive.

Hawaii is the perfect state to spend an eco-friendly vacation. The very heart of Hawaii’s tourism is the appeal of a green tropical environment with countless outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling and hiking. It’s not too much to ask that we do our part in preserving its beauty. For more in formation on travelling in Hawaii visit My Hawaii Honey moon.

Holidaymakers are being urged to think of green travel when packing their suitcases this summer. Not only is carrying heavy luggage bad for backs, but it’s bad for the environment too.

Over-burdened suitcases are being blamed for increased carbon emissions as heavy loads cause aeroplanes to use more fuel.

Only 16 per cent of holidaymakers actually use and wear everything they’ve packed and over a third only use 25 per cent of the items in their case. The figures were revealed in a survey published by Thomson earlier this week.

The holiday firm is asking travellers to think twice when packing their bags and cut their carbon footprint. Thomson say that if a third of holidaymakers left that extra 25 per cent of unused luggage behind it would save 7,537 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent of taking 2,216 cars off the road.

TV fashion expert Brix Smith-Start has been recruited to back Thomson’s Holidays Forever green packing campaign. She said this week: “Everyone wants to look fabulous when they are on holiday, yet too many of us don’t think about what outfits we’ll actually want to wear and so we end up with clothes that won’t see the light of day once we are away. I’m providing travellers with some top tips on how to make their luggage more green and advising how holiday makers can bring fewer items, but still look great.”

Brix’s top tips include:

• Check the weather before you leave
• Take a look at the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If the Met promise seven days of sunshine, you won’t be needing a heavy jumper and jeans!
• Cut down on shoes
• Shoes weigh a lot and take up loads of room in your case. Resist the temptation to pack footwear to go with every outfit – take some flat sandals, flip flops for the beach and plimsolls for walking.
• Pack statement pieces
• Bright kaftans and maxi-dresses are easy to dress up and down, making them ideal for day to night dressing. Pack a couple along with a few pieces of statement jewellery and you’ll have enough to see you through your holiday.
• Ditch the towels
• Bulky towels are heavy and take up a lot of room. Use towels provided by your hotel or buy a cheap one when you arrive.
• Cut down on toiletries
• Think about what you really need and what you’ll actually use. Take travel sized versions of your must-have products and co-ordinate with holiday buddies if you’re travelling as a group.

Jurys Inn has become the first hotel chain to have all its properties awarded a gold star by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

The Aberdeen Jurys Inn is the latest to receive the award, which is the only environmental scheme validated by national tourism agency Visit Britain. The hotel chain has properties at popular city and seaside locations around the UK and Ireland, including Manchester, Dublin, Birmingham, London and Brighton.

Company management say that the green practices the chain has employed will save a substantial £1m over the next three years. And with rooms starting from as little as £39 per night, this is one hotel where being green won’t cost customers the earth.

Green practices in place at Jurys Inn include using renewable energy from Airtricity for all Irish Inns through to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Nearly 60% of waste is recycled across the group thanks to state-of-the-art recycling and composting facilities.

The hotel group also has an energy saving team in place at each hotel and has put in place several measures to save water across the group. Examples of water-saving features include efficient shower heads and toilet cisterns, in addition to electronic washroom systems.

John Brennan, chief executive at Jurys Inn, said: “Getting everyone at Jurys to help has been essential. The energy, attention to detail and ‘buy-in’ from staff is one of the main reasons Jurys has been able to achieve so many gold awards.”

New hotels are due to be opened in Portsmouth, Bradford, Gateshead and Glasgow over the next year. As would be expected from a gold-star winning chain, environmentally friendly features including heat recovery systems, solar panels and rain harvesting systems are being factored-in to the designs.

The GTBS is the UK’s national sustainable tourism certification scheme and the only scheme validated by Visit Britain. Businesses that want to be accredited by the scheme are visited in person by a trained assessor and graded bronze, silver or gold according to the standards of environmental care adopted at each location.

In addition to being a green choice for city breaks, Jurys Inn has a number of special offers on family breaks. These include hotel and attraction packages for Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Cadbury World Birmingham. Just make sure you travel by train to ensure that your holiday really is green.

According to new research published by ABTA and the Travel Foundation, nearly half of all Brits forget about saving the environment the moment they step off the plane.

Despite the fact that record numbers of families are making an effort to go green at home, it seems nothing could be further from our minds once we get into the holiday mood. Nearly 90 per cent of families surveyed said they regularly perform waste recycling such as paper recycling and plastic recycling, but less than half do the same while on holiday.

The findings were published last week as part of the first ever “Make Holidays Greener” week. The national campaign organised by ABTA and The Travel Foundation aims to convince holidaymakers to consider the environment and local communities when travelling abroad.

Supported by travel organisations including ABTA, Thomson, First Choice and Thomas Cook, the “Make Holidays Greener” initiative is the first to target mainstream consumers and not just those travelling with specialist green and ethical travel providers.

Organisers hope to persuade travellers that being green on holiday is just as easy and important as saving the environment at home.

ABTA spokesperson Nikki White said: “Make Holidays Greener isn’t about being super-green or making carbon-neutral claims, but about how you can take some very simple steps that won’t cost you money and won’t mean you have to compromise on comfort, luxury or style”.

They also hope that children will be a driving force behind making family holidays more eco-friendly. Sue Hurdle of the Travel Foundation added:

“Children are often the ones nagging mums and dads to turn off the lights when they’re not needed or to turn off the taps when they’re brushing their teeth. We now want them to replicate their green habits when they go on holiday.”

Some of the activities being suggested include taking showers instead of baths, turning off air conditioning and saving water by not washing towels daily.

The survey also revealed that nearly a third of holidaymakers believe holiday accommodation providers should provide more information to guests as to how they can protect the environment during their stay.

Given that many overseas hotels and villas don’t provide recycling and power saving facilities as standard, the ability of holidaymakers to meet their green commitments is often determined by their villa or hotel. But if efforts to raise consumer awareness are redoubled with property owners abroad, perhaps 2010 could be the year green travel goes mainstream.

Courtyard at the Hotel Del Sol, San Francisco. Photo Credit: Courtesy Joie de Vivre hotels

Regarded as an epicenter of sustainable food and progressive politics, San Francisco is also becoming well known as one of the best destinations for green travelers in search of environmentally sustainable vacations, and  the Joie de Vivre chain has largest number of certified green hotels in the city. Among the hotels with green certification are  the Hotel Del Sol and the Galleria Park, Hotel Vitale, Hotel Carlton, and Hotel Drisco.
Joie de Vivre is also rolling out bio-compostable bath amenities from California-based Lather at its hotels. The new Bamboo Lemongrass amenities are packaged in materials made from biodegradable cornstarch rather than petroleum-based plastic and are made of 85% post-consumer recycled materials. A number of the hotels take their sustainability efforts one step further, opting to use Lather’s products in bulk dispensers in their guestrooms.

“By the end of 2009, roughly one-third of our hotels had achieved official green certification,” said Chip Conley, Joie de Vivre founder and CEO. “Achieving formal certification requires a long-term investment of time and resources. These hotels reflect our commitment to environmental conservation, and we are working steadily toward green certification for all of our hotels.” Joie de Vivre’s environmental conservation program, Green Dreams, focuses on four main areas: recycling and waste reduction, energy conservation, water conservation, and pollution prevention. Conservation efforts range from implementing guestroom recycling programs and installing energy efficient lighting at the hotels to donating leftover food and setting up composting programs at the restaurants.