UK: A YouGov poll, commissioned by The Social Hub, has revealed younger generations have more eco anxiety than older people and certifications are not a top priority.
According to the survey of 2,000 people across the UK, fewer than a third of over 60s have worried about the impact of their travel on the environment and the communities they visit – compared to half of people aged 18-27 years – Gen Zers.
The results of the poll found just 26 per cent of people over the age of 78 were worried about their impact.
Younger generations were more likely to be concerned with 47 per cent of adult Gen Zers and 42 per cent of Millennials (those aged 28-41) saying they’ve worried about the environmental impact of their travel.
Amber Westerborg, director of sustainability and impact at The Social Hub said: “We know environmental and societal impact is important to people when choosing a destination and hotel, but there is still work to do to convince travellers to close the intention gap between meaning to make a sustainable choice and taking it – and we want to lead the industry in driving that movement.
“Younger generations have grown up surrounded by debate on the impact our actions can have on the environment and other people, so it stands to reason they are more concerned about how their travel choices may affect the world they live in and the communities they visit. However, the impact is the same regardless of your age.”
The YouGov poll also found 48 per cent of adult UK Gen Zers believe a hotel’s environmental credentials, such as certifications, are important, as did 43 per cent of Millennials (those aged 28-41).
But only 32 per cent of both Gen X and Baby Boomers said certifications like B Corp were important when choosing a hotel. And it looks like credentials like these are unlikely to greatly impact which hotel people choose with just 20 per cent of respondents saying they’d avoid booking a hotel if it had poor environmental credentials, such as a high carbon footprint or lack of eco-friendly policies. The figure rises to 25 per cent for Gen Zers.
The way people want to experience travel had more positive results as the study asked if they’d be likely to choose a hotel if it offered the chance to connect with communities through activities such as volunteering, attending local events, or supporting local businesses.
Nearly 40 per cent of people said yes and this rose to 58 per cent among adult Gen Zers.
Fair working practices are also increasingly important for travellers, with around half of respondents to the survey (47 per cent) saying they wouldn’t book a hotel if it was known for poor labour practices – such as mistreated staff or lack of fair wages.
This issue, however, still ranked behind poor reviews (76 per cent), and overpricing (71 per cent) in putting people off booking a hotel.
The Social Hub’s Westerborg said the YouGov poll demonstrates the rising significance of sustainable and responsible travel amongst younger generations.
“These figures also show how community conscious travellers are becoming, particularly amongst younger generations. Social impact is central to everything we do. We want our hubs, and the people who visit, work, and stay in them, to be considered assets to the communities they are part of. That’s how we truly go about making our communities, and the world, better for everybody.”
The Social Hub achieved a B Corp status last year after providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices on energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency. Certified companies must legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit.
Figures from B Labs, the non-for-profit organisation that certifies B Corps, show 1-in-4 people around the world now recognise the accreditation, rising to 39 per cent in the UK.
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