Ten years ago, research was conducted that showed hotel guests did not care about saving energy or conserving water, let alone caring for local communities or preserving ecosystems. But today, with the number of international travelers reaching 700 million, consumers are beginning to realize the state of the current conditions. Approximately 80% of American travelers now feel it is important that hotels actively take steps to preserve and protect our earth's natural resources.
"Today, people are using 30% more resources than the earth can replenish, altering the chemistry of the air and reducing the planet's natural ecosystems by a third," says Lee Ann Gamble, Regional Manager of the Americas for Small Luxury Hotels of the World, "Tourists recognize the earth is at risk more now then ever before."
American travelers are much better informed today. 70% surveyed are willing to pay an extra $50 - $150 more for a two week stay in a hotel with a responsible environmental attitude and 55% are more likely to book a hotel with a responsible environmental attitude. Particularly popular to American travelers are hotels that look after wildlife (64%) and are sensitive to marine life (46%).
American travelers feel that purchasing local souvenirs (69%), seeking employees from local communities (57%), and providing job priority to them (62%) all enable local communities to improve sustainable travel. The survey also showed that 64% of American travelers feel it is important that hotels share resources like water and power with the local community.
For information on this survey or for a list of the "Top Ten Tips to Help Prevent your Vacation From Destroying the Earth," please feel free to contact Mary Henn at 973-376-9300 or e-mail mhenn@keatingpr.com.
About Small Luxury Hotels of the World
SLH brings together more than 270 of the world's finest-quality hotels, each assessed and regularly checked to ensure it adheres to stringent quality controls and maintains the very highest standards. The group offers the ease of booking and familiarity of an international hotel chain, while at the same time retaining and promoting the unique character, individuality and independence of each of its member properties.
About IHEI
Led and funded by chief executives of the world's leading hotel groups since 1992, the International Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI) promotes continuous improvement in the environmental performance of hotels throughout the world. IHEI is presided over by HRH the Prince of Wales through his educational charity, the International Business Leaders Forum. It represents 11 multi-national hotel groups, between them representing 68 brands, hotels on five continents and two million rooms.
