Nearly 40 Percent of Travelers Surveyed
Are Environmentally Concerned
NEEDHAM, Mass., April 17, 2006 - TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest
travel community, today announced the results of its ecotourism survey
of more than 1,000 travelers worldwide. Eleven percent of respondents have
taken and one-quarter are considering going on an ecotourism trip. Thirty-eight
percent of respondents said that environmentally-friendly tourism is a
consideration when traveling.
Rolling Out the Green Carpet
Thirty-eight percent of travelers surveyed have stayed at an environmentally-friendly
hotel, and nine percent specifically seek out environmentally-friendly
hotels. When asked what qualities are most important to making a hotel
eco-friendly, conserving energy ranked number one, followed by conserving
water and using recycled paper.
Spare the Change
Seventy-eight percent of travelers said they decline to have their
sheets and towels changed, when provided the option by hoteliers.
A Good Start
Sixty-six percent believe environmentally-friendly measures in travel
are making a difference.
Putting Money Where Their Mouths Are
Thirty-four percent of travelers surveyed would pay more to stay at
an environmentally-friendly hotel. Twenty-five percent would be willing
to pay a 5-10 percent premium, and 12 percent would pay a 10-20 percent
premium.
Air Cares
Twenty-four percent of respondents believe that air travel should be
avoided, when possible, to help preserve the environment. Thirty-eight
percent of travelers surveyed would pay more to take an eco-friendly flight
and 26 percent would pay a 5-10 percent premium. Only three percent of
travelers surveyed have purchased carbon credits.
"A significant number of TripAdvisor survey respondents are environmentally-conscious,
which sends a message to the travel industry to ratchet up eco-friendly
offerings," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor.
"Travelers are willing to pay more to be green."
TripAdvisor's Top Ten Environmentally-Friendly
Accommodations
-
Green Genes: Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Vanua Levu,
Fiji- Average nightly rate $617 - On an amazing 17 acres of coconut plantations
overlooking Savusavu Bay, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort offers
numerous eco-friendly activities and features a marine biologist on staff.
A TripAdvisor traveler noted, "It has the friendliest staff, and we were
made to feel like we were the only people there."
-
Lofty Standards: Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa, Costa Rica- Average nightly
rate $420 - A private nature reserve set 350 feet above the ocean, Lapa
Rios Ecolodge is constructed of local natural materials and set in a breathtaking
tropical rainforest. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, "There is unbelievable
wildlife at every turn-toucans, scarlet macaws, and even monkeys on the
walk to the main lodge."
-
Big Sur Prize: Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California- Average nightly
rate $871 - Blending into the cliffs of Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is
made of organic materials and features houses with ocean, mountain, tree
and butterfly themes. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, "The Post Ranch
Inn excels at the little things and touches. All-in-all, this is a remarkable
property with great service."
-
Peruvian Pearl: Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Peru- Average
nightly rate $616 - In the tranquil Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary,
the Inkaterra offers striking white-washed cottages and stone pathways
made from local materials. A TripAdvisor traveler wrote, "The hotel is
amazing, situated in the forest with great vegetation and hummingbirds
by the hundreds."
-
Hill Thrills: Concordia Eco-Tents, Salt Pond Bay, St. John- Average
nightly rate $115 - Built almost entirely from recycled materials and positioned
up on the picturesque hills of Salt Pond Bay, the bargain Concordia eco-tents
are powered by the sun and wind. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, "We
felt like we were living in the trees since we were eye-level with the
treetops."
-
Daintree Discovery: Daintree Eco Lodge: Daintree, Australia- Average
nightly rate $404 - Located in a rainforest, the Daintree Eco Lodge provides
luxury accommodations while preserving the local habitat. A TripAdvisor
traveler noted, "We spent time with one of their Aboriginal guides, who
taught us dot art painting and about their culture."
-
Bio 101: Hotel Punta Islita, Playa Samara, Costa Rica- Average nightly
rate $229 - In a threatened ecosystem, Hotel Punta Islita has an on-site
biologist that is identifying the best conservation strategies. One TripAdvisor
traveler said, "Set on a steep hill, the beauty of the place is extraordinary."
-
Chaa-Ching: Lodge at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio, Belize- Average nightly
rate $170 - On the banks of the Macal River in a rainforest, the economical
Lodge at Chaa Creek has thatched-roofed lodges and great trails to explore.
One TripAdvisor traveler suggested, "It paradoxically combines being a
pioneer in eco-tourism with extremely comfortable adobe-walled cottages
and excellent facilities."
-
Seaside Sanctuary: Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine- Average
nightly rate $275 - Committed to environmental responsibility, the charming
New England-style Inn by the Sea educates its guests on environmentally-friendly
practices. As one TripAdvisor traveler commented, "It was everything and
more with unforgettable views of the ocean."
-
Heart and Solar: Hotelito Desconocido, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico-
Average nightly rate $417 - Lit by torches and candles at night, the solar-powered
Hotelito Desconocido is set on an estuary and in July, sea turtles come
to the beach to lay their eggs. One TripAdvisor traveler wrote, "At night
the hotel is illuminated with thousands of candles making it romantic and
interesting."
.
Hotel Punta Islita
Plaza Mayor
Playa Samara
Costa Rica
|
Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes s/n,
Via Ferrera De Cusco A Quillabamba
(formerly Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel),
Machu Picchu, Peru
|
.
About TripAdvisor LLC
TripAdvisor (R) is the largest travel community in the world, with more
than 5 million unbiased reviews and opinions, covering 250,000+ hotels
and attractions. With more than 20 million unique monthly visitors worldwide
(source: comScore Media Metrix, July 2006), TripAdvisor(R) features real
advice from real travelers and easy access to major online travel sites,
including Expedia.com(R), Orbitz, Hotels.com(R), British Airways and American
Airlines, for great deals. TripAdvisor(R), which operates sites in the
U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/) and in the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/)
provides travel suppliers a graphical advertising and cost-per-click marketing
platform. Winner of dozens of awards, including PC Magazine's Top 100 Web
Sites and Forbes Best of the Web, TripAdvisor(R) is an operating company
of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) .
TripAdvisor and TripAdvisor.com are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Hotels.com
is either a trademark or registered trademark of Hotels.com, L.P., a subsidiary
of Hotels.com in the U.S. and/or other countries. Expedia.com is either
a trademark or registered trademark of Expedia, Inc., in the U.S. and/or
other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein
may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
|