8 key sustainable tourism findings from the 2016 WTM Industry Report

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The World Travel Market Industry 2016 Report was published at WTM London this week. Amongst the findings, those that are most pertinent to the development of sustainable tourism are:

1. 3/4 of holidaymakers say sustainability is important to their holiday decision
2. 59% of holidaymakers say responsible tourism is the industry’s responsibility, compared with 25% who say it is the government’s.
3. 75% of industry exec thing capping numbers is a practical solution for overcrowding.
4. 7 out of 10 of industry respondents say industry has become more sustainable in last 10 years
5. Yet only 35% of British holidaymakers agree.
6. 90% of industry executives say sustainability is important to their organisation.
7. Only 28% of their organisations have a carbon emissions reduction policy
8. 38% of execs reckon tourism does better in terms of greenhouse gas emissions than other industries.

According to the report, “The British holidaymakers’ overall perception of the industry’s attempts to address its environmental impact is that more needs to be done. While 35% said travel had become more sustainable, 17% thought not, and 48% were unsure.”