Two years of the epidemic and a set of restrictions have not changed anything. travel is still a dream. And they are more successful than ever, as the latest barometer from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows. Since the beginning of 2022, more than 474 million international tourists have traveled, of which 65% are from Europe. To date, the sector has already recovered to almost 60% of pre-Covid levels. In one nuance, and which is important, aspirations change rapidly. If the cravings for beach and sun are undeniable, environmental, ethical and social issues are evolving into travelers’ concerns. At least, that’s what they claim. Is it true and is the tourism industry able to live up to these expectations? The theme was “A World for Travel”, which took place on 27 and 28 October in Nîmes, where 400 international decision-makers from the public and private sectors, academics and experts shared their experiences in Nîmes. This was the second edition of this event dedicated to the transformation of the tourism sector.
The Many Paradoxes of the Traveler
The numbers did not decrease, trying to characterize the phenomenon. Among the most interesting studies is one conducted by Google and the Australian airline Qantas on a sample of 17,000 people from six countries. Results? 66% of travelers did not necessarily choose the cheapest offer, a sign that they are willing to pay for better quality. And by quality, they mean different criteria: an “inspiring” and accessible experience, high trust in tour operators, the places and communities they will visit, and “sustainable” travel.
However, this last criterion is still not decisive in the choice of residence, and in particular among young people aged 18 to 25. If there is an ecological conscience, the behavior does not necessarily have to be appropriate. And the price is not the only explanation. Some cite the complexity of the 570 existing tags found. The Radisson hotel group, which operates more than a thousand hotels in sixty countries, made this observation. 73% of their customers say they want to book a sustainable vacation, but don’t necessarily take action. Group Vice President Inge Huybrechts, who is particularly responsible for business, advises that “concrete actions become more visible in institutions”, a bit like organic products in supermarkets.
Cruise and air traffic
Of all the industries present, the cruise industry clearly had the most to say. Already perceived as a polluter and vector of mass tourism, the sector must also, on paper, deal with the measure of social distance inherited from the epidemic. But how to explain that the cruises are still attracting a lot of passengers, and this after the announcement of their gradual resumption after a health break?
According to Davide Triaca, director of sustainable development at Costa Cruises, which has published a charter for sustainable and inclusive tourism, all the conditions are met for an increasingly high-quality experience. And facing the repeated criticism of the arrival of these maritime giants in the ports of France, Italy or Spain, he insists that “neither the will is lacking nor the investment of the group”, but that “the technology is not. follow”. For example, it lists only 29 ports in the world that provide electric power to sailing cruise ships. And still no port in France. The first launch is planned for Marseille by 2025, with an exchange of expertise on part of the cruise line, which docks there almost every other day. Other cruise lines, such as the French Ponant group, whose boat capacity does not exceed 200 passengers, show waste recycling rates of around 60% and distribute only seawater that has been treated for consumption.
An effort to be made known and recognized by travelers. In 10 or 20 years, will they really and severely punish those perceived as major polluters? Apart from sailing, the plane is clearly on people’s minds.
Air transport currently accounts for 40% of tourism’s greenhouse gas emissions, ahead of automobiles. The first lesson from a European study conducted by Roland Berger. most travelers want to keep flying, but they are asking for progress on the environment, biofuels, and 90% of respondents say they are willing to do so. cost. Enough to propel the sector through industrial transition.
Source: Le Figaro
