Holidaymakers “not prepared to pay” for carbon off-setting

A third of consumers are not prepared to spend extra money on holidays in order to offset their carbon emissions, according to a study by travel industry marketing specialist BLM Media.

The research, which surveyed 2,500 consumers, found that 59% of respondents would not cut down the number of holidays abroad to help combat global warming, while 35% would not pay an extra £20 per holiday to offset their carbon emissions.

It also revealed that only 24% of those surveyed would select a travel company based on environmental credentials and the majority of these people were under the age of 25 years old.

BLM Media says the research suggests that saving the environment rests with the youth because it is the most environmentally friendly group with 39% saying they would reduce holidays abroad to tackle climate change.

Chris Armond (pictured), BLM Media business director, says: “The green message is not getting through to holidaymakers who appear to value their vacations more than the environment.”