New Study to Assess Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Travelers

New Study to Assess Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Travelers

Mandala Research and World Footprints, leaders in travel market research and sustainable tourism, are teaming up with travel industry leaders on a Sustainable Travel and Tourism Study. The research will address the 55 million travelers who the U.S. Travel Association says have growing concerns about environmental issues.

The study will assess the value and impact of sustainability on travelers by understanding their expectations and their propensity to support destinations and travel companies that implement sustainable practices. In addition, the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Study will assess the impact of the new GSA Federal Travel Regulations on destinations, cities, and venues where government conferences and meetings are held. Sustainable Travel International, has signed on as a sponsor of the research, serving to expand the reach of the study into the global tourism marketplace.

“We are excited about the participation of Sustainable Tourism International who also understands that sustainable tourism is one of the most progressive and rapidly growing travel segments in the world, and that it hasn’t been adequately defined or measured,” said Tonya Fitzpatrick of World Footprints, an travel media company and leader in socially conscious travel. “Having relevant information about this growing segment is imperative to understanding the market and its potential.”

Laura Mandala of Mandala Research, a travel and tourism research firm based in Alexandria, Va., said the study will change the playing field in the area of sustainability. “There are many assumptions about what sustainability means but no real data to help the industry develop and market sustainable practices that consumers understand or can appreciate,” she said.

The research will involve an online survey of 1,000 consumers who have taken one or more overnight leisure and/or business trips, 50 or more miles from home, in the past 12 months. Sponsorship opportunities are available that provide sponsors proprietary questions and input into the survey design.

Mandala Research and World Footprints are seeking additional companies to invest in and help shape research for this report on the explosive growth of interest in sustainable tourism and how it is impacting travel. The Sustainable Travel and Tourism Study will commence mid-February, 2011, with final results available late April, 2011.