CWT - Industry Trends/Innovations

Industry Trends/Innovations

Travelers drawn to ‘green’ features that do not add cost

According to a quarterly survey by the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership, U.S. travelers have become more environmentally conscious over the past two years, but only a minimal number are actually willing to pay an additional cost for “eco-friendly travel.”

The survey results showed that 78 percent of US travelers consider themselves environmentally conscious, and 54 percent are familiar with the term “carbon footprint.” Only 9 percent reported being willing to pay more for green travel options.

Some travel suppliers have implemented green practices that deliver results without adding significant costs for their business or their customers. Examples that hotels have implemented include recycling; encouraging re-use of towels and sheets; and switching to more efficient uses of energy and water, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow showerheads.

Sources: atwonline.com, tia.org

Europe begins plan to end liquid, gel ban

The European Union (EU) is making plans to end the ban on liquids and gels carried on board airplanes through use of security technology. The European Commission is considering requiring major EU airports to install such technology to screen and detect explosive material in gels and liquids by April 2012, with a goal of 2014 to end the present ban.

Source: atwonline.com