Eliana Willis

New research released by Expedia Group Media Solutions reveals that although 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70% feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveller.
Additional insights from the recently released Sustainable Travel study from Expedia Group Media Solutions:
The Price of Sustainable TravelNearly 70% of consumers are willing to sacrifice some element of convenience in order to travel more sustainably.
Nearly 3 in 4 travelers would choose a destination, lodging, or transportation option that supports the local community and culture, even if it was more expensive.
Opportunities in Sustainable TravelHalf of travelers want to see more sustainability information from destinations, tourism boards, or visitor resource groups.
Recommendations for locally owned businesses and restaurants ​and transportation options that have lower environmental impact is the leading type of sustainable travel information consumers want to see when planning a trip.
Key TakeawaysTravel brands should make sustainable travel information easier to understand and show the value and impact of responsible travel choices.
Travelers want to know that travel brands are committed to sustainability, not just checking a box.
For additional global insights on traveler attitudes, values, and motivations in making conscientious choices, download the full Sustainable Travel study and stay tuned for additional regional insights.
Research MethodologyConducted in partnership with Wakefield Research, the study included an online survey of 11,000 representative, general population adults ages 18+ in 11 global markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the UK, and U.S. – fielded between February 11 and March 6, 2022.
Expedia Group is reaffirming its commitment to the planet by joining two initiatives focused on accelerating a more environmentally responsible tourism industry.Expedia Group has joined the Travalyst Coalition in support of its mission to empower travelers with better information and encourage travel providers to improve the sustainability of their offerings. Additionally, Expedia Group has become a proud signatory of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism, committing to deliver plans aligned with the pathways to support cutting emissions in half over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.
“As Expedia Group moves our sustainability strategy forward, we are committed to taking action to address climate change and working across our industry and with a range of partners to shape a more sustainable travel and tourism sector,” said Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President of Global Social Impact and Sustainability, Expedia Group. “Travelers are looking for ways to minimise their environmental footprint while traveling, and to make a positive impact on the destinations and communities they visit. And they are increasingly turning to our platform for inspiration and guidance to inform their decisions. By joining these two critical industry collaborations, the Travalyst Coalition and Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism, Expedia Group is aligning our business towards a Net Zero future.”
Expedia Group is aligned with the Travalyst Coalition’s goal for the industry to educate travelers about greener choices. The Travalyst Coalition is convening some of the world’s largest travel and tourism platforms and service providers, like Expedia Group, to collaboratively tackle one of the greatest challenges the industry faces – how to provide robust yet accessible information on sustainability.
Sally Davey, CEO, Travalyst, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Expedia Group to the Travalyst Coalition. Since its inception, Travalyst’s mission has been to transform travel into a wholly positive industry. Driven by data and the core belief that travel is a force for good, Expedia Group’s commitment, platforms and data will enable Travalyst to help more travelers and travel providers make better choices for themselves and the planet.”
By becoming a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Expedia Group commits to deliver and begin implementing its climate action plans within 12 months. The Declaration unites travel and tourism behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments and catalysing collaborative solutions to the many challenges facing businesses and destinations globally.
In support, Expedia Group will:Align plans with the five pathways of the Declaration (Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance) to accelerate and coordinate climate action in tourism
Report publicly on an annual basis on progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as on actions being taken, and
Work in a collaborative spirit, sharing good practices and solutions, and disseminate information to encourage additional organisations to become signatories and support one another to reach targets as quickly as possible.
Zurab Pololikasvili, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), says: “UNWTO is proud to welcome Expedia Group as a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration. As a major online travel platform, Expedia Group can play a key role in influencing both tourists and tourist service providers to change their behaviour for the better and scale up climate action across tourism.”

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With Wales proposing the introduction of a tourism tax in autumn 2022, possibly causing travelers to boycott Welsh holidays, this has the potential to disrupt the overall post-pandemic recovery of the UK’s travel industry, found GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Craig Bradley, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The proposal for a tourism tax seems a little of out sync with what’s going on in the UK travel industry, particularly in the staycation market, given the current economic situation and ongoing issues with the pandemic. The tourism industry is showing positive signs of recovery and the local businesses in Wales have worked hard to attract tourists throughout 2021.”
According to a GlobalData Q3 2021 Global Consumer Survey, 48% of UK respondents said affordability was the leading influencing factor for booking holidays. This sentiment is likely to grow in 2022 due to the increased living costs and the current energy crisis gripping households across Britain. A recent GlobalData poll* from January 2022 revealed that 43.2% of UK respondents said they would consider taking a domestic trip this year. However, the tourist tax levy in Wales could now force tourists to travel elsewhere due to increased costs.
Bradley continues: “If the tax levy does go ahead, initial projections for Welsh domestic tourism figures could fall. GlobalData projects that domestic trips to Wales were expected to reach 12.6 million this year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. However, those figures could be under threat.”
While the tourist tax will avoid the summer peak, which will be a relief for many tourists, October and November are still popular months for domestic trips. In 2019, November was the third most popular month for domestic travel in the UK, followed by October in sixth position. This is motivated by the lower cost of travel which has proven to be popular with many British travelers. Unfortunately, families with children are most likely to be affected, as the tourist tax is often applied on a per-guest basis.ADVERTISEMENTBradley concludes: “Introducing a tourist tax in 2022 seems to be counter-productive, especially with growing concerns surrounding increased living costs and the need for UK tourism to recover as quickly as possible.”

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Desert & Delta Safaris, founded in 1982 as one of the original safari operators in Botswana has nine camps in Botswana’s famous game reserves and national parks and is delighted to announce the appointment of MC as their new Group Managing Director. 
Lempheditse Odumetse, or MC as he is known to his colleagues, has revolutionised the hospitality industry in Botswana during his role in management for more than 10 years at Desert & Delta Safaris. Under his leadership, Desert & Delta Safaris has kept its roots firmly in Botswana, promoted female empowerment and implemented innovative environmental conservation practices, that consequently became one of the first luxury safari companies to be managed exclusively by local citizens in 2014. 
From his humble start in life as a descendent of Basarwa (traditional ‘water bushmen’), MC was spotted in a bar wearing an aviation hat and goggles by a Desert & Delta Safaris manager and was instantly hired as a bartender at the Camp Moremi, celebrated for his incredible zest for life and captivating personality. He later qualified as a professional safari guide hosting international guests throughout the pristine wildlife areas of the Okavango Delta and soon after was offered a position in management. Through hard work, determination, and an incredible vision, MC has created an illustrious career at Desert & Delta Safaris and has transformed the company and the local communities. 
“The development of MC’s career from barman to Group Managing Director shows how responsible tourism in developing countries is paying dividends. More than just creating jobs such as chefs, guides, or general staff, we are seeing a genuine growth in careers within management and share of ownership. However, it is important to say that although Chobe Holdings Ltd Group provides the opportunity to grow, MC’s journey to being promoted to Managing Director is down to exceptional hard work and dedication to learning and growing as an individual within the company. I cannot think of a better person to have at the helm as we look ahead to the next chapter of Desert & Delta’s future!” Enthuses James Wilson, Desert & Delta Safaris’ Marketing Director. 
Beginning his leadership career as one of two native Botswana managers, MC instantly saw the importance of tourism in empowering the local community. This awareness resulted in him successfully leading a group localisation tourism initiative to identify young talent and guide more than 20 staff members into senior lodge management positions. He has also ensured that women develop their potential and now more than 50% of staff and management at all nine Desert & Delta Safaris lodges are women. This helps reassure solo female travellers of a safe and welcoming environment whilst providing a stable, secure income for local women and their families – a fantastic achievement for any company! ADVERTISEMENTCommunity empowerment has not been MC’s only priority, under his guidance the environment has flourished! Being a Botswana resident himself, MC recognises the beauty of the diverse wildlife and understands the responsibility Desert & Delta Safaris has to ensure its conservation. He also deeply understands the needs of the local farmers and traditional landowners and has successfully led collaborations with the shared purpose to provide aid in line with protecting the unique wildlife of Botswana. As a result of MC’s exceptional efforts, Desert & Delta Safaris successfully raised approximately £20,000 in funding in 2020 for vital toolkits for communities where solar-powered systems have helped reduce human-elephant land conflicts.
Due to his admirable hard work, determination, and uniquely wonderful character, MC’s story shows how creative innovation and significant sustainable developments can benefit local rural communities, empower women, and revolutionise the hospitality industry – all while providing every guest with an unforgettable safari adventure!

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First-time solo travelers are pulling out all the stops – they are heading to Africa on their very first solo trip. Overseas Adventure Travel has revealed that African destinations are the top 4 of its most popular adventures for first-time solo travelers through 2023.
“Many people who dream of visiting Africa don’t want to put it off any longer. They’ll take that leap and travel solo to make their dream come true,” said O.A.T. Vice Chairman Harriet Lewis.
“On average, half of the group on O.A.T. adventures will be traveling independently, helping first-time solo travelers feel right at home.”
Fifty-three percent (53%) of all O.A.T. travelers are solo travelers. Of those, 80% are women. Connecting with other women who are venturing out into the world as solo travelers is appealing, especially for first-timers. Solo women travelers on small group adventure can tailor how much time they would like to spend on their own and with others.
O.A.T. has seen a 19.5% jump in the number of solo travelers since 2019. In 2022 and 2023, 41,444 solo travelers are booked to travel with the company. Over 120,000 solo travelers have traveled with O.A.T. between 2015 and 2021.
Top 4 Adventures for First-time Solo Travelers:
Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari—17-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
Travelers reserved through 2023: 3,132
Solo travelers: 1,594
Morocco Sahara Odyssey—16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
Travelers reserved through 2023: 2,629
Solo travelers: 1,415
Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht—16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure with 5 nights aboard a privately chartered 16- passenger river-yacht
Travelers reserved through 2023: 3,495
Solo travelers: 1,739
Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti—19-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
Travelers reserved through 2023: 1,568
Solo travelers: 760
Other O.A.T. Top 10 destinations for first-time solo travelers include Japan, New Zealand, Iceland, Australia, and Italy.

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U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the Biden administration’s announcement that the federal mask mandate will not be enforced on public transportation and in transportation hubs at this time:
“The current decision to halt enforcement of the federal mask mandate effectively returns the choice of mask usage on planes and other forms of public transportation to travelers and travel industry workers, a further step toward endemic management of Covid.
“We also continue to urge the administration to immediately end pre-departure testing for vaccinated inbound international passengers, which discourages travel and provides limited public health benefits.”
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry. In 2020, travel generated $1.5 trillion in economic output and supported 11 million jobs, a drastic decline from pre-pandemic figures. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.

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