Tourists seeking sustainable destinations

Tourism plays a vital role in climate change, accounting for around 8% of global carbon emissions. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), travel and tourism accounted for 8.1% of global emissions in 2019. According to 2019 data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the International Transport Forum, carbon emissions related to tourism increased by at least 60% between 2005 and 2016, and are expected to increase by an additional 25% by 2030 if decarbonization measures are not implemented. There has been a change in the way tourists choose holiday destinations, and sustainable tourism destinations are becoming more and more popular, especially those closer to home.

The research, conducted by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was presented at the Ravenala Hotel in Balaclava on Tuesday morning. The 11th Conference on Advances in Hotel and Tourism Marketing and Management The survey, conducted by the International Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality in partnership with the Faculty of Law and Management at the University of Mauritius, shows that tourists are becoming more aware of the sustainability of the destinations they choose to travel to. “Globally, more and more tourists are concerned about sustainability. They choose to travel to closer destinations, prefer to buy local products, and are willing to support the local economy by purchasing local products and services.Professor Song Haiyan of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University said that he firmly believed that if Mauritius was seen as a sustainable destination with many local products and services, tourists would flock there. “When people perceive domestic and international destinations as sustainable, they choose those destinations. They are willing to spend money to visit Mauritius, but the most important thing is that the island is seen as a sustainable destination.he emphasized.

Although the study is specific to the Chinese market, Professor Song believes that the findings are applicable to different destinations, because low-carbon travel behaviors are increasingly sought after in today’s global warming and pandemic, and the impact of human activities on climate change has become a key issue that everyone is concerned about. This particular study shows how Chinese people choose destinations and products based on the benefits of reducing carbon emissions. “If destinations implement policies that promote low-carbon tourism, tourists are more likely to travel to these places and purchase the low-carbon products these destinations offer. This is a very important study to understand how tourists view their contribution to reducing global warming.the researchers emphasized.

The research also shows that tourists are increasingly using technology in their decision-making process and making online purchases based on information provided by the destination. “You have to provide comprehensive information about local products, local attractions, traditions and cultural heritage. They are interested in these aspects, not in mass tourism with large crowds. Those days are more or less over. Every destination is trying to get rid of mass tourism.he explains. He believes that effective sustainable development policies can limit certain activities while attracting more tourists who are willing to spend more money.

The results of this study show that tourists are willing to pay relatively higher prices for destinations closer to home. They avoid destinations with high carbon emissions and prefer those that support and promote carbon offset projects. Tourists with higher awareness of climate change are more likely to travel to low-carbon destinations that support offset projects. In order to adapt to the changes in tourists’ destination choices, the study recommends that tourism companies increase their carbon emission reduction efforts and local governments should also support and invest in carbon neutrality projects. “Social media can be a powerful tool for policymakers to promote low-carbon travel options. By spreading information about climate change, they can encourage tourists to make greener travel choices.The document also highlights that disseminating knowledge about the impacts, causes and potential actions of climate change can play a vital role in promoting environmentally beneficial behaviour and consumption patterns among tourists.

Robin Nunkoo: “We have to adapt to artificial intelligence”

Conference co-chair Robin Nunkoo, professor at the University of Mauritius, said Mauritius’ tourism industry must adapt to artificial intelligence and the virtual universe, two technologies that are disrupting contemporary practices. “They force us to rethink how we do business, adjust our policies and strategies, and how the hospitality industry must respond to these changes to avoid being eliminated.”he explains. Despite the existence of policy documents on artificial intelligence, he believes that a lot of research is still needed to effectively integrate these technologies into the practices and services of the tourism sector. In addition, research conducted by the University of Mauritius shows that culture can influence the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). “How a country adapts to AI depends largely on its culture”he clarified, adding “We need to understand the impact of AI on all aspects and view it as a holistic integration.”

this The 11th Progress in Hotel and Tourism Marketing and Management The conference is a unique forum that brings together participants from academia, industry, government and other organizations to actively exchange, share and challenge cutting-edge research and industry case studies in hotel marketing and management and the tourism industry. The conference aims to thoroughly examine contemporary issues related to the hospitality and tourism industry, promote dialogue and develop new perspectives in the field in a globalized environment.