Cost vs conscience
Booking.com delves into the dilemma dividing sustainable travel in 2023.
Booking.com has revealed new sustainability research, with insights gathered from more than 33,000 travellers across 35 countries and territories, to highlight an unfolding dilemma - travellers worldwide are feeling pressured to choose between cutting costs and being more mindful about making more sustainable travel choices.
Efforts to be more sustainable are top of mind for nearly two thirds (68%) of Kiwi travellers who believe we need to act now to make more sustainable choices for future generations. Kiwis are more likely (60%) than global travellers (49%) to believe the environment will get worse in the next six months, demonstrating the high priority travellers from Aotearoa are putting on how their decisions impact the world around them as they explore it.
However, the current economic climate is hampering action being taken and a majority of New Zealanders (79%) believe the cost of living crisis is also set to worsen. Over half of New Zealanders (58%) think sustainable travel options are too expensive and a quarter (29%) are willing to pay more for travel options with a sustainable certification.
Sustainability vs spending
This leaves Kiwis with a challenge to choose between sustainability and spending, with over half (58%) believing more sustainable travel options are too expensive (up 12% from Booking.com’s 2022 data). For these respondents, sustainability and travel combined can seem non-urgent when they are worried about bill-shock.
An increasing number of travellers feeling the pinch are seeking more sustainable travel options rich in rewards, highlighting the perceived trade-off between making conscious choices, saving money and the need for incentivisation. Over half (56%) seek out discounts and economic incentives when choosing eco-friendly options while 39% would be encouraged to travel more sustainably with reward points for making more sustainable choices, such as free extra perks or discounts through online travel booking sites.
Breaking through barriers to drive change
It’s not just cost that is a hurdle to travelling more sustainably. Half of Kiwi travellers (49%) believe there are not enough sustainable travel options, while two thirds (66%) are expecting travel companies to offer more sustainable travel choices.
Despite good intentions, 41% don’t know where to find more sustainable options, highlighting that the barriers to more sustainable travel choices are based on a perceived lack of options.
For example, 70% seek authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture, yet in stark contrast 33% don’t know how or where to find these tours and activities that will ensure they give back to the local community.
A regenerative mindset for the entire trip
Travellers are becoming more responsible consumers amid the rising climate anxiety by increasingly adopting a regenerative mindset to travel while seeking credible assurance when booking across the entire travel experience. For example, nearly half (43%) want to filter their options for those with a sustainable certification or label next time they book.
In response, the travel industry is adapting to meet the changing expectations of more conscious consumers such as those who support brands that promote sustainability (24%), as well as the 63% who are interested to learn more about why specific options are recognised as more sustainable. Kiwi travellers can now easily filter their rental car search results to quickly find fully electric and hybrid cars across 110 countries for their next trip. Or choose one of over 500,000 more sustainable options for their next stay, no matter the accommodation type.
Making more sustainable travel solutions easier for everyone
“Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel research confirms an intersection between the current cost of living concerns and the extreme climate events witnessed in our region, which has led to a greater demand for both more budget and planet-friendly travel options,” said Todd Lacey, regional manager Oceania at Booking.com.
“We are listening and together with our partners across the industry, we are examining every part of the trip to not only support our travellers but to also benefit our local Kiwi communities and environments.
“We are committed to making it easier for everyone to experience travel in a more mindful and responsible way, no matter where they are on their sustainability journey. More than 500,000 properties globally are now being recognised for their sustainability efforts with a Travel Sustainable badge including over 3,000 in New Zealand.”
Travel as Self-Care: Booking.com Shares 6 Destinations to Help Travellers Feel Rejuvenated
As we approach the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic arriving in Aotearoa, the important benefits that travel has on health and wellbeing are now sorely missed. According to recent Booking.com research, nearly two thirds (60%) of Kiwi travellers say they didn’t realise how important travel was to their wellbeing until it was no longer an option. For 64% of global travellers, travel is an essential part of their self-care, and almost three-quarters (71%) say that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation.
Now that New Zealand has a clear path to opening borders , international travel is on the horizon again. With this in mind, Booking.com looked at endorsement data shared by global travellers for various travel activities to present six inspiring destinations that will help travellers feel rejuvenated.
According to Booking.com research, two-thirds (67%) of Kiwi travellers say that staying somewhere with different scenery helps them feel rejuvenated. As one of Europe’s most picturesque capital cities, there is no shortage of scenic spots in Edinburgh. Wander around the cobblestone streets and enjoy the medieval buildings and monuments scattered around the city. Visit one of the many castles, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle which is located on Castle Rock and offers incredible views of the entire city. Or learn how Scotland’s national drink is made during a Guided Whisky Tour with Tasting.
Where to stay: Princes Street Suites is the perfect place to stay to indulge the beautiful scenery of the city. This sustainable aparthotel, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, overlooks Edinburgh Castle with historical sites in walking distance. Most apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views of the city and there is a shared rooftop terrace to enjoy the beautiful scenic city while sipping on your whisky.
In the heart of Australia’s Whitsundays region, and the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is a perfect place for relaxation. 34% of Kiwi travellers say that doing an activity that isn’t as accessible for them at home, helps them disconnect from the day-to-day routine to feel rejuvenated. With many options available, it’s not surprising that this coastal town is one of the top recommended destinations for sailing by Booking.com travellers. Jump aboard a Whitsunday Islands Boat Tour with Lunch, Sunset Cruise with Champagne or private charter and explore the 74 Whitsunday Islands nearby, or explore the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef by boat.
Where to stay: Situated on the absolute waterfront and just a short walk from Airlie Beach village, Coral Sea Marina Resort offers a relaxed stay to totally reset and recharge. Most rooms offer stunning ocean views for guests to wake up to every morning. For guests looking to experience sailing and explore the beautiful surrounding area, Coral Sea Marina provides the perfect port for superyachts as well as a range of tours and activities, providing access to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
For nearly seven in 10 (71%)* of Kiwi travellers, relaxing all day helps them to disconnect from the day-to-day routine to help them feel rejuvenated. A little closer to home, Queenstown is not only the adventure capital of Aotearoa with adrenaline filled activities, but also caters to the opposite end of the travel spectrum as a go-to R&R destination for Kiwis. Onsen hot pools may be one of the most ‘instagrammable’ places in the Southern region! Whether it’s a trip around all the beautiful vineyards, soaking in a picturesque hot tub, or simply a cruise through the scenic lakes and mountains, Queenstown is a tried and tested destination to get your dose of self-care.
Where to stay: Offering breathtaking views of the lakefront and mountains, The Rees Hotel & Apartments is the perfect place to get some R&R and completely unwind. Guests can enjoy a range of in-room massage services, including invigorating body and facial treatments. With self-care literally coming to you, guests may not even want to leave their hotel room to recharge!
A majority of travellers (61%) say that trying new and different cuisines helps them get out of their comfort zone, which in turn makes them feel rejuvenated. According to Booking.com travellers, Bologna is one of the top recommended destinations to visit for traditional food. While the Italian cuisine may not be new to many, Bologna is famed as a foodie's paradise and some of Italy's well-known pasta dishes, meats, cheeses and wines, originated in this city, including the famous Tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese (hence the name!). Discover traditional cuisine by joining a Traditional Home Cooking Class with a Mealwhere you'll meet a chef at a typical Bolognese home and spend three hours learning how to prepare typical dishes from scratch.
Where to stay: Villa Savioli Room & Breakfast is a perfect place to stay for the ultimate Bologna experience. Set in a historical, traditional building, this sustainable property offers luxurious rooms with a homely feeling. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian breakfast each morning, including home-made biscotti, croissants and of course a tasty cappuccino. With just a short walk away from the city centre, guests can choose from plenty of restaurants that offer amazing traditional cuisine.
For those travellers looking for a trip to reset again, Booking.com is sharing Early 2022 Deals for travellers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15 percent and are valid for stays until 31 March 2022.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,055 respondents across 31 countries and territories were polled (including 501 from Argentina, 1003 from Australia, 500 from Belgium, 1001 from Brazil, 500 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1007 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 508 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1000 from Germany, 1005 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 502 from Israel, 1003 from Italy, 1002 from Japan, 500 from Mexico, 501 from The Netherlands, 501 from New Zealand, 500 from Peru, 1000 from Russia, 1005 from Singapore, 1002 from South Korea, 1002 from Spain, 501 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 500 from Thailand, 1000 from the UK, 1002 from the US and 501 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2021.
**Endorsement data from Booking.com based on the most recommended and relevant destinations by global travelers for scenery, sailing, tranquility, traditional food, kite-surfing, friendly-people.
7 predictions for Kiwi travel in 2022
7 predictions for Kiwi travel in 2022
After more than 18 months of travel restrictions for New Zealanders, there’s no denying the excitement of our eventual return to travel in 2022 – and after months of lockdown for Aucklanders in particular, it can’t come sooner.
In recent travel predictions, Booking.com reveals a renewed sense of optimism among Kiwi travellers keen to embrace the new normal and return to exploring the world in the year ahead. Read on for a sample of the trends:
Vitamin Vacay - More so than daily exercise or mindful meditation, getting away on holiday will become THE form of self-care in 2022, with over three-quarters of people (79%) affirming that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation. The majority of Kiwi travellers (82%) say that having a holiday planned has a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing.
2. Resetting the Out Of (Home) Office - When the pandemic hit, homes across the globe became our offices too, and the novelty of working remotely was realised. However, in 2022 we’ll see a significant rise in people wanting to take back control in a bid to firmly re-establish a healthy work-life balance as travel time itself will be strictly work-free for two thirds of Kiwi travellers (67%) in 2022.
3. All the First-Time Feels - Remember what it was like to board a plane for the very first time? Or even just to check into a hotel? After feeling ‘stuck’ for so long, rather than rushing through the journey, travellers will be relishing every moment, with a quarter (23%) most looking forward to the pure excitement and anticipation as the journey begins.
Other trends include a renewed focus on community on our travels, from connecting authentically with the local community to ensure our impact on the places we visit and the people who live there is positive. Kiwi travellers are also keen on meeting new people, in particular a potential romantic interest, with four in ten (39%) hoping for love to strike on their next trip.
Path of progress: Motu Trails, Opotiki
How a decade-old cycle trail is delighting both tourists and the local community contributing to its success.
How a decade-old cycle trail is delighting both tourists and the local community contributing to its success.
WORDS Sue Hoffart PHOTOS Jim Robinson, Neil Robert Hutton + Cam Mackenzie
A scenic dunes trail that has resolved a watery paradox for the coastal town of Opōtiki is proving a massive drawcard for both locals and tourists.
Ancient waka travellers and modern-day boat owners have always been able to access the ocean by way of twin rivers that wrap around the Eastern Bay of Plenty township. But it took a cycle trail and handsome suspension bridge spanning Otara River to connect walkers, joggers and bikers with the gloriously long stretch of coastline on their doorstep.
Most of the spectacular Motu Trails cycleway network lies inland, where rugged grade three and four tracks attract hardy mountain bikers keen to test themselves on backcountry roads and steep forest trails. Collectively, they range over 30km of track and more than 150km of gravel and backcountry roads. The most mellow section, though, begins with a pedestrian bridge on the northern edge of town and a delightfully scenic, undulating gravel track running parallel to the shoreline.
Increasing popularity
It is this 9km grade two “dunes trail” that has given the town its beach, according to tourism operator and local resident Volker Grindel. The decade-old trail has become increasingly popular with Opotiki people and visitors.
“Before, everyone needed a car to get to the beach,” Volker says.
These days local children and carless residents can reach the coast safely on foot, by crossing the Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku bridge, rather than having to walk more than 3km along the highway and side road. So too can tourists who arrive by bus or bike. After crossing the river, the trail meanders past grazing Friesian cows and opens onto views of the East Cape and nearby Moutohorā (Whale Island).
“The dunes section is the most used part of the Motu Trails,” Volker says.
“The town kids and people who live here use it a lot for fitness; running, jogging. And the kids who live out of town use it to come to school on their bikes because it’s safer than the highway. I’ve even seen a little fella with training wheels.”
Happy accident
Volker and his wife Andrea operate a small backpackers’ hostel and Andrea runs their busy Kafe Friends coffee cart just off the main street. The German-born couple, who met in Opotiki after her car broke down there, are seeing increasing numbers of day trippers in bike gear from nearby Rotorua, Whakatane and Tauranga.
He says Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp, part way along the dunes, is packed with people using bikes during summer holidays and weekends. Plenty of those campers and cycle tourists make their way along the trail to the town centre.
“Before, they were not taking their kids on that busy road. Now, they come here to town do some shopping, drop in for coffee here or somewhere else. So the Four Square, the New World, the gas stations all get something out of this trail, too.”
Andrea runs along the dunes when she is training for half-marathons, and it is used by dog walkers and local schools that have been inspired to run duathlons and small cycle events for students.
Long-time volunteer trail builder, keen biker and Motu Trails executive officer Jim Robinson does track assessments, as well as overseeing signage, the trails website and Facebook page and multiple other roles. He laughs at his fancy title and stresses the trust-run operation is small and heavily reliant on unpaid community involvement, as well as council and conservation department input. But he says there is no doubting the Motu social and economic benefits, or its standing as a ‘great ride’ of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
He is especially enthused by the ongoing planting and beautification programme that has transformed the “really important but environmentally degraded” sand dunes area with the help of about 20,000 flax bushes, cabbage trees, pōhutukawa and other native plants. All have been poked into the ground by volunteers, with another three planting days planned this winter.
Jim says one section of coastline now occupied by the dunes trail had been used for dumping rubbish, other parts had been grazed by stock, or were covered in gorse, kikuyu, boxthorn, pampas and other undesirable invaders.
Points of interest
Interpretive signs denote culturally significant areas, including historic landing sites and burial grounds, and the track route was chosen to avoid especially sacred or sensitive sites.
Local potters and environmentalists Margaret and Stuart Slade provided handmade ceramic tiles depicting birds, mounted on concrete culverts to create sturdy sculpture. Earlier artworks were provided by schoolchildren who painted wooden cut-outs of birds and animals as a conservation week project.
Small tourism operators have sprung up to offer farmstay accommodation, food or shuttle transport to mountain bikers using the trails that connect Opotiki to Gisborne.
Late last year, long-time kayak tour operator Kenny McCracken began offering guided bike tours along the dunes, incorporating local history and food, with an optional swim along the way.
“There’s a massive amount of community ownership of the trail,” Jim says.