Australian travellers are opting for more environmentally friendly travel; this is according to research conducted by Contiki Holidays.

The world is becoming “greener”, with initiatives to become more environmentally conscious springing up all over the place. This has even filtered into the tourism industry.

Young Australians seem to be setting the standard as they realise the effects their travels can have on the environment. “The world is filled with young Australian tourists,” says Erin Ryan of www.globalvisas.com. She adds that this study shows that, “not only does their tourism benefit a country economically but they now aim to help the environment at the same time.”

According to the survey 54% of young Aussie travellers expressed a want to travel using carbon-neutral options.

These include the use of recycling bins while travelling, couch touring which is less pollutant, requesting that towels are not washed daily and travelling in tourist buses that use fish and chip oil to run. This however is only achievable by changes and developments within the tourism industry, whereby more carbon friendly practices are incorporated.

Despite the want to travel “green”, it must be noted that only 9% of those interviewed travel according to these standards. (TB)