Backpacking enthusiasts are more concerned with price than the environment, according to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta).
Cost remains the biggest consideration for travelers, particularly for those tourists short on cash embarking on
gap year travel and
student travel.
Sean Tipton, a spokesperson for Abta, explains that a lack of environmental concern is exacerbated because "sustainable tourism is seen as more expensive".
"If you ask someone if they are concerned about the environment it is unlikely they will say 'no', [but] from a customers perspective it is price that’s driving them.
He also warned that the tourism industry is becoming increasingly concerned about its environmental impacts, adding that "it is very counter-productive for us to develop a beautiful place and ruin it".
Research conducted by TNS Online Omnibus in February 2007 showed that 65 per cent of people would not change travel plans to lessen the environmental impact.
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