BURLINGTON, VT, June 2008 - NativeEnergy, a leader in the carbon offset industry, conducted a May 15 phone-in live Webinar and informal survey with 50 members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to review the relationship of carbon offsets to adventure travel.
Veteran online travel expert Richard Edwards of NativeEnergy, co-presented the program titled "The Role of Carbon Offsets in Adventure Travel." He reports that through an informal survey, the session's outcome "reveals a desire among tour operators to use carbon offsets in a broader responsible travel strategy, a belief that the consumer is ready and willing to help foot part of the bill and the pressing need for more education across all levels."
"Some of the informal survey results were very revealing," reports Edwards. Just 51% of all respondents admitted they had a clear understanding of what carbon offsets were and how the voluntary offset market works. When asked if they had a carbon offset program currently in place, 84% said they did not. But 86% felt that the carbon offset market could be a positive part of the solution to climate change.
"This feedback clearly showed that there is a positive feeling about carbon offset programs within the adventure travel industry. Folks just need to better understand how it works and who is going to pay for it," concludes Edwards.
Participating in the live Webinar and interactive survey were tour operators, destination marketing organizations, gear manufacturers and various non-profit organizations. Working with Edwards on the presentation was Brian Mullis of Sustainable Travel International.
Edwards reports that it was most well attended Webinar that the ATTA has done to date.
The Webinar, in its entirety, is offered free to industry players and the public online at www.adventuretravelnews.com.
The results of the online survey revealed:
What is the biggest obstacle for you in implementing a Carbon Offset program?
- Haven't had time to investigate thoroughly: 57%
- Lack of Credibility: 20%
- Other: 23%
- The jury is still out: 63%
- We'll never be able to track it: 13%
- Yes: 25%
- Yes: 20%
- No: 29%
- Pretty Clear: 31%
- Some idea but I'm missing a few key details: 20%
- Include in pricing: 32%
- Voluntary opt-in: 40%
- Voluntary opt-out: 28%
- No: 84%
- Yes: 16%
- Maybe: 59%
- No: 7%
- Yes: 33%
- Positive part of the solution: 39%
- It can be positive if better regulated: 47%
- Negative distraction and not a part of the solution: 14%
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For more information please contact: Widness & Wiggins PR:
Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / [email protected]
Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / [email protected]