Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

Consumer Demand for Travelers’ PhilanthropyCompiled by Martha HoneyNumerous surveys and studies have demonstrated the substantial and growing consumerinterest in selecting companies that give back to local communities and conservation. Here aresome of the findings.• More than 2/3 of U.S. and Australian travelers, and 90% of British tourists, consideractive protection of the environment, including support of local communities, to be part ofa hotel’s responsibility. (International Hotels Environment Initiative/IHEI, “ConsumerAttitudes Towards the Role of Hotels in International Environmental Sustainability,”2002.)• 46 million U.S. travelers chose companies that “donate part of their proceeds tocharities.” (CREST, “The Market for Responsible tourism Products with a Special Focuson Latin America and Nepal,” prepared for SNV, March 2010.)• In 2007, 74% of Conde Nast Traveler readers said hotels should be responsible forhelping relieve poverty in local community. (Condé Nast Traveler, “The Ethical TravelerIndex,” 2007.)• In the U.S., individuals represent the largest single source (75%) of philanthropic dollars:$229 billion in 2007. (Giving USA Foundation, Giving USA: The Annual Report onPhilanthropy, 2009.)• More than 75% say their travel should not damage environment; 38% willing to pay moreto use companies that benefit local communities and conservation. (Travel Industry ofAmerica and National Geographic Traveler, “Geotourism: The New Trend in Travel:Overview of American Travelers,” 2003.)191