Sanctum, the eminent provider of opulent serviced apartments, unveils compelling insights derived from their recent investigation into the shifting travel patterns of British individuals. The study divulges a remarkable decline of 7% in the proportion of Brits opting for domestic vacations due to environmental concerns, dwindling from 29% in July 2020 to 22% in January 2023.
Of particular interest is the conduct of the 18-24 age bracket as revealed by the research. In 2019, this demographic witnessed 37% of participants expressing willingness to forgo international travel owing to environmental factors. However, this figure diminished to 24% in January 2023, signifying a notable 13% reduction—the most significant alteration across all age groups. This shift may be attributed to a sense of having missed out on the prime years of travel during their youth as a consequence of the pandemic.
Yet, Sanctum’s data exposes a captivating undercurrent. Within the same age group, there was a 6% surge in respondents asserting their current preference for domestic holidays due to environmental considerations. This increase could indicate a positive transformation: a resolute commitment to eco-friendly travel despite the overall decline in willingness to entertain the idea.
Throughout the pandemic, with international travel off the table, the United Kingdom witnessed an unparalleled upsurge in domestic tourism as individuals sought to minimise their carbon footprint. However, with the reopening of borders, travel habits appear to be reverting to their previous state.
This shift can be attributed to mounting frustration over persistent travel restrictions, fueling a yearning for broader horizons. “The need to break free from the monotony and encounter the transformative power of travel has tilted the scales in favor of overseas escapades, even in the face of environmental consequences,” affirmed a spokesperson from Sanctum.
Significantly, Sanctum’s investigation indicates that this sentiment transcends age, gender, social class, and political affiliations, illuminating a universal desire for liberation and exploration in the post-lockdown era.
While the allure of international travel proves irresistible, Sanctum, alongside other distinguished UK holiday rentals and hotels, remains unwavering in their dedication to sustainable tourism. “Our objective is to harmonise opulence and eco-consciousness,” declared the spokesperson. “We aim to assist guests in making environmentally responsible choices without compromising the quality of their experiences.”
In this novel travel landscape, Sanctum persists in prioritising sustainability, infusing eco-friendly practices into their extraordinary guest offerings. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate to travelers that they can indulge their wanderlust responsibly, contributing to a greener future while embarking on unforgettable exploits.
These findings underscore the urgent necessity for the entire industry to concentrate on promoting sustainable travel alternatives as UK residents reclaim their freedom to embark on new adventures.