Climate Change and youth tourism
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
More than any other market segment, youth and student tourism can pave the way to more responsible travel habits; Francesco Frangialli, Secretary-General UNWTO has opined at the 'World Youth and Student Travel Conference', Istanbul last year. Supporting his opinion, the following reasons can be attempted and encouraged to face climate change, the sleep-snatching threat for environment and ecology.
(1) Young backpackers are the most open market-oriented ones, when it comes to adopting new environmental solutions. 93 per cent of young backpackers might purposefully play a part in environment-friendly tourism in the future (Lonely Planet Survey 2007) (2). A young traveler's carbon footprint is completely unique - at just 9 per cent of a business tourist's per travel day!
It is interesting to know the average business traveler spends just 3.3 days compared to 53 days for a backpacker. The industry guidelines will help influence the travel habits of millions of young travelers each year & build future generations of responsible tourism.
The World Youth Student & Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation is a not-for-profit organization that represents the world's leading youth travel, student travel and international education specialists. Its global community of 550 plus members in 119 countries provides international travel and educational experiences to 10 plus million students and youth each year.
WYSE Travel Confederation is committed to understanding the ever-changing characteristics, motivations, and needs of young travelers. This investment in research and market intelligence informs the policies, services and products which makes international travel and educational experiences exciting, safe, accessible and affordable for young people.
Bangladesh needs to keep in touch with WYSE that would be really helpful for our young generation to understand that tourism could play a positive role in addressing climate change.
Mohammad Shahidul Islam
Address: Email: mohd-s-islam@gmail.com)
(1) Young backpackers are the most open market-oriented ones, when it comes to adopting new environmental solutions. 93 per cent of young backpackers might purposefully play a part in environment-friendly tourism in the future (Lonely Planet Survey 2007) (2). A young traveler's carbon footprint is completely unique - at just 9 per cent of a business tourist's per travel day!
It is interesting to know the average business traveler spends just 3.3 days compared to 53 days for a backpacker. The industry guidelines will help influence the travel habits of millions of young travelers each year & build future generations of responsible tourism.
The World Youth Student & Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation is a not-for-profit organization that represents the world's leading youth travel, student travel and international education specialists. Its global community of 550 plus members in 119 countries provides international travel and educational experiences to 10 plus million students and youth each year.
WYSE Travel Confederation is committed to understanding the ever-changing characteristics, motivations, and needs of young travelers. This investment in research and market intelligence informs the policies, services and products which makes international travel and educational experiences exciting, safe, accessible and affordable for young people.
Bangladesh needs to keep in touch with WYSE that would be really helpful for our young generation to understand that tourism could play a positive role in addressing climate change.
Mohammad Shahidul Islam
Address: Email: mohd-s-islam@gmail.com)