New toolkit helps promote low carbon travel for European holidays

A new toolkit developed by researchers at the University of Exeter supports the UK tourism industry to promote low-carbon travel for European holidays.

The toolkit is based on research carried out by Stewart Barr (ACCESS Leadership Team), Alex Gough, Gareth Shaw and Ewan Woodley, with ideas generated by from workshops convened with customers of Inghams Ski, Inghams Walking and Inntravel.

It sets out how eco-friendly travel to Europe – mostly by train – could become cheaper, easier and more desirable, highlighting three focus areas:

• Social desirability of holiday travel, including feelings of belonging, status, acceptance and affirmation.
• Infrastructures and technologies that support travel choices, from booking systems to buildings
• Skills or know-how required, from booking to using types of transport.

Stewart said: “Together, government, the tourism industry and customers can change how we think about travel. Instead of viewing travel as how to get from A to B as quickly as possible, we can think about the many benefits of ‘slow travel’. Taking a train through a country gives a greater sense of connection to your journey, making that part of the experience – rather than something to be endured before a holiday can begin.”