Prepared for what lies ahead in tourism
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Most emissions are caused by traveling by car.
There is an awareness of the problem, but there is hardly any change in behavior.
Many people want to travel in an environmentally friendly way, but don't want to do without mobility.
Public services such as ski buses are popular on site.
Summary of this study
Based on surveys in the Tyrolean municipality of Alpbach, the extent to which awareness of the links between tourism and climate change differs among residents, employees and guests is examined. In addition, an overall annual balance of the mobility of guests, residents and employees and the associated CO2 emissions of this municipality are estimated. All groups are fundamentally aware of the problem and have a certain willingness to take measures to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions when traveling, as long as these do not affect any significant restrictions in vacation behavior. However, there are significant differences in the details. As the overall balance of mobility underpins the great importance of travel to and from the destination for the annual CO2 balance, measures can be derived from the knowledge of existing awareness.
Findings from this study
- People in Alpbach - whether vacationers, residents or employees - know that tourism affects the climate. But although many understand this, they change their behavior only slightly. What people think is right and what they actually do often differ - both in general and between their behavior at home and on vacation.
- How guests come to Alpbach has the greatest influence on energy consumption and climate impact. Unlike other vacation destinations, it is not the plane that is the problem here, but the car.
- People are willing to use environmentally friendly means of transport locally. But they reject major changes, such as traveling less often or not as far. They do not want to be restricted in their freedom to travel.
- Many Alpine resorts have improved their mobility services, e.g. ski buses and hiking buses. These services should take into account the needs of both locals and tourists, which requires a challenging balance.