Travel sickness: Report finds 57% of travellers suspect travel brands of “greenwashing”

THG Studios, the award-winning creative marketing agency, has released a new white paper, “The Conscious Traveller,” investigating the sustainable travel sector – a market that is predicted to hit over £9tn in value by 2032.

The paper highlights a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with 84% of global travellers stating that travelling more sustainably is important to them. Significantly, however, the report also uncovers a critical crisis of credibility, with 57% of consumers believing travel brands are guilty of greenwashing.

This widespread scepticism presents a challenge for brands, demanding a move away from superficial claims towards transparent, impactful communication and content. The report details the opportunities for brands that can successfully build trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to social and environmental responsibility, as well as the dangers for those that can’t.

To navigate this changing landscape, the white paper outlines the need for a holistic marketing approach rooted in authentic storytelling. It covers how brands must integrate sustainability initiatives into their core narrative to resonate with an increasingly discerning audience that values transparency. It showcases how a multi-channel content strategy spanning long-form video, immersive experiences, and detailed impact reports are essential for building credibility and fostering lasting brand loyalty.

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The travel industry is undergoing “a seismic shift,” the paper claims. It adds that a “new generation of ‘conscious travellers’ is emerging, driven by a deep-seated desire for sustainable and responsible travel experiences.”

Hannah Pym, chief brand and marketing officer at THG Studios, said: “The rise of the conscious traveller is the most significant shift the travel industry has faced in a generation, but it presents an incredibly opportunity for forward-thinking brands. Consumers are no longer just buying a holiday; they are buying into a brand’s values. It’s an opportunity for brands to turn their sustainability commitments into their most powerful asset. By leveraging authentic storytelling and innovative technology, brands can drown out the competition and build the deep consumer connections that drive long-term growth.”

Obtain a full copy of THG’s The Conscious Traveller report by filling in the online form here.

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