While results were relatively consistent across ages, almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of 46-55 year olds believe most strongly that this is needed, followed by millennials at 71 per cent.

The views expressed by travellers across the world are timely, considering the special report that the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued in 2018. The report warned that the world has just over a decade to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, beyond which the risk of floods, droughts and extreme heat will significantly worsen.

Eco-mmodation

Consistent with overall intentions to make more sustainable travel choices, sustainable stays are growing in popularity, with almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of global travellers intending to stay at least once in an “eco-friendly” or “green” accommodation when looking at the year ahead. This is the fourth consecutive year that Booking.com research has seen this figure trend up, from 62 per cent in 2016 to 65 per cent in 2017, and 68 per cent in 2018. Additionally, 70 per cent of global travellers say they would be more likely to book an accommodation knowing it was eco-friendly, whether they were looking for a sustainable stay or not.

However, when it comes to recognising a sustainable place to stay, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) reported that they were not aware of the existence of eco-labels for vacation accommodations, while well over a third (37 per cent) affirmed that an international standard for identifying eco-friendly accommodation would help encourage them to travel more sustainably. Some 62 per cent would feel better about staying in an accommodation if they knew it had an eco-label.

Sustainable struggles

Despite the best of intentions, it’s not all plain sailing for would-be green travellers. The report also exposes the common barriers travellers face when making sustainable travel choices: 37 per cent of global respondents agreed that they do not know how to make my travel more sustainable, while 34 per cent agreed that although they do see options to travel more sustainably, other options tend to appeal more. About 36 per cent of the global respondents also said that they cannot afford the extra cost of sustainable travel, and 34 per cent agreed that their agenda constrains them in the sustainable choices they can make. Also, 34 per cent of global respondents agreed that sustainable travel destinations appealed to them less than other destinations, while 50 per cent said that they understand what they can do to travel more sustainably.

Travel companies have an important role to play here in the eyes of travellers: 71 per cent of respondents think that travel companies should offer consumers more sustainable travel choices. On the other hand, almost half (46 per cent) of global travellers acknowledge that they find it harder to make sustainable choices while on vacation than in everyday life. Almost a third (31 per cent) admitted their vacation is a special time during which they do not want to think about sustainability.

Aspirations to action

Research results also indicated that travellers would be more encouraged to travel sustainably if there were economic incentives offered, such as tax breaks, when choosing eco-friendly options (46 per cent). This is closely followed by online booking sites offering a sustainable or eco-friendly filter option (45 per cent).

When it comes to in-destination experiences, over half (52 per cent) of global travellers said they now alter behaviours to be more sustainable while travelling, such as walking, riding a bike or hiking whenever possible. Plus, 68 per cent would like the money they spend on travel to go back into the local community. Likewise, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) were seeking authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture, while two in five (41 per cent) request that travel companies offer tips on how to be more sustainable while travelling. As well, 56 per cent of respondents said that if there was an option to offset the carbon footprint on their vacation accommodation, they would do it.

“This is the fourth consecutive year that Booking.com has commissioned its sustainable travel report and it’s heartening to see the sustainable travel motivations and intentions amongst travellers, though it’s clear that complex challenges continue to exist when it comes to fully realising these,” said Pepijn Rijvers, senior vice president and head of accommodation at Booking.com.

“As a global travel leader, we are continuously looking at ways we can innovate across our platform, from accommodation to experiences and transport, testing different ways to best surface information and support customers in their sustainable travel choices, as well as providing support and investment to foster innovation in the sustainable tourism space through our Booking Booster, Cares Fund and Cares Lab start-up programmes.

It’s important that all those in the travel ecosystem, from established companies to startups, destinations, accommodation, transport and attraction providers as well as travellers themselves, come together, as it’s only through collaboration that meaningful change will continue to gain momentum.”

Since the blood and guts series began its rise to prominence in 2011, fans have started to flock to the coastal caves and ruined castles of the British province where much of the HBO television production was shot.

“Every new step is like something new, it’s more than my expectations,” 23-year-old student Mannur marvelled.

“It’s a beautiful country — Northern Ireland is just amazing.”

Multinational tour buses

Tourism Northern Ireland estimates the magical show — in its final season — drew 120,000 visitors to the province in 2016, generating £30 million (35 million euros, $39 million).

One in six visitors now comes to Northern Ireland to visit shooting locations, according to their estimates.

Along the largely coastal trail, a short drive outside the capital of Belfast, that popularity is clear to see.

A steady hum of buses and coaches are marshalled in and out of parking lots on strict schedules, and sleepy village shops throng with tourists.

“The last week, I think on Saturday past, we had a bus with 24 nationalities on it,” said tour guide Patrick Rogan at the mouth of the Cushendun Caves, the site of a pivotal plot point in the series.

“We had people from Patagonia, from New Zealand, from Japan, from Russia, from South Korea and Europe, so I think that tells its own story.”

Since 2012 his employer — the “Stones and Thrones” tour — has offered daily outings out of Belfast, manned mainly by guides who have acted as extras on the show.

Today they run at least two full buses a day, he said, competing with at least four other companies offering a similar service.

Other more bespoke tour services offer immersive experiences — axe-throwing, archery, and photo opportunities with a pair of wolves that starred in the epic series.

‘The dark history’

A popular comparison holds that “Game of Thrones” is to Northern Ireland tourism what “Lord of the Rings” has been to New Zealand.

But Northern Ireland’s very recent bloody past during the so-called ‘Troubles’ — when 3,500 were killed in 30 years of sectarian strife — makes the boom particularly welcome.

“The dark history that was here is coming out,” said Irish actor Liam Cunningham, a stalwart character in the series now feted as the most expensive to ever be filmed for the small screen.

“The place is blooming, and for us to have this show here and be part of that transition is joyful.”

‘This still has longevity’

Cunningham was speaking at the opening of a touring exhibition of costume and scenery pieces in Belfast, the same week as the new season of the series premiered.

Ranked displays of dragon skulls, intricately crafted weapons and interactive exhibits are preceded by a gallery of landscape prints, depicting the countryside shooting locations.

A caption on one image reads “Views to die horribly for”, whilst another reads “Sun, sea and savagery”, referring to the show’s reputation for bloodily killing off major characters.

They are testament to the canny local tourist board, making efforts to cement the link between their territory and the series.

“I think our association with such a global success helps to transform the image of Northern Ireland across the globe,” said John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism Northern Ireland.

“In many ways that gives you PR that you just simply couldn’t buy.”

With the final season of “Game of Thrones” under way, the fever pitch devotion to the series may be about to end.

But with spin-off projects in the pipeline and a studio tour development due to open in Northern Ireland next year, the province still hopes for tourism revenues.

“We think this still has longevity,” said McGrillen.

The regulation is expected to come into force this year.

CAAT director-general Chula Sukmanop said, “Now, more passengers prefer to travel abroad by foreign airlines and there have been flight delays. The CAAT cannot force foreign airlines to pay passengers compensation or take care of the passengers, as there is no law to the effect. We will now rush regulations that will protect the interests of passengers.”

The CAAT presently has the responsibility only of protecting the interests of both Thai and foreign passengers who are affected by flight delays involving Thai airlines.

The CAAT said it had continuously received reports from passengers about delayed flights that have impacted their travel schedules. Most of the delayed flights were Turkish and Russian.

The new regulation will apply the same standard of legal protection to passengers flying by a Thai airline. If a flight is delayed, an airline is required to pay passengers compensation at a determined rate as well as accommodation.

Chula said that if any airline does not abide by the regulation once it comes into effect could compromise the extension of its air operating licence, which would be another way to screen standardised airlines for flying in Thailand and protecting consumers.

The CAAT is considering air operator certificates (AOC) for Thai Summer airline, a Thai-Chinese joint venture, and Thai Eastern airline, a Thai-South Korean joint venture.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s aviation industry is ready for another round of inspections by the International Civil Aviation Organisation on operating standards after it found deficiencies in the past. The CAAT has already completed its standard inspection and AOC issuance for all 25 airlines operating in Thailand.

According to a Transport Ministry announcement on protection of passengers flying Thai-registered airlines on local routes, passengers will receive necessary care extending from food, beverage, communications and refund of air fare to flight changes in a case of delayed flights.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Sport Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said the ministry would send the Immigration Bureau a letter asking about the proposed extension of the free visa-on-arrival (VOA) scheme, which expires at the end of April, for citizens of 20 countries and one economy.

Earlier, the Tourism Authority of Thailand had proposed extension of the free VOA scheme for six more months, till the end of October this year.

The Cabinet did not discuss the matter at its meeting yesterday. Extension of this measure is expected to boost tourists from China, who are expected to travel to Thailand in bigger numbers, Weerasak said.

The ministry will also discuss with the Foreign Ministry an arrangement for a double-entry visa at an earlier rate of Bt1,000 per person, another measure to woo foreign tourists to Thailand. This planned visa arrangement had earlier been approved by the Cabinet in principle.

The chamber also expects the new government to take office by September and forecasts this year’s GDP growth at 3.5 per cent.

Thanawat Phonwichai, director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre of the chamber, said that during Songkran, total spending was expected to be Bt135 billion compared to last year’s Bt132 billion, a 2.78 per cent increase.

He said that 87.2 per cent of those planning to travel will do so within the country, with average spending at Bt5,232 per person.

The remaining 12.8 per cent will go abroad, mostly to Japan, Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong.

He said the smog problem in the northern region would affect tourism, especially in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces, causing tourism income to decline by Bt5 billion to Bt7 billion.

The top Songkran activity would be allowing elders to pour water on one’s heads, followed by parties, which is expected to increase from the past year. The politician most in demand to pour water on other people’s heads as part of the Songkran celebration ceremony is Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, followed by the leader of the Future Forward Party, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who has overtaken Thaksin Shinawatra in the popularity stakes.

“We hope that economic growth in the country would continue to progress. According to our forecast, if the new government is established by September, the new prime minister will be able to push for an annual GDP growth of 3.5 per cent.

“Meanwhile, if the GDP growth does not reach 3.5 per cent, it could be due to political unrest and the ongoing US-China trade war,” Thanawat said.

Meanwhile, Kasikorn Research Centre estimated that increased travel by both Thai and foreign tourists during the Songkran festival (April 11 to 17), will generate Bt28 billion in revenue for the tourism and related sectors, an increase of 2.2 per cent year on year.

Of the total estimated revenue, Bt12.2 billion is expected to come from Thais travelling within the Kingdom and Bt15.8 billion will be generated by foreign tourists visiting the country during the festival.

The bank’s research centre said various factors would affect the tourism industry, which will need to be monitored, such as whether it would be possible to extend the free visa-on-arrival scheme, which will end on April 30. Another issue is the global economic slowdown, which decreases the purchasing power of foreign tourists visiting Thailand.

The research centre has predicted that the number of tourists visiting Thailand throughout 2019 is likely to be more than 39 million.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that during the first two months of the year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand grew 2.5 per cent year on year, totalling 7.29 million people.