Today international tourism generates more than half a trillion dollars a year. The number of people travelling internationally goes up by almost 5% each year. It was estimated that during the 2008 more than 800 million people have travelled across their home borders. The number will have shrunk this year due to the global recession, but it will definitely go up again next year. There is no stopping the global tourism market. We have to remember that many small countries are totally dependent on tourism as an industry. For some Pacific islands it accounts for three quarters of gross domestic product.
Along with the traditional travel habits, a new phenomenon - eco tourism - is developing and growing. It advocates local holidays, cutting costs and finding less carbon-intensive means of moving from place A to place B. People are often surprised about how many great days out they can arrange locally. Airlines constantly get bad publicity from eco tourism supporters as the worth contributor of CO2. How else can we make long distance journeys?
Cut the Distance or Choose an Alternative
Many scientists working in the field of ecology and environment do tend to exaggerate things. Although a united global action is needed to tackle pollution problems and other environmental issues, it is doubtful that the airmiles clocked by tourists would go down significantly. They do at the moment, some countries report that the number of air passengers is down by up to 10%, whereas others predict a rise and resort to building more terminals and invest money in infrastructure. Undoubtedly, planes are one of the biggest sources of pollution in the world. If we do a small calculation, you will see what I mean.
If we take a Boeing 747 for an example, a 600 km return journey will consume 24,500 kg of aviation fuel. So, a short flight from France to the UK and back will put you in responsibility for around 200 kg of CO2 emitted. It is an equivalent of 1000 kWh of pure energy, which is around the same amount you consume to sustain your body with food for one whole year.
That's why many people decide to stay where they are and spend their holiday locally. Those living on the continent can choose rail travel which is less harmful for the environment.
Another way to limit the flights would be to introduce a fuel tax, however, it would put another £60 on your return ticket price and most of the airlines would go bust instantly. The truth is that we cannot stop using planes instantly. Plane manufacturers need to increase the efficiency and develop new fuels to meet the new standards of eco tourism.
If you are considering joining the growing tribe of eco tourists, consider great days out in Dorset, UK. We have the information on the very best attractions in South England.
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