Intrepid Travel Wednesday announced the launch of a line of affordable tours for millennials with a focus on sustainability and socially responsible travel.
Citing a study it commissioned showing that 76% of travelers under age 30 consider the ethical impacts of their trips, the company said it wanted to make socially conscious travel more accessible.
The line includes more than 80 trips designed exclusively for 18- to 29-year-olds that offer affordable alternatives to backpacking and big bus tours.
The tours, priced from $335 per person, include a six-night camping trip in Iceland, a eight-night tour in Egypt that includes a Nile cruise and an seven-night trek to Machu Picchu in Peru.
"Sustainable travel doesn't have to be expensive," said James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. "This age group will increasingly influence travel trends. Their buying decisions can help to reduce demand for unethical activities like visiting orphanages or riding elephants."
The survey of 2,000 North American travelers, conducted by OnePoll, confirmed that sustainable and ethical travel options are increasingly more important considerations for millennials than for any other age group.
Among the other findings:
- 86% of 18- to 29-year-olds consider it important when booking a trip for a company to offer sustainable travel options.
- 90% of 18- to 29-year-olds consider a travel company's commitment to ethical travel important when booking a trip.
- 86% of 18- to 29-year-olds are willing to spend more on their travel if it means the experiences included are completely ethical.
- The main reason 18- to 29-year-olds would book a holiday with the same company they've already traveled with is that they felt like their dollars were put toward a truly local and immersive experience.