How Blue Planet could change our holiday habits in 2018

THE popularity of Sir David Attenborough’s programme Blue Planet II will lead to an increased demand for ‘sustainable’ holidays in 2018, experts predict.

Mark Tanzer, of the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), said the BBC nature series would encourage more tourists to visit new destinations as they become aware of the negative impact of overcrowding. So-called over-tourism has become an issue in popular locations such as Barcelona, Venice, Palma and Santorini, with protests by residents.

Research by Abta shows more than one in four holidaymakers are planning to visit a country they have not been to before in 2018, and almost a third expect to go to a new resort or city. Some 70 per cent believe travel firms should ensure holidays help the local people and economy.

Abta predicts responsible tourism will be a key trend next year, with more initiatives such as carbon-neutral tours and the banning of plastics from beaches.

Thomas Cook has committed to removing elephant rides and swimming with dolphins from their activities, while Virgin Holidays announced it will no longer promote new attractions or hotels featuring captive whales or dolphins.

Mr Tanzer said he expected ‘greater demand for holidays to a wide range of alternative destinations’, adding: ‘Popular TV programmes like Blue Planet II have put sustainability issues firmly in the spotlight, increasing awareness of the impact that large numbers of visitors can have.’