green-earthIf you’re familiar with Natural Habitat Adventures, you know we are a global leader in ecotourism. World Wildlife Fund has designated us as their exclusive Conservation Travel Provider, and we have also been selected as Conde Nast Traveler’s highest-rated Green List Tour Operator inductee, an award that rates us on our environmental policies as well as guest satisfaction.

While we are proud of our achievements, it’s just as important to us that we are an environmental pacesetter for other travel companies. Eco-travel is a rapidly growing sector of the travel industry. From cruise lines to rental cars to adventure tour providers, many businesses are trying to capitalize on a perceived consumer desire for a greener on-the-go experience. Hotel guests are encouraged to re-hang their used towels. Cruise ships recycle millions of plastic bottles each week. Tour operators like us offset carbon output for the individual guests on their trips.

But do all of these environmentally responsible practices have enough impact? What aspects of eco-travel are most important to consumers? Are travelers willing to pay more for sustainability? Do they proactively seek out eco-friendly travel options?

The Green Traveler Study, sponsored by Planeterra, seeks to answer those questions. Its 2010 survey is an effort to communicate to the tourism and hospitality industries the values and concerns of eco-minded travelers, so they may in turn gauge and improve their efforts toward environmental responsibility by making meaningful changes in their corporate practices.

Anyone is invited to take the survey, and those who complete it by August 31, 2010, are eligible for a drawing that will award prizes to 10 winners: a choice of a $50 credit at Amazon, or the opportunity to make a $50 donation to a community charity of choice. The survey takes about 10-12 minutes to complete. Hope you’ll chime in.