Acquiring Sustainability Information in Holiday Travel

Abstract

This series of studies applies classical experimental designs to eye tracking measurement. The field of study is the attention for sustainability-related information in tourism products. Data show that sustainability labels alone receive relatively little attention in a realistic environment. As a result, it seems advisable to think about additional ways to relate sustainability information to consumers. It could be shown that implicit information, again, yields a higher share of attention than labels. Therefore, the design and informational transmittance of products combining sustainability and experiential value to the customer seem to be worthwhile as one of those alternatives. Care should be taken of the price argument because attention towards prices rises as soon as sustainability information becomes available. Data do not suggest to dispense with ecolabels. They do suggest, however, that a change in informational environment (i.e. directing consumers to sustainability issues) and the additional use of experience-related information aspects would increase the attention for sustainability information in tourism.