Mentor/s
Dr. Little Dr. Stannard
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
It is clear in today’s world that there is a growing concern for human’s impact on the environment. Citizens of developed countries are encouraged to make eco-friendly decisions like using a reusable bag when grocery shopping or opting out of getting a straw with a drink, however there are no apparent expectations for businesses in minimalizing their environmental impact. Many people have an idea of how paper companies and car companies impact the environment, however there is not much awareness when it comes to the tourism industry. This lack of environmental awareness and expectations can especially be seen within the cruise ship sector. What makes a cruise ship different than other means of tourism is the fact that it is the transportation, lodging, and dining all in one. Cruise ships not only carry thousands of tourists but can reach areas that tourists would not be able to easily access through other modes of transportation. Because of the wide reach of cruise ships as well as the lack of research into the environmental impact of cruise tourism, more environmental researchers are spending time looking into and bringing awareness to the impact cruise ships have on the environment. With the growing awareness of the environmental impact of cruise ships, cruise lines must be willing to suffer short term profit loss in order to invest in green technologies that will ensure the longevity of their business. This sacrifice will better fit a more environmentally aware consumer market which will help them maintain their clientele while also maintaining the environments that they use for tourism. It is clear to see the deterioration of businesses that have not adapted to the environmental concern, so if cruise lines want to maintain their profits, they need to make changes. These changes need to go beyond satisfying an environmentally cautious consumer, but in order to remain profitable, protect the land they use. Even though cruise ships have not been the biggest concern of the mass media, cruise lines are aware that they must limit their footprint and have already taken actions to try to limit their environmental impact as well as plan for the future of cruising, however their current efforts are not enough.
College and Major available
College of Arts and Sciences, Biology
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
4-24-2020 2:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-24-2020 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Most Creative
Don’t Let Your Vacation Ruin the Destination
Digital Commons
It is clear in today’s world that there is a growing concern for human’s impact on the environment. Citizens of developed countries are encouraged to make eco-friendly decisions like using a reusable bag when grocery shopping or opting out of getting a straw with a drink, however there are no apparent expectations for businesses in minimalizing their environmental impact. Many people have an idea of how paper companies and car companies impact the environment, however there is not much awareness when it comes to the tourism industry. This lack of environmental awareness and expectations can especially be seen within the cruise ship sector. What makes a cruise ship different than other means of tourism is the fact that it is the transportation, lodging, and dining all in one. Cruise ships not only carry thousands of tourists but can reach areas that tourists would not be able to easily access through other modes of transportation. Because of the wide reach of cruise ships as well as the lack of research into the environmental impact of cruise tourism, more environmental researchers are spending time looking into and bringing awareness to the impact cruise ships have on the environment. With the growing awareness of the environmental impact of cruise ships, cruise lines must be willing to suffer short term profit loss in order to invest in green technologies that will ensure the longevity of their business. This sacrifice will better fit a more environmentally aware consumer market which will help them maintain their clientele while also maintaining the environments that they use for tourism. It is clear to see the deterioration of businesses that have not adapted to the environmental concern, so if cruise lines want to maintain their profits, they need to make changes. These changes need to go beyond satisfying an environmentally cautious consumer, but in order to remain profitable, protect the land they use. Even though cruise ships have not been the biggest concern of the mass media, cruise lines are aware that they must limit their footprint and have already taken actions to try to limit their environmental impact as well as plan for the future of cruising, however their current efforts are not enough.
Students' Information
Jessica Curcio: Biology Major, Honors Student, 2020