Are visitors willing to shell out the green for 'green' services?

Visitors to Hilton Head Island often complain about the lack of easily accessible recycling programs, say officials with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

A survey is under way to measure just how much visitors value such programs when choosing a resort destination.

The chamber is working with the Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Institute at the University of South Carolina Beaufort to conduct the Resort Community Green Survey.

The survey, which began in late January and costs $3,300, is expected to continue until late April. It will help business and government leaders determine if they are meeting the demands of visitors, said Susan Thomas, vice president of the chamber's Visitor & Convention Bureau.

It also will measure whether visitors are willing to pay to support such services.

"What we're looking to learn is, 'What do visitors expect from a vacation community like Hilton Head Island?' " Thomas said.

So far, response to the survey has shown strong interest in recycling, said John Salazar, the institute's director.

"Some people are really wondering why Hilton Head doesn't have recycling opportunities for visitors," he said.

In addition to recycling, the survey also measures respondents' behaviors concerning water conservation, public transportation and energy-saving measures.

An initial analysis of the results should be available in May, Thomas said.

Survey of 'green' behaviors

Residents and visitors can complete the Resort Community Green Survey, sponsored by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and conducted by the Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Institute at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, at either of these Web sites:

• www.lriti.com

• www.hiltonheadisland.org/vacation-

visitors-guide/where-to-stay