Booking.com Report Reveals Growing Demand for Sustainable Travel Choices Among Indian Travelers

Breaking: Booking.com's Sustainable Travel Report 2023 highlights Indian travelers' increasing preference for sustainable options. Demand for eco-friendly choices and incentives on the

Booking.com's recently released 'Sustainable Travel Report 2023' reveals that Indian travelers are increasingly integrating sustainable thinking into their vacation planning. The report, which collected insights from over 33,000 travelers across 35 countries and territories, sheds light on the dilemma faced by many travelers: the perceived trade-off between cost-cutting and sustainable travel choices. While some view sustainable options as expensive, there are others who are willing to pay more for sustainable travel.

The study highlights the demand for sustainable options despite financial barriers. Responsible travelers are adopting sustainable behaviors such as turning off lights and air conditioners when not in use, reusing towels and water bottles, and opting for sustainable transport and local shopping from independent stores. On a larger scale, sustainable trends point to purposeful travel, where travelers seek meaningful experiences that benefit wildlife, conservation, and local communities, as well as engage in local philanthropy.

Click here to read the full booking.com Sustainable Travel Report

The report reveals that 74% of participants believe in the urgency of making more sustainable travel choices to save the planet. Around 80% of travelers emphasize the importance of sustainable travel, with residents of India, the Philippines, Kenya, and Vietnam leading the way. In response to the increasing financial strain on travelers, there is a growing demand for sustainable travel options that offer rewards and incentives. About 49% of travelers desire discounts and economic incentives for choosing eco-friendly options, while 42% would be motivated to travel sustainably if rewarded with points for making sustainable choices.

The study also finds that 65% of travelers would feel better about staying in accommodations with sustainable certifications or labels. However, 74% of travelers believe that travel companies need to offer more sustainable choices, and 51% think there are currently insufficient sustainable travel options available. Additionally, 44% of travelers are unsure where to find more sustainable alternatives, while 40% lack knowledge about finding tours and activities that give back to local communities.

The report highlights the eco-friendly steps taken by respondents at home, including the use of reusable shopping bags and water bottles, recycling waste, reducing single-use plastics, opting for public transport or bicycles instead of cars, buying local products, and adopting plant-based or vegetarian diets.

Traveling by train can be not only sustainable, but magical as well.

In particular, Indian travelers have shown a strong commitment to sustainability. Many Indian travelers are conserving resources by reusing towels (55%) and bringing their own reusable water bottles (57%). They also utilize reusable bags (52%) and practice recycling (44%) while traveling. Moreover, 66% of Indian travelers turn off their air conditioning when not in use, and 51% plan their sightseeing to prioritize walking, cycling, or using public transportation.

Booking.com aims to be net-zero by 2040, with a 95% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a focus on sustainability efforts through their Travel Sustainable program. While progress is being made, the report emphasizes the need for more accessible and credible sustainable travel options, as well as continued efforts to build a truly sustainable industry.

Overall, the Sustainable Travel Report 2023 strongly indicates a growing awareness among global tourists, with many opting for sustainable travel choices, even if they come at a higher cost. Travelers are also taking eco-friendly steps both while traveling and at home. However, barriers such as limited data and a lack of credible options need to be addressed to make sustainable travel more accessible. Travel companies should take notice and adapt their business to fit this positive consumer trend.

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