Indian Travellers Say Action is Needed Now to Preserve the Planet for Future Generations: Booking.com’s Travel and Sustainability Report Reveals

In alignment with World Environment Day on June 5, celebrated this year under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” Booking.com has released new data showing that for Indian travellers, conscious travel has matured into a year-round commitment.

Conscious Travel Becoming Mainstream
- 74% of Indian travellers believe urgent action is needed to preserve the planet.
- 72% are more determined to travel sustainably than last year.
- 58% want to leave destinations better than they found them.
- 71% feel inspired by sustainable practices they see while travelling, adopting them in daily life.

Shifts in Travel Planning
- 47% actively try to make sustainable choices; 35% say sustainability consistently influences decisions.
- 49% prefer experiencing destinations before they become overcrowded.
- 45% choose lesser-known places to reduce environmental impact.
- 71% opt for off-season travel to avoid crowds; 55% to ease pressure on destinations.

Expectations from Travel Platforms
- 65% want consistent sustainability certifications on booking sites.
- 73% plan to filter for sustainable tours and activities.
- 70% will look for certified accommodations.
- 68% intend to choose electric or hybrid rental vehicles.

Barriers & Motivators
- 47% say discounts would encourage sustainable travel.
- 45% want budget-friendly advice for responsible choices.
- 41% seek clearer communication on what makes an option sustainable.
- 40% want guidance on best times to travel to avoid overcrowding.

Industry Perspective
Santosh Kumar, Regional Lead, South Asia at Booking.com, emphasized that sustainability is now tied to the quality of travel experiences, with travellers seeking thoughtful, informed choices across flights, stays, and transport.

This report shows that sustainability is no longer a niche preference—it’s becoming a core expectation for Indian travellers.