A year of forced pause has highlighted the impact that travel can have on the planet, resulting in sustainability being fast-tracked to the top of many travellers’ agendas. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 88% of Indian travellers stated that the pandemic has influenced them to want to travel more sustainably in the future.
Our research also indicates that 94% of Indian travellers think sustainable travel is vital. Another 63% admit they get annoyed if where they are staying stops them from being sustainable, for e.g., by not providing recycling facilities.
GIVE AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE
Sustainable travel can is seen as having a regenerative impact on natural and cultural environments, so that the planet, its people, wildlife and habitats can thrive now and long into the future. Towards this end, we expect to see a rise in travellers actively searching for more sustainable options. Whether it is choosing eco-accommodation or venturing to lesser-known destinations, traveller intentions are growing to be more thoughtful with each trip that they take.
Accommodation partners can adapt their operations to be more eco-conscious and responsible. Simple, yet impactful, initiatives like implementing solar power, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and sourcing raw materials from local communities to support their livelihood and reduce carbon footprint can go a long way in creating a difference.
Accommodations that label themselves as sustainable but do not commit to it in reality, run the risk of losing customers seeking an authentic eco-friendly stay. Listing the kind of facilities they offer and sincerity in their environmental efforts is a better way to solidify themselves as true to their word.
The tourism and hospitality sector is catching the pulse of sustainable travel and taking steps to facilitate
responsible travel by implementing impactful practices into their operations. However, more needs to be
done to inspire other industry players to follow suit. They need to surface this information in a transparent and meaningful way for consumers, so that sustainable travel becomes an easier choice for everyone.
We are at a pivotal moment in travel with more people keen to visit newer destinations, and governments
gradually start reopening boundaries. As we slowly start exploring the world in a safe manner, the industry has a unique opportunity to transform and grow sustainable intentions into impactful actions, by taking one step forward from wherever they are in their sustainability journey.
There is a growing desire amongst domestic tourists to travel more sustainably. The pandemic and recent
international travel restrictions have led many people to discover the beauty of their own country, limiting the population’s carbon footprint. This is welcome news, for the industry, and ecosystem at large.
