As Indians venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 87% of Indian travellers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel practices could encourage them to make more sustainable choices on their next trip.
Over 10,000 respondents were polled on Agoda’s platform from 10 markets across Asia. Almost eight in 10 travellers stated their willingness to make more sustainable travel choices, with 18% of respondents indicating that they would always make every effort to ensure they travel more sustainably. Still, 22% of travellers rarely consider sustainability in their travel decisions, with Japan’s travellers least concerned (45%) versus only 8% of travellers from the Philippines.
Financial incentives could play a key factor in making more sustainable choices
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey also asked respondents for the key factors that could encourage them to make more sustainable travel choices. In all markets, financial incentives came out on top, with an average of 45% of respondents highlighting incentives like discounts as the key factor. This sentiment was particularly strong in Singapore (58%), Taiwan (54%) and Indonesia (47%). 41% of Indian travellers opted for incentives or discounts as a core driver.
The availability of sustainable travel packages ranked second, with offerings ranging from guided conservation hikes to supporting local initiatives of more interest to travellers from the Philippines (28%), Vietnam (24%), and Thailand (23%).
Clear guidelines on sustainable travel practices ranked third, education and awareness on environmental impact ranked fourth, and relevant sustainability policies from the local government completed the top five.
Enric Casals, Associate Vice President at Agoda, said, “The message is loud and clear: Travellers want to make more sustainable choices. Agoda’s Eco Deals Program offers travellers a range of great value deals on selected properties. For every booking, Agoda donates one US dollar to local conservation projects of the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF). With a total donation target of up to one million US dollars, we are helping travellers to see the world for less, and do their part to give back to the destinations they care about.”
When asked which sustainable travel practices travellers from India prioritize on their trips, supporting local communities and conservation projects came out on top with 29% of the respondents choosing this practice. The sentiment was the same across Asia, with over a quarter (26%) of the respondents on average choosing this option.
| Top five drivers to choose more sustainable travel |
| Incentives or discounts for more sustainable choices – 41% |
| More sustainable travel packages and itineraries that are clearly marked – 22% |
| Clearer guidelines on sustainable and responsible travel practices – 15% |
| More education/awareness about environmental impact – 13% |
| Government incentives or policies for more sustainable travel – 6% |
| Top three sustainable travel practices travellers prioritize on their trips |
| Supporting local communities, conservation projects – 29% |
| Opting for more sustainable transportation – 18% |
| Supporting local communities, and conservation projects – 29% |
Across Asia, recycling and waste reduction (20%), like reusing towels and bed linens, was the second-most preferred action, followed by participating in conservation-focused activities and tours (17%). Opting for accommodations with sustainability certifications was the fourth most-preferred action while selecting more sustainable transportation options was the fifth.
