Indian Travellers Embrace Sustainable Tourism: Booking.com

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, Indian travellers are stepping up as active participants in shaping a more responsible tourism landscape. According to Booking.com’s Travel & Sustainability Report 2025, released ahead of World Environment Day (5 June), a staggering 87 per cent of Indian travellers express intent to travel sustainably over the next 12 months, with many adopting greener practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and making mindful choices around food, wildlife, and transport.

The findings, part of Booking.com’s 10th annual sustainability report, draw insights from over 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, including 1,000 from India. The study illustrates a clear shift towards conscious travel behaviour, with 52 per cent of Indian respondents planning to use greener transport, 51 per cent aiming to reduce waste, and 50 per cent focussing on energy conservation. Additionally, 45 per cent intend to cut down on water usage during their trips.

Beyond environmental practices, 49 per cent of respondents said they would choose accommodations with sustainable credentials, while 48 per cent would actively avoid activities harmful to wildlife. A further 49 per cent are committed to making more mindful food choices while travelling.

Indian travellers are also increasingly demanding transparency and choice from booking platforms. Seventy-five per cent prefer to filter tours and activities for sustainability, 74 per cent would do so for accommodation, 72 per cent for rental cars, and 69 per cent for flights. Seventy-one per cent of Indian travellers believe all travel platforms should adopt consistent sustainability labelling, and 72 per cent said they would feel more comfortable flying if their flight had lower emissions.

Despite 61 per cent believing that certified sustainable travel options are more expensive, travellers are still inclined to choose greener alternatives when presented. When given the option, 29 per cent said they would choose sustainable accommodation, 26 per cent would book eco-conscious tours or activities, 15 per cent would opt for electric or hybrid rental cars, and 14 per cent would select lower-emission flights or electric taxis.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “Indian travellers are demonstrating a clear and growing commitment to sustainable travel — not just in their intentions, but in their actions. From opting for greener transport and reducing waste, to actively seeking accommodations with credible sustainability credentials, Indians today are looking to make a meaningful difference. At Booking.com, we aim to make every step of the travel journey more meaningful and aligned with the values of today’s conscious Indian traveller— through highlighting stays with credible third-party sustainability certifications or equipping properties with the training and guidance they need to reduce their environmental impact.”

The report also highlights key destinations in India and around the globe that have the highest percentage of properties with reputable third-party sustainability certifications. In India, these include Kanha and Khawasa in Madhya Pradesh, Panaji and Candolim in Goa, Agra in Uttar Pradesh, and cities like Jodhpur, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune. Globally, destinations like Winnipeg in Canada, Hamburg in Germany, Geneva in Switzerland, and Seoul in South Korea have been recognised for their commitment to sustainable hospitality.

The emergence of these destinations reflects a growing industry-wide effort to align travel experiences with sustainability goals. Many accommodations are investing in sustainable infrastructure, sourcing local produce, conserving water and energy, and eliminating single-use plastics.

The Booking.com report underscores a pivotal moment for the hospitality and travel industry in India. Travellers are no longer passive consumers—they are informed decision-makers who seek experiences that align with their values. With World Environment Day serving as a timely reminder, the findings highlight a positive shift: sustainability is no longer a niche preference but a growing expectation among Indian travellers. As tourism continues to recover and evolve, these conscious choices are set to shape the future of travel for years to come.