Making a Difference: Booking.com reveals how Indian travellers are embracing sustainable tourism

As the world pivots towards more responsible travel, Indian travellers are also playing an active role in shaping a more sustainable future for the industry

Aligning with this year’s World Environment Day (June 5) theme, “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” Booking.com’s 10th edition of its Travel & Sustainability Report 2025, reveals how Indian travellers are embracing conscious choices – from reducing waste and opting for greener transport to steering the industry toward a more sustainable tomorrow. The research offers rich insights from over 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, including India.

Conscious choices, cleaner getaways : Everyday habits for a greener future

With a majority (87%) willing to travel sustainably in the next 12 months, Indian travellers are becoming more mindful of their individual impact. Many are planning to adopt more responsible habits during their upcoming trips, reflecting a clear shift towards everyday actions that support long-term sustainability.

• 52% plan to use greener transport, 51% aim to reduce waste, and 50% will focus on energy savings, with 45% also committed to reducing water usage during their trips.
• Beyond operational aspects, conscious choices around wildlife and food are gaining traction – 48% intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities, 49% prioritise sustainable stays, and 49% are willing to make more mindful food choices.
• Conscious choices around wildlife, food and where they stay are also gaining traction, as 48% intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities, 49% willing to prioritise sustainable stays and 49% willing to make more mindful food choices.

Sustainability as a standard for Indian travellers

Travellers are increasingly seeking clarity and control when it comes to making more sustainable travel choices. There is a growing preference for booking platforms that offer transparent, consistent labelling and easy filtering of sustainable options. As sustainability becomes a key factor in travel decisions, platforms such as Booking.com have an important role in making these options more visible and accessible.

• Indian travellers want to actively filter their travel bookings for sustainability—75% for tours and activities, 74% for accommodations, 72% for rental cars and 69% for flights.
  • 71% believe all travel platforms should use consistent sustainability labels, while 72% express that they would feel better about flying if the flight had lower emissions.
  • While 61% of Indian travellers perceive certified sustainable options as potentially more expensive, there is a clear willingness to choose greener alternatives when presented. When offered more sustainable options on a travel website, 29% are most likely to choose more sustainable accommodation, followed by tours/activities (26%), electric or hybrid rental cars (15%), lower emission flights (14%), and electric or hybrid taxis (14%).

Top destinations for more sustainable stays

Travelling sustainably is no longer just a trend, but increasingly a priority for many. As awareness grows around the impact of travel on the environment, more destinations are stepping up to offer experiences that are both unforgettable and that can continue to be enjoyed by all for years to come. With a majority of Indian travellers increasingly aligning their values with their vacation choices, the Booking.com Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 profiles a list of destinations in India and globally, from the energetic vibe of Goa to the beautiful shoes of Lake Geneva, that offer an array of accommodations with reputable third-party sustainability certifications

These destinations were selected for having the highest percentage share of overall properties with an independent third-party sustainability certification (not ranked).

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.”

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