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. 

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 around the globe to raise awareness about every person`s role in protecting the environment. The theme for 2025 is “Ending Global Plastic Pollution. As the world adopts a sustainable lifestyle, a new travel report has revealed 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 conducted by Booking.com as a part of the 10th edition of its Travel & Sustainability Report 2025, 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 per cent) 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.

1. 52 per cent plan to use greener transport, 51 per cent aim to reduce waste, and 50 per cent will focus on energy savings, with 45 per cent also committed to reducing water usage during their trips.
2. Beyond operational aspects, conscious choices around wildlife and food are gaining traction – 48 per cent intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities, 49 per cent prioritise sustainable stays, and 49 per cent are willing to make more mindful food choices.
3. Conscious choices around wildlife, food and where they stay are also gaining traction, as 48 per cent intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities, 49 per cent willing to prioritise sustainable stays and 49 per cent 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.

1. Indian travellers want to actively filter their travel bookings for sustainability — 75 per cent for tours and activities, 74 per cent for accommodations, 72 per cent for rental cars and 69 per cent for flights.
2. 71 per cent believe all travel platforms should use consistent sustainability labels, while 72 per cent express that they would feel better about flying if the flight had lower emissions.
3. While 61 per cent 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 per cent are most likely to choose more sustainable accommodation, followed by tours/activities (26 per cent), electric or hybrid rental cars (15 per cent), lower emission flights (14 per cent), and electric or hybrid taxis (14 per cent).
 
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 report profiles a list of destinations in India and globally, from Goa to 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).
 
Top 10 Indian destinations for more Sustainable Stays    
Kanha, Madhya Pradesh    
Khawasa, Madhya Pradesh    
Panaji, Goa    
Agra, Uttar Pradesh    
Jodhpur, Rajasthan    
Hyderabad, Telangana    
Candolim, Goa    
Bengaluru, Karnataka    
Mumbai, Maharashtra    
Pune, Maharashtra    

Top 10 global destinations for more sustainable stays in 2025 
Winnipeg, Canada
Den Haag, Netherlands
Hamburg, Germany
Ankara, Turkey
Geneva, Switzerland
Aarhus, Denmark
Puebla, Mexico
Newcastle, United Kingdom
Seoul, South Korea
Roanoke, United States

Santosh Kumar, country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia of the online travel platform 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.”