05 June,2026 08:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
As the world celebrates our environment this month, a new report has revealed that Indian travellers have now adopted conscious travel throughout the year, rather than just a trend.
As World Environment Day observed on June 5 every year, under the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future" in 2026, Booking.com has released new data about Indian travellers.
According to the travel platform's Travel and Sustainability Report 2026, Indian travellers are becoming more conscious of their impact on destinations, communities and the environment, with many actively trying to travel more responsibly. The research highlights how sustainability is steadily becoming part of everyday travel planning, influencing everything from destination choices to booking habits.
Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of Indian travellers believe people need to act now and make more sustainable choices to preserve the planet for future generations. At the same time, 72 per cent say they are more determined to travel more sustainably now than they were a year ago, reflecting rising awareness around the long-term impact of tourism.
Travel is also becoming more purposeful for many Indian travellers. More than half (58 per cent) say they want to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived, while 71 per cent say seeing sustainable practices while travelling inspires them to adopt similar habits in their everyday lives. This suggests sustainability is beginning to influence not only how people travel, but also how they live.
Making intentions action: Nearly half (47 per cent) of Indian travellers say they try to make more sustainable travel choices whenever possible, while 35 per cent say sustainability consistently influences the decisions they make while travelling. Together, this reflects how responsible travel is becoming a more established part of mainstream traveller behaviour.
Evolving destination preferences: Rather than focusing only on traditional tourist hotspots, many Indian travellers are increasingly looking for places that feel less crowded. Nearly half (49 per cent) say they want to experience destinations before they become too popular, while 45 per cent say visiting lesser-known destinations helps reduce their environmental impact. The growing interest in quieter destinations also points to rising awareness around overcrowding and its impact on local communities and experiences.
Choosing when to travel: Indian travellers are becoming more open to travelling outside peak periods, driven by a mix of practical and sustainability-related motivations. Among those opting for off-season travel, 71 per cent say they want to avoid crowds, while 55 per cent want to help reduce pressure on destinations. Better availability for accommodations and attractions (68 per cent), along with saving money on trips (51 per cent), are also encouraging travellers to explore off-season travel.
As sustainability becomes a bigger priority, Indian travellers are also expecting the booking experience to become more transparent and easier to navigate:
Seeking consistency: Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) believe travel websites and apps should use consistent sustainability certifications or labels, highlighting growing demand for clearer and more reliable information while planning trips.
Filtering future bookings: This mindset is also shaping future booking behaviour. Around 73 per cent plan to actively filter for more sustainable tours, attractions and activities, while 70 per cent intend to look for accommodations with sustainability certifications. Another 68 per cent say they are likely to filter for electric or hybrid rental vehicle options, signalling stronger intent to actively seek out lower-impact travel alternatives.
The importance of affordability: At the same time, travellers want sustainable options to feel practical and accessible rather than expensive or difficult to navigate. Nearly half (47 per cent) say discounts or financial incentives would encourage them to travel more sustainably, while 45 per cent want advice on how to make sustainable choices while travelling on a budget. This reinforces the importance of affordability in helping more travellers adopt sustainable habits.
Looking for guidance and support: Indian travellers are also looking for more support to make informed decisions while planning trips. Around 41 per cent want clearer communication around what makes an option more sustainable, while 40 per cent say guidance on the best times to travel to avoid overcrowding would encourage more responsible travel choices. Loyalty rewards and recommendations for alternative destinations were both cited by 38 per cent of respondents, pointing to growing interest in smarter and more conscious ways to explore destinations.
Commenting on the research, Santosh Kumar, regional lead, South Asia at the travel platform says, said, "As traveller expectations continue to evolve, sustainability is becoming more closely linked with the overall quality and experience of travel. Indian travellers today are looking for choices that feel more thoughtful and informed, whether that means exploring destinations outside peak periods, choosing certified stays or seeking clearer information while planning trips"
