Indian travellers say action is needed now to preserve the planet for future generations

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 trendAs World Environment Day observed on June 5 every year under the theme ldquoInspired by Nature For Climate For Our Futurerdquo in 2026 Bookingcom has released new data about Indian travellersAccording to the travel platformrsquos 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 habitsNearly threequarters 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 longterm impact of tourismTravel 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 liveSustainable travel is increasingly influencing how Indians plan their tripsMaking 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 behaviourEvolving 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 lesserknown 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 experiencesChoosing when to travel Indian travellers are becoming more open to travelling outside peak periods driven by a mix of practical and sustainabilityrelated motivations Among those opting for offseason 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 offseason travelTravellers want sustainable travel to be easier clearer and more rewardingAs sustainability becomes a bigger priority Indian travellers are also expecting the booking experience to become more transparent and easier to navigateSeeking consistency Nearly twothirds 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 tripsFiltering 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 lowerimpact travel alternativesThe 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 habitsLooking 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 destinationsCommenting on the research Santosh Kumar regional lead South Asia at the travel platform says said ldquoAs 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 tripsrdquo