62% Indians feel guilty while making less sustainable choices; 52% believe environmental damage is irreversible: report

People today understand the need and importance of inculcating sustainable practices while traveling. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024, 95% of Indian travelers confirm that sustainable travel is important to them. That’s not all: more than 93% say they will travel more sustainably in the next twelve months. This Sustainable Travel Report provided insight into people’s attitudes, priorities and influences regarding sustainable travel. Read on for more interesting findings from this report.

Indian travelers ready to embrace sustainability

Sustainable tourism has been in the spotlight for some time now. Travelers are now more aware and are taking steps to protect the environment and minimize the carbon footprint. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024, Indian travelers have expressed their desire for sustainable travel. So much so that 95% of Indian travelers recognize the importance of sustainable travel. While 93% claim they will inculcate sustainable practices into their travels over the next twelve months.
These numbers are quite astonishing, especially when you consider the increasing fatigue among people due to the challenges of making sustainable travel decisions. According to a survey, more than 46% of travelers say they are fatigued by the constant discussions about climate change.

These positive intentions are now taking on new challenges. According to this report, 62% of Indian travelers feel guilty about making less sustainable travel choices. However, 52% believe that the damage already done is irreversible and that the travel choices they make will not change that. Additionally, approximately 47% of travelers feel that the time they spend traveling is too valuable to put sustainability at the top of their decision-making list.

Also read: It’s 2024, if you don’t follow these sustainable practices you are killing our planet

Sustainable Travel Report provides insight into the mentality of travelers

Although there is a growing awareness and recognition of sustainable travel, the idea is still not catching on with the masses. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024, a quarter (about 24%) of Indians believe that more sustainable travel is important, but not a primary consideration when planning or booking a trip. This report was compiled based on insights from more than 31,000 travelers in 34 countries and territories.

According to the Sustainable Travel Report 2024, 42% of Indian travelers believe they can have a positive impact on the social impact of travel. Meanwhile, about 42% also believe that the government has the most potential to counter economic efforts. This is limited to the fact that there is a need for collective action that will ensure progress towards a more sustainable travel industry. The report also revealed the appeal of the word ‘sustainable’ when traveling. More than 48% of travelers find accommodations labeled ‘sustainable’ more attractive.

This sustainable travel report certainly makes us reconsider many of our travel choices! What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments.

Cover image courtesy: Canva

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