This World Environment Day, Booking.com’s 10th edition of the Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 offers a powerful glimpse into how Indian travellers are making a difference with conscious, responsible travel choices. With the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” the report reveals that 87% of Indian travellers aim to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months—actively making changes to minimise waste, reduce energy use, and lower the impact of transportation, food, and wildlife activities.

The global survey features insights from over 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, including India, and highlights a shift towards more intentional, eco-conscious travel behaviours.

Conscious Choices for Cleaner Getaways

Indian travellers are embracing sustainability in everyday travel habits:

• 52% plan to use greener transport
• 51% aim to reduce waste
• 50% focus on energy conservation
• 45% plan to reduce water usage during trips

In addition to these operational efforts, many travellers are being mindful of their broader impact:

• 48% intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities
• 49% are prioritising eco-certified stays
• 49% are making more mindful food choices

Sustainability Is Now a Standard

As sustainability becomes central to travel planning, Indian travellers are asking for more clarity and control in the booking process.

•  75% want to filter tours and activities by sustainability
• 74% want this for accommodations
• 72% for rental cars, and 69% for flights

Furthermore,

• 71% believe all travel platforms should adopt consistent sustainability labels
• 72% would feel better about flying if lower-emission flights were offered

Although 61% of Indian travellers perceive sustainable travel options as costlier, many are still choosing them when presented transparently. When offered

• 29% opt for more sustainable accommodation
• 26% choose greener tours
• 15% go for electric/hybrid rental cars
• 14% pick lower-emission flights or taxis

Top Sustainable Travel Destinations

Booking.com also released a list of top destinations with the highest share of properties having independent third-party sustainability certifications.

Top 10 Indian Destinations:

1. Kanha, Madhya Pradesh
   
   

2. Khawasa, Madhya Pradesh
   
   

3. Panaji, Goa
   
   

4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
   
   

5. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
   
   

6. Hyderabad, Telangana
   
   

7. Candolim, Goa
   
   

8. Bengaluru, Karnataka
   
   

9. Mumbai, Maharashtra
   
   

10. Pune, Maharashtra
    
    

Top 10 Global Destinations for 2025:

1. Winnipeg, Canada
   
   

2. Den Haag, Netherlands
   
   

3. Hamburg, Germany
   
   

4. Ankara, Turkey
   
   

5. Geneva, Switzerland
   
   

6. Aarhus, Denmark
   
   

7. Puebla, Mexico
   
   

8. Newcastle, UK
   
   

9. Seoul, South Korea
   
   

10. Roanoke, USA
    
    

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.”

He added,

“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.”

As the world moves toward a greener tomorrow, Indian travellers are already taking meaningful steps to ensure that travel experiences remain beautiful, responsible, and accessible for generations to come.