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.

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, renowned Ayurveda practitioner and Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram sheds light on the essential practices every woman should follow during menstruation to ensure better health and hygiene.

“Menstrual hygiene is simply normal hygiene that every female must maintain during her monthly cycle,” says Vaidya Smita Naram. Since menstrual bleeding occurs from the vaginal area, it’s crucial to keep the area clean—not just during periods but throughout the month—to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

She shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to promote safe menstrual hygiene:

 Choose Clean Period Products: Whether using pads, tampons, or cloth, ensure the material is clean. Change it every 3–4 hours to prevent bacterial infections. Opt for organic cotton pads, wash cloth pads in warm water, and dry them in the sun for natural sterilization.

 Wash the Area Regularly: Before every pad change, rinse and wash the area. Dry it with tissue to prevent moisture buildup. Use antibacterial water or Ayurvedic herbs like Neem leaves to further protect from infections.

 Avoid Scented Products: Fragranced period products may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones. Stick to unscented, skin-friendly alternatives.

 Refrain from Sexual Activity: Avoiding intimacy during periods reduces the risk of STDs and UTIs, which can be more likely during this phase due to increased sensitivity.

 Practice Cleanliness: Always wash hands before and after using the restroom, especially in public places. Carry wet wipes or sanitizers for convenience.

 Track Your Cycle: Monitor emotions, symptoms, and medication through apps or calendars. Early tracking can help detect any unusual patterns.

 Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and give your body the rest it needs. Periods are a window into physical health, and it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you.

Vaidya Smita encourages everyone to be mindful and respectful of their body’s needs during menstruation. “Not everyone has easy periods, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding and supporting your body during this natural phase.”

The increasing number of hotel fires across regions has triggered growing concern over how well our hospitality spaces are prepared to handle such emergencies. Fires in hotels can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, serious damage to property, and lasting reputational harm. Strengthening fire safety measures is no longer optional—it's a vital necessity.

Effective fire safety begins at the foundation - literally. It starts with proper building design, continues with the careful selection and application of materials, and is enforced through adherence to required permits like building licenses, occupancy certificates, and operational approvals.

Recent cases have pointed to multiple causes behind hotel fires—user negligence, kitchen-related mishaps, outdated or faulty electrical systems, and delays in maintenance work. Many of these risks are made worse by the absence of comprehensive fire safety designs, allowing small incidents to turn into large-scale disasters.

Key Elements for Strengthening Fire Safety in Hotels:

Design Integration:

Incorporating both passive and active fire safety elements into architectural, electrical, and mechanical designs is essential. One of the most important aspects is ensuring well-thought-out evacuation routes to allow for the safe and timely exit of guests and staff.

Material Matters:

One major hazard is the use of combustible or non-certified materials on hotel facades. These can catch fire quickly, enabling flames and smoke to spread vertically through the building and putting occupants at serious risk. Every material used must have test certifications from accredited laboratories to ensure fire compliance. Without such validation, they must not be used, especially on high-rise structures.

Correct Application:

Even certified materials, if poorly installed or used incorrectly, can compromise an entire building’s fire resistance. Following proper application procedures is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of all safety measures.

Routine Inspections:

Improper usage of building spaces, unauthorized storage of flammable items, or renovations that bypass safety norms can reduce a structure’s fire resistance. Regular expert inspections help identify these vulnerabilities and ensure continued compliance with fire safety regulations.

One organization leading the way in this area is Efectis, a global expert in fire science and safety. With more than 70 years of experience and a highly qualified team, Efectis offers customized fire safety strategies for various types of buildings in Türkiye and beyond, ensuring structures meet the highest fire resistance standards.

As the hospitality industry continues to grow, fire safety must evolve as a priority. Through better planning, strict material compliance, and continuous inspections, the industry can ensure safer environments for everyone.