World Tourism Day: Sustainability is the new norm for Indian travellers
are packing sustainability into every trip. As per new research by Booking.com, travellers are increasingly choosing , supporting and planning trips around their environmental impact. “Over the past year, Indian travellers have translated their intentions into tangible action, prioritising waste reduction, supporting local economies, and embracing mindful travel habits. Indian travellers view sustainable tourism as a shared responsibility, requiring a collaborative effort from all stakeholders,” says Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at the company.
‘Travellers are actively seeking journeys that respect the planet’
“Experiences that create meaningful footprints—rather than adding to the crowd—are becoming the new norm,” shares Aashika Sripathi, founderdirector of Gosmiles.in. “From carbonoffsetting trips to net-zero climate tours, travellers are seeking journeys that respect the planet while enriching their lives. Choices span across homestays powered by solar, resorts that recycle water, develop forests or employ local communities, jungle lodges built with local materials, small heritage towns, villages, or communityled tourism instead of crowded places— learning pottery in Rajasthan, cooking in Kerala, enjoying folk music festivals, or staying on farms with natural food for these tourists,” she adds.
O Pack light & reuse: Carry a refillable bottle and reusable bags to cut single-use plastic
O Travel off-peak: Reduce crowding and ease pressure on local resources
O Choose local: Shop at neighbourhood stores, eat at restaurants sourcing local/ organic produce
O Respect wildlife: Avoid tours or activities that disturb natural habitats
O Give back: Look for activities that support community projects or cultural preservation
Today’s travellers are seeking more than trips; they are making value-driven choices. In India, 34% of travellers say the sustainability credentials of a property are a key factor when choosing where to stay, apart from the price and location. This shows a clear shift towards conscious travel decisions
‘Travellers are actively seeking journeys that respect the planet’
“Experiences that create meaningful footprints—rather than adding to the crowd—are becoming the new norm,” shares Aashika Sripathi, founderdirector of Gosmiles.in. “From carbonoffsetting trips to net-zero climate tours, travellers are seeking journeys that respect the planet while enriching their lives. Choices span across homestays powered by solar, resorts that recycle water, develop forests or employ local communities, jungle lodges built with local materials, small heritage towns, villages, or communityled tourism instead of crowded places— learning pottery in Rajasthan, cooking in Kerala, enjoying folk music festivals, or staying on farms with natural food for these tourists,” she adds.
Travellers today are leaning towards sustainable travel choices—be it the kind of stay, the destinations they visit, or even the mode of transport they take. The motivation goes beyond convenience; it’s about making an ethical impact
Sustainable travel tips for the eco-conscious traveller:
O Pack light & reuse: Carry a refillable bottle and reusable bags to cut single-use plastic
O Travel off-peak: Reduce crowding and ease pressure on local resources
O Choose local: Shop at neighbourhood stores, eat at restaurants sourcing local/ organic produce
O Respect wildlife: Avoid tours or activities that disturb natural habitats
O Give back: Look for activities that support community projects or cultural preservation
Travel is about making sure your journey benefits not just yourself, but the environment and the community. Over the past few years, I’ve tried to travel in a way that leaves a positive impact, supporting local businesses, reducing waste, etc. It makes the journey feel meaningful, not just memorable
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