Good signs for mother earth – the number of travellers staying in eco-friendly or ‘green’ accommodations at least once could double this year as more than half (65%) have expressed intentions to do so. This compares to only 34% who actually stayed in one or more last year.
Data from Booking.com’s recently published Sustainable Travel Report looks promising for our environment. Some 68% of those interviewed confirmed they are more likely to consider choosing an accommodation they know was eco-friendly. Chinese travellers are the most likely to do so (93%), followed by Brazilian (83%), and the Spanish (80%). For a large 79%, sustainable considerations also impact their mode of transport when travelling, with 43% taking public transport whenever possible, 42% trying to walk, bike or hike as much as possible and nearly one fifth (18%) flying less to reduce their carbon footprint.
While sustainable travel conjures different meanings for different people, staying in eco-friendly accommodations defines for more than half (over 56%) what “sustainable travel” is.
For many, sustainable travel is also synonymous with having a more authentic and local experience. Some 38% perceive the buying of locally-made products and supporting local artisans as sustainable travel, while 36% would choose an eco-friendly accommodation because it provides a more locally-relevant experience.
“Just as where we stay on holiday plays a pivotal role in the enjoyment of our trip, so it also plays an increasingly important role in helping people to travel sustainably,” said Pepijn Rijvers, chief marketing officer at Booking.com.
“Whether by serving locally grown food, using or selling local crafts, conserving water and energy, recycling or connecting guests with the local community, accommodations today are working on a range of sustainability efforts and it’s heartening to see travellers so keen to explore and embrace these.”
For accommodation options, the top five most important green practices that are considered by travellers are solar energy (67%), sustainable water system (43%), low-flow showers/toilets (36%), organic restaurants/food options (31%), and recycling bin/baskets in room (29%).
Booking.com has itself been playing an active role in encouraging more sustainable travel practices and models, most recently launching a accelerator programme for startups involved in sustainable tourism.
“We are continually exploring improved ways to uncover and share the sustainability efforts of our accommodation partners with those searching and selecting on our site, and as part of our own commitment to improving destinations worldwide,” said Rijvers.
