One of the world’s leading online travel platforms, Booking.com, today released its 11th annual Travel and Sustainability Report 2026. The report highlights consumer attitudes and understanding of the social and environmental impact of travel. With insights from 32,500 travellers across 35 markets, the research highlights how generations approach travel. Read on to know more.
Booking.com Travel And Sustainability Report 2026
As per the report, 96% of Indian travellers at all ages say that sustainable travel is important or very important to them, with all generations expressing clear intentions to be sustainable. A majority of Millennials (88%), Gen Z (82%) and Gen X (77%) say they want to travel more sustainably in the coming months.
- Reducing wastage: More than half of Gen X (55%), Millennials (53%) and 44% of Gen Z say they want to avoid single-use items and do other things to reduce general waste when travelling.
- Supporting the local businesses: Almost half of Gen X (49%), Millennials (48%) and Gen Z (49%) say they will shop more at local, independent stores on their trips.
- Choosing sustainable accommodation: Almost half of Indian travellers in each age group said they plan to stay at sustainable accommodation.
- Cutting energy use: 57% of Gen X, 49% of Millennials and 46% of Gen Z intend to reduce energy consumption, such as turning off air conditioning and lights when they aren’t in their rooms.
Also Read: Travel Trends 2026: 91% Travellers Prefer Nature Trips, While 87% Seek Trips To Mentally Unwind
Food Habits, Weather & Other Key Highlights
Food habits are also evolving, as 60% of Gen X, 59% of Millennials, and 55% of Gen Z prefer locally sourced, seasonal meals. Sustainable habits like carrying reusable water bottles are widely adopted, with over 50% across all generations following this practice.
The report also highlights how extreme weather is reshaping travel decisions. About 71% of Indian travellers consider climate risks when choosing destinations and timing, and an equal percentage actively avoid places prone to extreme conditions. Nearly 63% have changed or cancelled travel plans in the past year due to weather-related disruptions, significantly higher than the global average of 33%. Additionally, 59% said some destinations are now too hot to visit, while 62% have removed locations from their wish lists due to climate concerns.
Travel preferences are also shifting towards more conscious choices. Around 47% of Indian travellers plan to avoid overcrowded places, 40% prefer travelling during off-peak seasons, and 33% are seeking cooler destinations. Among those choosing quieter locations, 45% want to reduce overtourism, while 55% aim to ease pressure on popular destinations.
Also Read: What Is Snack Tourism, A New Travel Trend That Goes Beyond Sights & Souvenirs?
FAQs
What is a travel trend?
Travel trends are repeating patterns that have been identified and become common enough to quantify.
What is the meaning of sustainable travel?
Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
What is an example of sustainable travel?
With its breathtaking fjords and commitment to sustainability, Norway is a prime example of eco-tourism.