Mumbai: As Indians venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 87 per cent of Indian travellers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages and clearer guidance on sustainable travel practices could encourage them to make more sustainable choices on their next trip.
Over ten thousand respondents were polled on Agoda’s platform, from ten markets across Asia. Almost 8 in 10 travellers stated their willingness to make more sustainable travel choices: with 18 per cent of respondents indicating that they would always make every effort to ensure they travel more sustainably. Still, 22 per cent of travellers rarely consider sustainability in their travel decisions – with Japan’s travellers least concerned (45 per cent) versus only 8 per cent of travellers from the Philippines.
Financial incentives could play a key factor in making more sustainable choices
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey also asked respondents for the key factors that could help encourage them to make more sustainable travel choices. In all markets, financial incentives came out on top, with an average of 45 per cent of respondents highlighting incentives like discounts as the key factor. This sentiment was particularly strong in Singapore (58 per cent), Taiwan (54 per cent) and Indonesia (47 per cent). 41 per cent of Indian travellers opted for incentives or discounts as a core driver.
The availability of sustainable travel packages ranked second, with offerings ranging from guided conservation hikes to supporting local initiatives of more interest to travellers from the Philippines (28 per cent), Vietnam (24 per cent) and Thailand (23 per cent). Clear guidelines on sustainable travel practices (#3), education and awareness on environmental impact (#4), and relevant sustainability policies from the local government (#5) completed the top five.
Agoda associate vice president Enric Casals said “The message is loud and clear: Travelers want to make more sustainable choices. Agoda’s Eco Deals Program offers travellers a range of great value deals on selected properties, and for every booking, Agoda donates one US dollar to local conservation projects of the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF). With a total donation target of up to one million US dollars, we are helping travellers to see the world for less, and do their part to give back to the destinations they care about.”
When asked which sustainable travel practices travellers from India prioritize on their trips, supporting local communities and conservation projects came out on top with 29 per cent of the respondents choosing this practice. The sentiment was the same across Asia, with over a quarter (26 per cent) of the respondents on average choosing this option.
Across Asia, recycling and waste reduction (20 per cent), like reusing towels and bed linens, was the second-most named preferred action, followed by participating in conservation-focused activities and tours (17 per cent). Other key practices include opting for accommodations with sustainability certifications in the fourth and selecting more sustainable transportation options in the fifth.
Since the launch on 3 March 2024, World Wildlife Day, anyone travelling to Southeast Asia can book Eco Deals on Agoda. For every Eco Deals booking, a dollar is donated to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving critical habitats in Southeast Asia. In addition, travellers can benefit from a discount of up to 15 per cent. More information can be found on
