The growing importance of more responsible travel choices is highlighted in Booking.com’s 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report, with 85% of global travelers saying that traveling more sustainably is important or very important to them. At the same time, 69% express a desire to leave the destinations they visit better than they found them, with supporting local communities and protecting the environment being key priorities.
The travel-focused survey surveyed 32,500 people from 35 countries, recording that 60% believe that tourism has an overall positive impact on their destination, with key benefits being economic growth (59%), job creation (46%) and enhanced entertainment options (41%).
However, there are also challenges, such as traffic congestion (40%), increasing waste (37%) and the rising cost of living along with overcrowding (31%).
To mark the publication of the report, Booking.com presents six ways to travel more sustainably, based on how people around the world experience tourism in the places where they live. Specifically:
1. Away from popular destinations
Mass tourism in popular areas can put pressure on local infrastructure and disrupt the daily lives of residents. 29% of people say they would like their region to promote nearby cities and attractions to travelers, while 43% of travelers want to avoid overcrowded tourist destinations or attractions. So choosing itineraries “beyond the travel guide” can benefit both residents and visitors.
Paris is rightfully one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but smaller French cities like Bordeaux, with architecture that rivals the City of Lights, or Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, can offer similar experiences with fewer crowds and lower costs. Similarly, in Bangkok, the laid-back Ari neighborhood is ideal instead of the intense and bustling Thonglor. The result is a win-win: travelers get more authentic experiences away from the busiest spots, while smaller cities and local communities benefit from the traffic and the most touristy areas are decongested.
2. Traveling off-peak
Traveling off-peak is a favorite choice of frequent travelers. 25% of residents would like to see alternative times of visit promoted. Meanwhile, 42% of travellers say they want to travel abroad outside of peak periods. Even moving their trip by a few weeks can reduce the pressure on local communities during the busiest periods. Noosa, on the northern tip of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is particularly pleasant at this time of year, ideal for hiking and whale watching, with fewer visitors than in the peak summer months.
Alternatively, explore Italy’s Amalfi Coast in October–November, when it’s quieter and the weather milder, but the scenery is just as impressive as in the summer months. Families, often restricted by school holidays, can choose destinations popular with nationalities with different school calendars, for a more relaxed and often more affordable travel experience.
3. Getting around according to locals
With 41% of people saying they would like their area to offer better public transport for more sustainable tourism, the way travellers get around a destination can have a real impact. For the 46% of travellers who plan to use more sustainable means of transport on their trips, there are many options – from cycling and walking to using public transport.
However, the experience of hailing a Black Cab in London or a Yellow Cab in New York is part of the visit, but the Tube and Underground are often the fastest and most economical ways to get around, while remaining equally characteristic of each city. Modern travel and mapping apps are also making it easier than ever to explore cities on foot, in destinations like Singapore, Osaka, Vancouver, and Seattle, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the everyday life of a place while reducing traffic and emissions.
5. Protecting the natural environment
Natural beauty is often the main reason travelers choose a destination, so protecting it should be part of the experience. With 37% of people reporting that the increase in waste from tourism is a challenge for their area, it is encouraging that 52% of travelers want to reduce overall waste during their travels, for example by recycling and avoiding single-use products.
Equally important is reducing the impact of visitors on fragile ecosystems; staying on marked trails rather than entering protected habitats for a better photo, and avoiding damaging plants and marine life, are essential practices. When it comes to wildlife-focused travel, instead of the more popular destinations like the Galapagos, Masai Mara or Serengeti, one can opt for more isolated but equally impressive areas, such as the Pacific coast of Ecuador or less visited parks like Samburu in Kenya and Nyerere in Tanzania. These behaviors and choices can contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the destinations.
6. Connecting with local cultures and communities
With 28% of residents wanting tourists to better understand local laws and customs, and 30% calling for more funding to protect cultural and natural heritage, it is important for travelers to be mindful of cultural norms and what local communities consider important to protect.
Before traveling, it’s helpful to be aware of local etiquette, dress codes, religious customs, and specific regulations in each area, especially in sacred sites, historical monuments, or protected natural areas. Even small gestures, like knowing when photography is not appropriate or learning a few words in the local language, can be a sign of respect.
These six steps are simple actions that anyone can take, and they form the guide recommended by Booking.com. Through more conscious and thoughtful choices, visitors can reduce their footprint on the environment and local communities, while ensuring that destinations continue to be enjoyed by future generations, both residents and travelers.
Source: money-tourism.gr