Sustainability set to influence travel demand in 2022

Insights from more than 30,000 travellers across 32 countries and territories, reveal a “healthy and growing” appetite for more sustainable travel options, according to Booking.com’s latest research. It revealed over half (57%) of UK travellers expressed a desire to travel more sustainably over the coming 12 months - up 27% on the company’s 2021 report. Additionally, almost half of all respondents (42%) cited that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices. The booking agency said an “encouraging” 33% of UK travellers said they have stayed in a sustainable accommodation over the past year, with motivations showing “breadth” of understanding: 31% said they chose it to help reduce their impact on the environment Over a fifth (21%) wanted to have a more locally relevant experience 24% believe sustainable properties treat the community better While awareness and visibility of more sustainable stays are increasing - 25% of UK travellers confirmed they have seen sustainable accommodation on an online travel site over the past year and 29% indicate they actively look for information on the sustainability efforts of a property before they book. Booking.com also said with 62% of UK travellers intending to stay in a sustainable property at least once in the coming year, the potential to bridge the gap between those already in the know and those still struggling to find the right options is “huge”. In addition, a quarter (25%) of UK travellers say that the sustainability efforts of accommodations and transport providers play a “strong” role in their property and transport decisions respectively, with a compelling 55% of respondents saying they would be more likely to choose a sustainable accommodation. Danielle D’Silva, head of sustainability at Booking.com, said: “Seeing global travellers further engage with sustainable travel and showing increasing intent to make a positive impact while they experience the world is hugely encouraging - but it’s just the start. “We recognise the integral role our partners play in this change and investing in the right products and programs that help them communicate their efforts to an increasingly captive and mindful traveller audience is of critical importance.”