Earth Day 2021 will be a moment of reflection for travelers around the world. Instead of reminiscing about the trips they have taken in the past 12 months, it will be a milestone moment for many to reflect on how their future travels can have a more positive impact, both on the environment and on local communities. Leading digital travel platform Booking.com has leveraged its recent research* to unearth an uplifting trend of a heightened desire to travel responsibly, which means we can expect to see travelers having a more eco-conscious mindset throughout 2021, and beyond, as it becomes safe to travel again.
Following the halt that the pandemic has put on travelers’ plans, people’s eyes to their own impact on the environment and local communities have no doubt been opened. Two-thirds of Hong Kong travelers (66%*) have admitted that because of Coronavirus they want to travel more sustainably, being one of the more committed markets globally.
From having an amped awareness of the need for sustainable travel, travelers have been re-evaluating what steps to take, whether small or large, to ensure they are playing their part in helping to protect the planet. 65%* of Hong Kong travelers intend to stay away from crowded tourist attractions, over half (57%*) will avoid traveling during peak season and a further 41%* will visit alternative destinations to prevent overcrowding.
But travelers aren’t just carefully considering their destination choices, they are also thinking about how their trips can have a more long-term, regenerative effect and actually help rebuild communities. With new research from Booking.com revealing that over two-thirds (70%**) of travelers want the money they spend when traveling to go back to the local community. Along with a further 39%* of travelers intending to support local communities and economies through more thoughtful travel choices.
This eco-conscious determination is having an impact on travelers’ behaviors even once they arrive at their destination, as Hong Kong travelers are pledging to continue to act with sustainability in mind. Booking.com’s research shows that 87%** of travelers are vying to stay in an eco-accommodation at least once..
Whilst it’s likely that travelers can finally get excited about being able to travel safely again in the not-so-distant future, research shows the pause in global trotting has inspired 89%** of Hong Kong travelers to make sustainable travel a priority in the future. An optimistic indication that travelers will be more considerate when making decisions about future travel, while keeping in mind that every (sustainable) step they take will help to reduce their footprint on the environment.
To delve deeper into Booking.com’s predictions for the Future of Travel including the Impact Awakening and the rise of responsible travel, please visit: https://www.booking.com/articles/category/future-of-travel.html
.jpg){kind=tracking}