As travelers 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, 77% of travelers 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 travelers stated their willingness to make more sustainable travel choices with 18% of respondents indicating that they would always make every effort to ensure they travel more sustainably. Still 22% of travelers rarely consider sustainability in their travel decisions – with Japan’s travelers least concerned (45%) and only 8% of travelers 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% of respondents highlighting incentives like discounts as the key factor. This sentiment was particularly strong in Singapore (58%), Taiwan (54%), and Indonesia (47%).

The availability of sustainable travel packages ranked second, with offerings ranging from guided conservation hikes to supporting local initiatives of more interest to travelers from the Philippines (28%), Vietnam (24%), and Thailand (23%). 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.

Enric Casals, Associate Vice President at Agoda, said “The message is loud and clear: Travelers want to make more sustainable choices. Agoda’s Eco Deals Program offers travelers a range of great value deals on selected properties, and for every booking, Agoda donates USD $1 to local conservation projects of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). With a total donation target of up to USD $1 million, we are helping travelers 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 travelers would prioritize on their trips, across Asia over a quarter (26%) of the respondents chose supporting local communities through actions such as purchasing locally made products or contributing to local initiatives.

Recycling and waste reduction (20%), like reusing towels and bed linens, was the second-most named preferred action by all travelers, followed by participating in conservation-focused activities and tours in third with 17% of the votes. Other key practices include opting for accommodations with sustainability certifications in fourth and selecting more sustainable transportation options in fifth.

Since its launch on World Wildlife Day, 3 March 2024, anyone traveling to Southeast Asia can book Eco Deals on Agoda. For every Eco Deals booking, USD $1 is donated to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving critical habitats in Southeast Asia. In addition, travelers can benefit from a discount of up to 15%. More information can be found on www.agoda.com/ecodeals.