Agoda Survey: India Ranks Third in Asia for Sustainable Travel Interest

India, March 2026 –Digital travel platform Agoda’s 2026 Sustainable Travel Survey revealed that 88% of Indian travellers consider sustainability important when choosing travel options in 2026, placing India third in Asia for prioritising sustainable travel. The findings highlight that sustainability is becoming increasingly central to how Asian travellers plan their trips. Across the region, Thailand leads the ranking with 95%, followed by Indonesia (93%) and India (88%), with Malaysia (88%) and Taiwan (83%) rounding out the top five. Agoda’s survey results also reveal that the growing emphasis on sustainability in travel is here to stay. Looking ahead, 90% of Indian respondents say sustainable travel will matter to them over the next three years. 

The survey, which engaged respondents across eight Asian markets, captures changing expectations across the region, where travellers increasingly link sustainability not only to environmental responsibility, but also to outcomes that strengthen local communities and protect the destinations they love. 

Purpose and Community Benefit Lead Sustainable Travel Motivations 

When asked which outcome matters most when traveling more sustainably, Indian travellers put direct community impact at the top. Almost 39% of respondents say the most important outcome is ensuring travel-spend benefits local communities, followed closely by the preservation of natural landscapes and wildlife for the future (33%) and then the focus on building a deeper connection with the destination (16%). This means that travellers are defining “sustainable” less as an abstract environmental target and more as travel that benefits people on the ground and feels more purposeful. 

Travelers Want More Sustainable Experiences and Easier Ways to Book Them 

Travelers from India showed interest in experiences that combine enjoyment with positive impact. Tours and experiences that protect the environment and support local communities rank first at 35%, ahead of programs that enable travellers to give back to nature and communities (31%). Interest in transportation options with lower environmental footprints (18%) and accommodations with recognized sustainability certifications (16%) together highlight a desire for broader, end-to-end support for more sustainable travel. 

Travelers See Tourism as a Catalyst for Local Economic Growth 

Indian travellers believe tourism’s most meaningful impact lies in strengthening local economies. More than half (53%) say the biggest benefit of responsibly managed tourism is driving economic growth for local businesses, while 16% believe in its role in supporting the preservation of local cultures and traditions, underscoring a strong preference for sustainable tourism that both empowers communities and safeguards cultural heritage. 

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “Indian travellers are becoming increasingly conscious about the impact their journeys have on destinations and communities. What we are seeing today is a shift from sustainability being viewed purely through an environmental lens to a broader understanding that includes supporting local economies, protecting cultural heritage, and traveling more thoughtfully. At Agoda, initiatives such as our Eco Deals program are designed to make it easier for travellers to turn these intentions into action, allowing them to enjoy great value on their stays while also contributing to wildlife conservation and habitat protection efforts across destinations in Asia.” 

In partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Agoda’s Eco Deals program enables travellers across Asia to make more conscious choices that contribute to conservation, turning everyday travel into a force for good. This year’s program reflects Agoda’s highest funding commitment to date of US$1.5 million supporting WWF`s conservation projects across 10 markets. Eco Deals continues to provide savings of up to 15% until 18 December, while Agoda donates US$1 to WWF for every completed program booking at participating properties.