Cost Versus Sustainability in Travel

By Ivan PetrenkoJan 26, 2025 12:32 PMNews
Share:
A traveler with an orange backpack overlooks a calm lake surrounded by mountains under an overcast sky
Travelers prioritize affordability over sustainability in tourism. Source: unsplash

A report presented by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) during FITUR 2025 highlights the gap between travelers’ environmental concerns and their actual purchasing decisions. Conducted in collaboration with YouGov, the research categorizes travelers into six groups, revealing that cost remains the top priority for over half of respondents. Meanwhile, only a small fraction—less than 11%—considers sustainability a deciding factor when booking travel options.

The findings also emphasize a lack of exposure to sustainability messaging, with over 10% of travelers unaware of eco-friendly options or benefits. While the interest in sustainable travel is growing, accessibility and affordability are significant hurdles. Many travelers are unable to align their values with their choices, leaving eco-friendly tourism as an underutilized alternative in a predominantly cost-driven industry.

For travelers seeking to make greener choices, small changes can have a meaningful impact. Opting for accommodations that prioritize renewable energy, support local economies, or implement waste-reduction programs is a practical start. Additionally, choosing airlines that offer carbon offset programs or travel routes designed to minimize emissions can make trips more sustainable without dramatically increasing costs.

Planning trips during off-peak seasons is another helpful tip, as it not only reduces the environmental strain on destinations but can also lower overall travel expenses. Being informed about eco-friendly practices, such as reusable travel items and supporting ethical tourism activities, can further align your journey with sustainable values without breaking the budget.

This report is a call to action for both travelers and the industry. For eco-conscious travelers, the findings stress the importance of advocacy and making informed choices within their means. For the travel sector, there’s a clear demand to make sustainability more affordable and visible, ensuring that all travelers, regardless of budget, can embrace greener tourism.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
High voltage warning sign on a grey wall

Railway Trespassing Risks Derail Travel Plans Across the UK

Apr 3, 2025 06:36 AM
RFI train at an Italian station alongside another regional train

Train Halt Between Gallarate and Rho to Affect April Travel

Apr 2, 2025 22:46 PM

New Flights from Bucharest Baneasa Unlock Easier City Breaks Across Europe

Apr 2, 2025 20:29 PM

Rail Europe Adds Renfe Reservations for Passholders

Apr 2, 2025 18:31 PM
SAS aircraft boarding at airport gate

SAS Adds 28 New Routes to Expand and Simplify Summer 2025 Travel

Apr 2, 2025 16:49 PM
Three people planning a trip on a laptop together

Australians Can Capitalise on April Holidays to Unlock New Travel Opportunities

Apr 2, 2025 10:45 AM
Two Wizz Air aircraft parked at the gate at an airport, with one jet engine visible in the foreground

Direct Flights from Varna Open Doors to New European and Middle Eastern Destinations

Apr 2, 2025 08:28 AM
Night view of RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka along the river in the Nakanoshima district

Historic Osaka Hotel Reopens with Cultural Twist for Modern Travelers

Apr 2, 2025 06:32 AM
AirAsia aircraft on airport tarmac during ground operations

AirAsia Launches Low-Fare Offer Ahead of Peak Travel Season

Apr 1, 2025 22:47 PM

Vibrant Pride Celebrations Set to Reshape UK Travel in Summer 2025

Apr 1, 2025 20:34 PM

Direct Faro–Madeira Flights Simplify Travel Across Portugal This Summer

Apr 1, 2025 18:23 PM
Hikers walking across grassy hills in a remote countryside landscape under a partly cloudy sky

Rural Escapes Gain Popularity Among Spring Travelers

Apr 1, 2025 16:49 PM
EasyJet airplane wing flying over a coastal landscape with clear skies

New Flight Route Connects Gatwick to the Shores of Cape Verde

Apr 1, 2025 14:36 PM
Condor airplane with colorful heart design being towed at Frankfurt Airport

Condor Launches Vienna-Frankfurt Link to Boost Travel Access

Mar 31, 2025 23:39 PM
Woman enjoying breakfast in hotel bed

Global Hotel Recovery Transforms Traveler Expectations

Mar 31, 2025 21:44 PM

Cathay and Zurich Insurance Team Up to Enhance Travel Experience in Hong Kong

Mar 31, 2025 19:21 PM

Spring Travel at Risk as Scottish Bus Strike Looms

Mar 31, 2025 17:37 PM
Japan Airlines aircraft mid-flight against a cloudy sky

Japan Airlines Expands Inflight Options With Paramount+

Mar 31, 2025 15:46 PM
Close-up of pillows on a neatly made hotel bed

New Hotel Openings Unlock More Affordable Stays Across Europe

Mar 31, 2025 13:23 PM
Air traffic control tower at Gatwick Airport with a plane landing at sunset

New Gatwick Scanners Ease Airport Security for Travellers

Mar 31, 2025 11:38 AM
Open suitcase with travel essentials, camera, summer clothes, and accessories laid out on a wooden floor

Fewer Tourists Choose U.S. Amid Policy Backlash

Mar 30, 2025 22:47 PM
A blue ITA Airways aircraft taxiing on the runway under clear skies

ITA Airways Relocates at Frankfurt and Munich Airports Simplifying Transfers

Mar 30, 2025 20:32 PM

Hotels Adopt Smart Systems to Modernize Guest Services

Mar 29, 2025 23:24 PM

China Airlines Adjusts Rules After Southeast Asia Earthquake

Mar 29, 2025 21:30 PM
Two LNER Azuma trains at King's Cross Station

Azuma Train Trial Hints at New London Arrival Option for Travellers

Mar 29, 2025 19:42 PM
Lufthansa aircraft at airport gate viewed from empty terminal seating area

Lufthansa Adds New Tools to Tackle Travel Disruptions This Summer

Mar 29, 2025 17:28 PM