Australia: New Booking.com Study Highlights Tourism Benefits and Challenges for Local Communities Nationwide

Booking.com, a prominent global travel platform, recently unveiled the tenth edition of its Sustainable Travel Research. This comprehensive annual study, initially conducted in 2016, examines evolving attitudes and behaviours toward sustainable travel among travellers worldwide, emphasizing how tourism impacts both the environment and local communities. Over the years, nearly 230,000 travellers from 35 different markets have participated in this research, highlighting a growing awareness and commitment to sustainable tourism.

In its latest 2025 edition, Booking.com adopted a unique, community-centric approach, aiming not only to understand travellers’ sustainable travel behaviours but also their perceptions as residents experiencing tourism within their own local communities. The findings underline significant shifts in attitudes toward responsible travel and emphasize the necessity for aligning sustainable tourism practices with local community benefits.

One of the standout revelations from the report is the increased consciousness among Australian travellers about the local impacts of tourism. For the first time, more than half (51%) of Australian respondents indicated a clear awareness of tourism’s dual influence on communities and the environment. This notable rise from previous years signifies a significant cultural shift, underscoring a deeper understanding of sustainability beyond environmental preservation alone.

The research highlights a significant evolution in Australians’ approach to travel sustainability. In 2016, only 40% of Australians considered themselves sustainable travellers, a number that has surged dramatically, with 91% now expressing a desire to adopt more sustainable travel practices by 2025. This growth reflects broader global trends where travellers increasingly seek ways to reduce their ecological footprint and actively support local economies and communities during their travels.

However, Australians also recognize tourism’s challenges. While a substantial majority (62%) acknowledged the positive economic and social benefits tourism brings to their communities—such as job creation, cultural exchange, and infrastructure improvement—they also expressed concern about negative impacts. Frequently cited issues include increased local traffic, overcrowding in popular tourist areas, littering, and the resultant pressure on local resources and infrastructure. The rising cost of living in tourist-heavy regions further exacerbates these concerns, leading to mixed feelings about tourism’s overall impact.

Despite these challenges, the study emphasizes Australians’ strong commitment to ensuring that tourism positively impacts local communities. An overwhelming 77% of respondents expressed a strong desire to ensure their tourism spending directly supports local businesses, artisans, and community initiatives. This intentional shift towards economically responsible tourism indicates a clear preference among Australians to engage with local experiences that provide tangible benefits to communities visited.

Additionally, 73% of Australian respondents expressed a commitment to leaving destinations in a better state than when they arrived. This proactive attitude towards environmental stewardship and community respect reveals a deeper, more holistic approach to travel, blending enjoyment and exploration with social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Todd Lacey, Booking.com’s Regional Manager for Oceania, articulated the importance of adapting infrastructure and innovation to align with these evolving sustainable tourism attitudes. He noted, “It’s imperative that tourism strategies and infrastructure developments match travellers’ sustainability ambitions. We are committed to facilitating deeper connections between visitors and local communities throughout Australia, including remote regions and Indigenous-operated tourism ventures. Our goal is to ensure the benefits of tourism are felt widely, creating more equitable economic impacts and preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations.”

Booking.com’s study also highlights practical measures that tourism stakeholders can implement to achieve these sustainability goals. Recommendations include improved waste management and recycling facilities in tourist destinations, increased investment in sustainable public transport options, and initiatives to manage visitor flows to avoid overcrowding and resource strain.

Furthermore, the research suggests that tourism operators and local authorities should focus on developing and promoting authentic local experiences. Such initiatives not only enrich visitors’ experiences but also directly benefit local economies and foster cultural exchange. Encouraging responsible visitor behaviours through educational campaigns and offering sustainable travel incentives can significantly enhance tourism’s long-term viability and acceptance within communities.

Booking.com continues to leverage technology and innovation to make sustainable choices easier for travellers. Through clear sustainability labelling and increased transparency regarding accommodations and activities, travellers are empowered to make informed, responsible decisions. The ongoing evolution of digital platforms like Booking.com significantly facilitates these sustainable behaviours, enabling travellers to easily identify and support sustainable options that align with their values.

Ultimately, Booking.com’s 2025 Sustainable Travel Research underscores a critical juncture for tourism sustainability in Australia and globally. The heightened awareness and growing commitment to responsible travel among Australians are clear indicators of an evolving tourism landscape. As global tourism continues to recover and grow, ensuring that travel remains sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to all stakeholders becomes not just preferable but essential.

Booking.com, part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), remains dedicated to simplifying global travel through technological innovation. Its digital marketplace connects millions of travellers worldwide, offering experiences that are both memorable and sustainable. For further details and insights, travellers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to visit globalnews.booking.com or engage with Booking.com via social media channels.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/australia-new-booking-com-study-highlights-tourism-benefits-and-challenges-for-local-communities-nationwide/