dailyloe.com – Booking.com reported that 44% of travelers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region changed or canceled their plans in the last year due to extreme weather or natural disasters. The findings are part of Booking.com’s 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report, which surveyed 32,500 travelers across 35 global markets.
The report indicates a significant shift in travel behavior. More travelers are choosing to avoid crowds and are planning trips outside peak seasons. Danielle D’Silva, Booking.com’s director of sustainability, noted the adaptation to extreme weather and crowd avoidance as emerging norms across all age groups.
In the APAC region, 88% of travelers consider sustainable travel important. Additionally, 47% plan to travel during off-peak times. The report highlights generational differences in sustainable travel intentions, with 48% of Baby Boomers, 68% of Generation X, 76% of Millennials, and 80% of Generation Z expressing a desire to travel more sustainably in the coming year.
Extreme weather is influencing travel choices significantly. The survey revealed that 79% of respondents consider extreme weather risks when selecting travel destinations and timing. Furthermore, 74% of travelers in APAC actively avoid locations known for extreme weather.
Booking.com found that 68% of respondents feel stressed about booking trips due to extreme weather, while 64% struggle with unpredictability when planning travel. The same 44% reported altering their travel plans in the previous year because of weather-related concerns.
Overcrowding is another critical factor in travel decisions. Forty percent of APAC travelers plan to steer clear of overcrowded tourist spots. Among those aiming for quieter destinations, 36% want to avoid contributing to overtourism, while 28% are seeking out cooler locations.
For travelers opting to travel outside peak seasons, 33% wish to alleviate pressure on popular destinations. The report also highlights that 56% of respondents believe some destinations have become too hot for their intended travel times. Additionally, 63% indicated they had adjusted their travel plans because of extreme weather conditions.
