UK Sustainability in Travel Market Report 2025
71% of UK holidaymakers are interested in seeing information about the sustainability of a holiday before they make a booking.
71% of UK holidaymakers are interested in seeing information about the sustainability of a holiday before they make a booking.
71% of UK holidaymakers are interested in seeing information about the sustainability of a holiday before they make a booking. While sustainability may not yet be a top priority, there is a clear appetite among holidaymakers for learning more about the environmental impact of their travels. Although not currently a decisive factor in holiday decisions, going forwards, companies must be ready to provide accurate information about their sustainability efforts.
Sustainability efforts, such as changing to eco-friendly energy sources, may come at a cost to companies, which they are likely to pass on to the consumer. In the current era of economic uncertainty and the ongoing cost of living crisis, UK holidaymakers will be more cautious in their spending, and less willing to stump up the extra costs associated with environmentally-conscious trips. Instead brands can focus on alternative ways for consumers to engage in sustainability initiatives while on holiday, such as through volunteering schemes.
Overtourism is now one of the most visible environmental impacts of the growing travel market, but it also presents an opportunity to unlock new travel demand by encouraging visits to new destinations and more meaningful travel experiences.
Sustainability may not be front of mind for most consumers, but demand for sustainable tourism solutions is rising, especially in terms of addressing overtourism.
Sinead O’Connor, Travel Analyst
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:
This Report considers consumer and industry responses to sustainable travel, encompassing the environmental, economic and social/cultural impacts of travel. A number of related terms, including ethical and responsible travel/tourism, have also been used throughout. Holidays refer to overnight trips of at least one night made for leisure purposes. Trips for the purpose of visiting friends and family, business or other purposes are excluded.