SINGAPORE, 25 April 2024: Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Data 2024 suggests interest in sustainable travel is waning for Singaporean travellers as 47% feel that climate change damage is irreversible and their travel choices will not make a difference.

New data from the company’s annual sustainable travel research reveals that 50% of Singaporeans feel travelling more sustainably is important but not a primary consideration when planning or booking travel.

Close to half (42%) feel the damage already done is irreversible and that the choices they make are not going to change that, while one-third (31%) don’t believe climate change is as severe as people make it out to be

However, nearly three-quarters (70%) of Singapore travellers say they want to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived (up from 64% last year).

Booking.com latest research, released last week, recorded insights gathered from more than 31,000 travellers across 34 countries and territories, including Singapore. The study explored the latest consumer attitudes, priorities, and influences related to sustainable travel. 

While the annual research reveals a continued sense of desire and awareness, with 80% of Singapore travellers confirming that sustainable travel is important to them, new insights show a sense of weariness could be emerging globally, fuelled by the ongoing challenges that travellers experience to make more sustainable travel choices. 

The recent study shows that half (50%) of Singapore travellers feel travelling more sustainably is important but not a primary consideration when planning or booking a trip, and 34% of Singapore travellers even report they are tired of constantly hearing about climate change. 

Positive intentions 

Looking ahead, 3 in 4 (75%) of Singapore travellers say they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months, and close to half (44%) would feel guilty when making less sustainable travel choices. Moreover, some feel that the time they spend travelling could be more precious to put sustainability at the top of their decision-making list (37%). Not seeing sustainability in action also contributes to the sense of powerlessness; nearly half (46%) of Singapore travellers believe that being more sustainable in a destination that does not implement sustainability practices itself feels pointless.

Sustainable silver linings

Despite the emerging frustrations, Singaporean travellers who say they are making more mindful choices also feel that more sustainable travel experiences are adding value to their trips. New areas of research in this year’s report found that 64% of Singapore travellers recognise that they are the best version of themselves when they travel more sustainably and consequently take home this positivity, just as 72% of Singapore travellers feel that witnessing sustainable practices. In contrast, travelling inspires them to be more sustainable in their everyday life. Of those who adopted sustainable behaviours on their travels, it was seen as an enhancement for 97% of Singapore travellers who did tours or activities for authentic, local, and cultural experiences, 92% who shopped at small, independent stores, and 91% who planned their trips so that they could walk, bike, or take public transport.To download Booking.com’s full 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, please visit the Booking.com global media room.

SINGAPORE, 25 April 2023: Skyscanner has unveiled its latest report, ‘First Trip with Skyscanner’, which illuminates the factors considered by young adults planning to embark on their first “grown-up” trip without parents or guardians. 

Conducted across Australia, India, South Korea, and Singapore, the survey gathered insights from over 5,000 young travellers. The findings revealed a strong inclination among 18 to 25-year-olds to embark on their first trip earlier in their youth, with more than half having already done so before the age of 21 and at least 1 in 3 planning to do so in the future. 

Taking your first overseas trip represents a significant milestone for numerous young adults worldwide. For certain individuals, it might occur after receiving their very first paycheck, while for others, it could be a celebratory excursion following graduation. 

Sharing her thoughts on the report, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, Cyndi Hui said, “At Skyscanner, we recognise that a desire for independence and autonomy drives today’s young travellers. They seek experiences that empower them to explore the world on their terms and are excited to take this first step without parental or guardian supervision at a young age. 

“Our report is strategically scheduled ahead of the graduation and school holiday periods in Australia, India, Singapore, and South Korea. By now revealing the preferences and considerations of young travellers, this presents an opportune moment for travel to utilise these insights. Collectively, we can assist young travellers in effectively planning ahead of their first trip and making it a journey they can call their own.”

Key Highlights from the report 

All bases covered: From planning to landing, young travellers are taking charge of charting their path to newfound independence for their coming of age; approximately 70% across APAC plan trip itineraries before jetting off, and around 1 in 2 plan the itineraries themselves. Even with lesser “grown-up money”, young travellers are committed to fund their trips. Around 70% intend to use their savings or tap into their salaries, and less than half use money from their parents or guardians. 

Safety (and Savings) First: Young travellers in APAC prioritise safety and budget when planning their first trips without their parents or guardians abroad. Safety ranks highest for young travellers in India (63%) and South Korea (54%). Conversely, young Australian (78%) and Singaporean (58%) travellers emphasise budget more.

WFO – Work from Overseas: With the rise of digital nomads and more governments granting work visas for inbound travellers, the prospect of living or working overseas is becoming more achievable. Notably, young travellers from India (47%), Australia (37%) and Singapore (33%) are motivated to travel to discover places to live or work in the future. In particular, 3 in 5 young Australians are likely to travel where work takes them, whether interstate or overseas. Similarly, more than half (65%) of Singaporeans is likely to use their travel to decide their next city to live or work in.

European Summer: From Southeast Asia to Europe, young travellers in APAC travel or intend to travel worldwide. Notably, 55% of travellers from APAC, spanning various age groups, are eyeing Europe as their destination, coinciding with European summertime.

Gen Zen: With their newfound freedom, young travellers are determined pursue what they want through travel. For some, exploring the endless wonders that the world has to offer to enrich themselves is what motivates their first unsupervised trip (1 in 2), while others seek an escapism to recharge from the hustle and bustle of life (45%).

Spill the Tea: Despite Gen Zs being digital natives, around 1 in 2 young travellers in Singapore, India, and Australia still prefer to get travel recommendations from their parents and friends. On the contrary, young South Korean travellers rely most on online search platforms (56%) for advice in planning their trips.
For more information and to download the full report, visit https://www.skyscanner.com.sg/news/my-first-trip