GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Tourism Industry Statistics

Majority of travelers favor eco-friendly options, boosting sustainable tourism industry growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The tourism industry accounts for approximately 8-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 2

Tourism-related water usage accounts for roughly 4% of global freshwater withdrawals

Statistic 3

Marine tourism contributes about 3% of global greenhouse gases

Statistic 4

60% of global tourism emissions are linked to air travel

Statistic 5

The average carbon footprint of a tourist is approximately 3.4 tons of CO2 per trip

Statistic 6

Tourism contributes to approximately 28% of global waste generation, with significant plastic pollution

Statistic 7

Tourism industry reductions in carbon emissions can reach up to 20% through sustainable practices

Statistic 8

The use of smart energy management systems in hotels can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%

Statistic 9

The share of renewable energy use in hospitality has increased across European hotels by 35% since 2018

Statistic 10

Reduced energy costs can be achieved by implementing LED lighting in tourism facilities, with potential savings of up to 50%

Statistic 11

Implementing green building standards in new tourism developments can reduce operational costs by up to 20%

Statistic 12

Virtual reality tours emphasizing sustainability reduce the environmental impact of traditional tours, increasing virtual tourism by 15%

Statistic 13

The energy consumption of accommodations can be reduced by up to 35% through water-saving fixtures and practices

Statistic 14

About 60% of hotel chains globally report adopting eco-friendly building designs

Statistic 15

The global market for sustainable airline practices is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19% by 2027

Statistic 16

The adoption of smart water management systems in hotels can lead to water savings of up to 40%

Statistic 17

Green hotels tend to use 20-30% less energy compared to conventional hotels

Statistic 18

Initiatives such as zero waste policies in hotels can reduce waste sent to landfills by up to 60%

Statistic 19

Hotels that adopt energy-efficient lighting tend to reduce their annual energy costs by an average of $15,000

Statistic 20

Over 80% of tourism-related carbon emissions are generated by a small number of high-emission countries, notably the US, China, and India

Statistic 21

The average hotel energy consumption can be cut by approximately 20-35% through comprehensive energy management systems

Statistic 22

The travel and tourism sector is responsible for about 10% of global employment, totaling over 330 million jobs

Statistic 23

Approximately 40% of tourism companies worldwide have clear sustainability policies or commitments in place

Statistic 24

The adoption of carbon-neutral certification programs among hotels increased by 45% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 25

The number of green-certified travel agencies worldwide has increased by over 75% since 2018

Statistic 26

Climate change-driven impacts are expected to reduce tourism revenue in vulnerable regions by up to 15% by 2030

Statistic 27

The proportion of hotels with sustainability certifications worldwide rose to approximately 55% in 2023

Statistic 28

The global green hotel certification programs grew by 45% between 2018 and 2022

Statistic 29

80% of travelers agree that local community support is important when selecting a sustainable destination

Statistic 30

The proportion of international flights offset through carbon reduction programs has doubled since 2019

Statistic 31

Globally, 60% of tourists support initiatives that include social responsibility projects

Statistic 32

The global market for eco-friendly travel accessories has grown by over 60% since 2019

Statistic 33

The global eco-tourism market is expected to reach $280 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20%

Statistic 34

The global eco-hotels market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030, reaching over $90 billion

Statistic 35

The market for sustainable travel accessories is expected to reach $25 billion by 2025, growing rapidly since 2019

Statistic 36

Over 87% of travelers want sustainable travel options

Statistic 37

The number of eco-certified hotels worldwide increased by nearly 50% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 38

Approximately 72% of travelers consider eco-friendly accommodations as a key factor in their booking decisions

Statistic 39

About 1 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2022, with sustainability concerns rising among travelers

Statistic 40

65% of travelers are more likely to stay at hotels with environmental sustainability certifications

Statistic 41

The adoption of renewable energy sources in tourism accommodations increased by 30% from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 42

Sustainable tourism can generate up to 30% higher local earnings compared to conventional tourism

Statistic 43

Over 70% of travelers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel options

Statistic 44

More than 25% of tourists globally choose destinations based on their sustainability initiatives

Statistic 45

The global market for sustainable tourism is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 17% until 2030

Statistic 46

55% of hotels worldwide have implemented sustainable practices such as energy efficiency and waste reduction

Statistic 47

About 30% of travelers seek out eco-friendly transportation options like trains and electric vehicles

Statistic 48

Investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure increased by 40% in the last five years

Statistic 49

The number of travelers choosing eco-lodges and nature-based accommodations has increased by 20% annually

Statistic 50

45% of tourists say that wildlife conservation efforts influence their destination choice

Statistic 51

80% of the world’s major tourism destinations have integrated sustainability into their strategic planning

Statistic 52

The global sustainable tourism market is valued at over $1.3 trillion in 2023

Statistic 53

About 68% of tourists prefer to visit eco-friendly destinations instead of conventional ones

Statistic 54

40% of tourism-related restaurants have adopted sustainable sourcing practices

Statistic 55

Nearly 50% of tourists consider carbon offsetting a necessary part of their travel experience

Statistic 56

Ecotourism accounted for approximately 25% of all international tourism in 2022

Statistic 57

Approximately 85% of tourists want information about local environmental conservation efforts

Statistic 58

Around 60% of tourists are interested in participating in eco-volunteering or conservation activities during their trips

Statistic 59

53% of tourists prefer destinations with strong environmental policies

Statistic 60

Sustainable transport modes such as cycling and walking are used by over 30% of tourists in urban areas

Statistic 61

70% of travelers believe that sustainability practices add value to their overall travel experience

Statistic 62

Destinations investing in sustainable tourism have seen a 25% increase in repeat visitors

Statistic 63

The use of biodegradable toiletries in hotels has increased by over 40% over the last three years

Statistic 64

Wildlife tourism accounts for roughly 10% of global tourism revenue, emphasizing conservation's economic importance

Statistic 65

The utilization of eco-labels and sustainability seals by tourism operators increased by 55% in the last five years

Statistic 66

65% of travelers indicate that they are more likely to stay in hotels that participate in local conservation projects

Statistic 67

Tourism that incorporates local culture and heritage has higher sustainability ratings and visitor satisfaction

Statistic 68

The global sustainability in tourism market is expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 18%

Statistic 69

58% of travelers prefer to book eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric taxis or shared bikes, over traditional taxis

Statistic 70

Over 70% of tourism businesses report implementing sustainability practices to meet consumer demand

Statistic 71

The use of eco-friendly transportation from hotels to attractions has increased by 35% over the past five years

Statistic 72

Many coastal destinations are investing in sustainable marine parks and reserves to boost eco-tourism and protect biodiversity

Statistic 73

Sustainable tourism initiatives have contributed to a 20% increase in the preservation of cultural heritage sites

Statistic 74

The adoption of organic and locally sourced food in tourism restaurants has increased by over 50% in the past three years

Statistic 75

The share of public transportation used by tourists in urban areas has risen by 15% in the last five years

Statistic 76

Tourism companies that incorporate sustainability into their branding enjoy 25% higher customer loyalty

Statistic 77

Tourism that emphasizes local community engagement sees 35% higher satisfaction rates

Statistic 78

Coastal tourism destinations investing in sustainable practices have seen a 15% increase in eco-conscious tourists

Statistic 79

The use of biodegradable amenities in hotels increased by over 35% from 2020 to 2023

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Key Highlights

Over 87% of travelers want sustainable travel options
The tourism industry accounts for approximately 8-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions
The number of eco-certified hotels worldwide increased by nearly 50% from 2019 to 2022
Approximately 72% of travelers consider eco-friendly accommodations as a key factor in their booking decisions
Tourism-related water usage accounts for roughly 4% of global freshwater withdrawals
About 1 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2022, with sustainability concerns rising among travelers
Marine tourism contributes about 3% of global greenhouse gases
65% of travelers are more likely to stay at hotels with environmental sustainability certifications
60% of global tourism emissions are linked to air travel
The adoption of renewable energy sources in tourism accommodations increased by 30% from 2018 to 2022
The average carbon footprint of a tourist is approximately 3.4 tons of CO2 per trip
Sustainable tourism can generate up to 30% higher local earnings compared to conventional tourism
Over 70% of travelers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel options

With over 87% of travelers seeking sustainable travel options, the tourism industry is witnessing a transformative shift toward eco-friendly practices that not only help combat climate change—responsible for up to 10% of global emissions—but also boost economic growth, community engagement, and traveler satisfaction.

Environmental Impact and Resource Usage

The tourism industry accounts for approximately 8-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Tourism-related water usage accounts for roughly 4% of global freshwater withdrawals
Marine tourism contributes about 3% of global greenhouse gases
60% of global tourism emissions are linked to air travel
The average carbon footprint of a tourist is approximately 3.4 tons of CO2 per trip
Tourism contributes to approximately 28% of global waste generation, with significant plastic pollution
Tourism industry reductions in carbon emissions can reach up to 20% through sustainable practices
The use of smart energy management systems in hotels can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%
The share of renewable energy use in hospitality has increased across European hotels by 35% since 2018
Reduced energy costs can be achieved by implementing LED lighting in tourism facilities, with potential savings of up to 50%
Implementing green building standards in new tourism developments can reduce operational costs by up to 20%
Virtual reality tours emphasizing sustainability reduce the environmental impact of traditional tours, increasing virtual tourism by 15%
The energy consumption of accommodations can be reduced by up to 35% through water-saving fixtures and practices
About 60% of hotel chains globally report adopting eco-friendly building designs
The global market for sustainable airline practices is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19% by 2027
The adoption of smart water management systems in hotels can lead to water savings of up to 40%
Green hotels tend to use 20-30% less energy compared to conventional hotels
Initiatives such as zero waste policies in hotels can reduce waste sent to landfills by up to 60%
Hotels that adopt energy-efficient lighting tend to reduce their annual energy costs by an average of $15,000
Over 80% of tourism-related carbon emissions are generated by a small number of high-emission countries, notably the US, China, and India
The average hotel energy consumption can be cut by approximately 20-35% through comprehensive energy management systems

Environmental Impact and Resource Usage Interpretation

While tourism propels economic growth and adventure, nearly a tenth of global emissions and a quarter of waste stem from travel; however, embracing sustainable practices—from smart energy systems to green building standards—can slash these footprints by up to 20-35%, proving that in the pursuit of paradise, going green is not just a noble choice but a profitable one.

Industry Impact and Certification

The travel and tourism sector is responsible for about 10% of global employment, totaling over 330 million jobs
Approximately 40% of tourism companies worldwide have clear sustainability policies or commitments in place
The adoption of carbon-neutral certification programs among hotels increased by 45% from 2019 to 2022
The number of green-certified travel agencies worldwide has increased by over 75% since 2018
Climate change-driven impacts are expected to reduce tourism revenue in vulnerable regions by up to 15% by 2030
The proportion of hotels with sustainability certifications worldwide rose to approximately 55% in 2023
The global green hotel certification programs grew by 45% between 2018 and 2022

Industry Impact and Certification Interpretation

While over half of hotels now tout sustainability certifications and green travel agencies surge by 75%, the looming threat of climate change forecasted to slash tourism revenue by 15% in vulnerable regions underscores that the journey toward truly responsible tourism is still a scenic route, not yet a completed itinerary.

Initiatives and Consumer Support

80% of travelers agree that local community support is important when selecting a sustainable destination
The proportion of international flights offset through carbon reduction programs has doubled since 2019
Globally, 60% of tourists support initiatives that include social responsibility projects

Initiatives and Consumer Support Interpretation

These statistics illuminate a growing global conscience among travelers—prioritizing community support, carbon offsetting, and social responsibility—making sustainable tourism not just a trend, but an increasingly essential journey for both travelers and destinations alike.

Sustainable Travel Market and Accessories

The global market for eco-friendly travel accessories has grown by over 60% since 2019
The global eco-tourism market is expected to reach $280 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20%
The global eco-hotels market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030, reaching over $90 billion
The market for sustainable travel accessories is expected to reach $25 billion by 2025, growing rapidly since 2019

Sustainable Travel Market and Accessories Interpretation

These soaring figures signal that travelers and industry stakeholders alike are finally realizing that sustainability isn’t just a trend but the true passport to responsible and prosperous tourism's future.

Tourism Sustainability and Eco-Preferences

Over 87% of travelers want sustainable travel options
The number of eco-certified hotels worldwide increased by nearly 50% from 2019 to 2022
Approximately 72% of travelers consider eco-friendly accommodations as a key factor in their booking decisions
About 1 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2022, with sustainability concerns rising among travelers
65% of travelers are more likely to stay at hotels with environmental sustainability certifications
The adoption of renewable energy sources in tourism accommodations increased by 30% from 2018 to 2022
Sustainable tourism can generate up to 30% higher local earnings compared to conventional tourism
Over 70% of travelers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel options
More than 25% of tourists globally choose destinations based on their sustainability initiatives
The global market for sustainable tourism is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 17% until 2030
55% of hotels worldwide have implemented sustainable practices such as energy efficiency and waste reduction
About 30% of travelers seek out eco-friendly transportation options like trains and electric vehicles
Investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure increased by 40% in the last five years
The number of travelers choosing eco-lodges and nature-based accommodations has increased by 20% annually
45% of tourists say that wildlife conservation efforts influence their destination choice
80% of the world’s major tourism destinations have integrated sustainability into their strategic planning
The global sustainable tourism market is valued at over $1.3 trillion in 2023
About 68% of tourists prefer to visit eco-friendly destinations instead of conventional ones
40% of tourism-related restaurants have adopted sustainable sourcing practices
Nearly 50% of tourists consider carbon offsetting a necessary part of their travel experience
Ecotourism accounted for approximately 25% of all international tourism in 2022
Approximately 85% of tourists want information about local environmental conservation efforts
Around 60% of tourists are interested in participating in eco-volunteering or conservation activities during their trips
53% of tourists prefer destinations with strong environmental policies
Sustainable transport modes such as cycling and walking are used by over 30% of tourists in urban areas
70% of travelers believe that sustainability practices add value to their overall travel experience
Destinations investing in sustainable tourism have seen a 25% increase in repeat visitors
The use of biodegradable toiletries in hotels has increased by over 40% over the last three years
Wildlife tourism accounts for roughly 10% of global tourism revenue, emphasizing conservation's economic importance
The utilization of eco-labels and sustainability seals by tourism operators increased by 55% in the last five years
65% of travelers indicate that they are more likely to stay in hotels that participate in local conservation projects
Tourism that incorporates local culture and heritage has higher sustainability ratings and visitor satisfaction
The global sustainability in tourism market is expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 18%
58% of travelers prefer to book eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric taxis or shared bikes, over traditional taxis
Over 70% of tourism businesses report implementing sustainability practices to meet consumer demand
The use of eco-friendly transportation from hotels to attractions has increased by 35% over the past five years
Many coastal destinations are investing in sustainable marine parks and reserves to boost eco-tourism and protect biodiversity
Sustainable tourism initiatives have contributed to a 20% increase in the preservation of cultural heritage sites
The adoption of organic and locally sourced food in tourism restaurants has increased by over 50% in the past three years
The share of public transportation used by tourists in urban areas has risen by 15% in the last five years
Tourism companies that incorporate sustainability into their branding enjoy 25% higher customer loyalty
Tourism that emphasizes local community engagement sees 35% higher satisfaction rates
Coastal tourism destinations investing in sustainable practices have seen a 15% increase in eco-conscious tourists
The use of biodegradable amenities in hotels increased by over 35% from 2020 to 2023

Tourism Sustainability and Eco-Preferences Interpretation

As the global tourism industry leaps toward a sustainable future—boasting a 50% rise in eco-certified hotels, 85% of travelers craving greener options, and a market projected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2030—it's clear that environmental consciousness not only enhances authenticity and visitor loyalty but also promises substantial economic gains for those who embrace the eco-friendly wave rather than resist it.