**Extreme Weather Shifts Travel Plans for 44% of APAC Travellers**
Key Takeaways:
- 44% of Asia-Pacific (APAC) travellers alter plans due to extreme weather conditions.
- The 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report by Booking.com reveals the findings.
- More travellers prefer off-peak seasons and shun crowded places.
Asia-Pacific Region — Travel behaviour in the Asia-Pacific region is changing notably, driven by concerns about extreme weather and overcrowding at popular tourist destinations. Recent data from Booking.com reveals that 44% of travellers in this region have changed or cancelled their plans in the past year due to these factors.
Uncovering the Latest Travel Trends in APAC
Data for this finding comes from the 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report by Booking.com, a comprehensive survey that garnered responses from 32,500 travelers in 35 different global markets. The statistics showed that 44% of travellers from APAC altered their plans over the past 12 months due to extreme weather or natural disasters. Aside from weather concerns, the study found that an increasing number of travellers avoid crowds and prefer travelling during off-peak seasons.
Changing Attitudes in the Wake of Climate Concerns
The rise of extreme weather events, attributed by many experts to climate change, has led to a significant shift in how people travel. Nearly 74% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific region said they actively avoid destinations known for extreme weather patterns. Additionally, 64% find unpredictable weather challenging when deciding when to travel. Climate stress is evident, as 56% of those surveyed felt certain destinations had become unbearably hot when they wanted to visit them.
Adapting Travel Plans to New Normals
Apart from weather-related concerns, travellers are also adapting their plans to avoid contributing to overtourism. Almost 40% of APAC travellers planned to steer clear of overcrowded tourist destinations, indicating an increased consciousness about their impact on local communities and environments. Furthermore, 47% of the respondents said they intended to travel outside the peak season, reducing pressure on popular destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the trend towards sustainable travel growing?
A: Unpredictable weather and overtourism are leading more travellers to make more sustainable decisions, including avoiding peak seasons and crowded destinations.
Q: What happens next?
A: It’s expected that the trend towards more sustainable travel choices will continue to evolve as increasingly more people become conscious of the impact of their decisions on the environment and local communities.
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