The Future is Green: How Hotels Can Respond to 2025’s Sustainable Travel Trends

Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions reveal a powerful shift in global traveller behaviour: guests are becoming more eco-conscious, wellness-driven, and selective in how and where they spend their vacation time. With 62% of travellers now considering nighttime adventures to avoid excessive heat and 51% interested in buying second-hand or locally made clothing on vacation, one thing is clear sustainability is no longer optional.

For hotels in the Caribbean and beyond, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how can we meet these evolving expectations while maintaining service quality and profitability?

Here’s a breakdown of the top sustainability-focused trends from the report, and tools your hotel can use to align with them:

Noctourism and Climate-Conscious Travel

With 54% of travellers planning to avoid daytime heat and 61% actively seeking to limit their sun exposure, guests are adjusting their schedules to reduce their environmental impact.

What Hotels Can Do:

Offer cooler, early morning or evening excursions like guided beach walks or garden tours.
Install solar lighting on walking paths and use low-energy LED bulbs throughout the property.
Share your energy-saving measures on your website and guest welcome materials.

Vintage Voyaging & Sustainable Consumption

Over 73% of travellers have purchased second-hand items during trips, and 51% say they would prefer to buy vacation clothing at their destination. Gen Z leads this trend, with 63% choosing to thrift while traveling.

What Hotels Can Do:

Partner with local vendors or artisans to offer on-site pop-up shops or thrift markets.
Highlight nearby second-hand stores or eco-conscious brands in your in-room guides.
Swap out single-use plastics for reusable alternatives, especially in amenities and packaging.

Wellness & Low-Impact Experiences

More than half of global travellers want their vacations to support long-term wellness goals. This includes everything from natural spa treatments to organic food and mindfulness-based activities.

What Hotels Can Do:

Introduce plant-based or locally sourced dining options in your restaurant.
Create quiet, nature-connected wellness zones like herbal gardens or meditation spaces.
Include yoga or stretch classes using local instructors trained in holistic healing.

Getting Certified: Your Next Big Step

Sustainability shouldn’t just be a marketing buzzword it should be verifiable and transparent. One of the most effective ways to build trust with today’s eco-aware guests is to pursue sustainability certifications. These signal your commitment and guide your hotel toward real, measurable improvements.

Consider:

Green Globe Certification
Travelife for Accommodation
EarthCheck
Green Key
Oceanic Standard (for coastal properties)

If you’re just getting started or seeking to upgrade your sustainability credentials, Reid Consultancy Services (RCS) offers tailored support to help hotels navigate these certification processes with clarity and confidence.

Start Small, Share Often

You don’t have to overhaul your entire operation overnight. Start with small, achievable goals like composting food waste, using refillable amenities, or hosting beach clean-ups. Track your efforts, celebrate wins with your team, and share your journey with your guests through signage, social media, and newsletters.

The future of travel is more conscious, connected, and community-driven and your hotel can be part of leading the change.

Written by:

Rodesha Reid
Principal Consultant: Reid Consultancy Services
Chairwoman; SLHTA Environment Committee