Monday, May 12, 2025
The growing commitment among Australian travelers to sustainability had broader implications for global tourism, influencing choices and behaviors in other parts of the world. According to a comprehensive report from Booking.com, a remarkable shift in attitudes had emerged, with Australians increasingly aware of the environmental and societal effects of their travel decisions. This newfound consciousness was expected to significantly shape global travel demand, as Australian preferences often influenced broader travel trends, particularly in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, popular destinations among Australians.
The widespread adoption of sustainability practices by Australians traveling abroad meant global destinations needed to adapt quickly. Travelers sought to visit places that not only promoted sustainable practices but actively supported local economies, preferred off-peak travel, and explored less crowded destinations. These changing patterns could redistribute tourist flows globally, potentially benefiting emerging and less-known travel spots at the expense of traditionally overcrowded tourist areas.
Influence of Sustainable Practices on Travel Destinations and Operators
Travel operators and destination management organizations worldwide began closely observing Australian travel behaviors as the trend toward sustainability strengthened. Australians’ clear preference for sustainable travel meant travel providers had to reconsider their offerings to remain attractive to this key market. For example, tourism operators globally increasingly prioritized eco-friendly initiatives, community involvement, and transparency in their sustainability efforts to align with the expectations of environmentally conscious travelers.
Furthermore, destinations known for heavy tourist traffic, such as popular sites in Europe, Asia, and North America, were encouraged to manage tourism sustainably or risk losing travelers who preferred alternative locations. Thus, sustainable practices became essential rather than optional, influencing global travel industry standards and marketing strategies as a direct response to this notable shift in traveler preferences.
Cruise Industry Responds to Sustainable Travel Trends
Silversea’s Mediterranean Expansion Aligns with New Traveler Preferences
Recognizing this shift towards sustainable travel and increased care factor, cruise operators like Silversea began adjusting their operations to align with traveler preferences. Silversea’s expansion of its Mediterranean itineraries exemplified how cruise lines adapted to evolving demands, reflecting increased interest from travelers seeking in-depth and extended stays in less crowded and carefully managed destinations.
In 2025, Silversea launched its largest-ever Mediterranean season, with five ships undertaking 71 voyages visiting 95 destinations. Notably, for the first time in its history, Silversea planned to continue sailing throughout the Mediterranean winter, with the ship Silver Muse remaining active in the region until November 2026. This extended season was designed partly in response to travelers’ increasing desire to experience destinations in quieter, less crowded periods of the year.
Key highlights of Silversea’s 2025 season included:
- The maiden voyage of the new ship Silver Ray, departing Monte Carlo on October 31 for a seven-day exploration of the Western Mediterranean.
- The ship Silver Dawn embarking from Lisbon on a round-trip Mediterranean journey starting November 26.
These expanded offerings allowed the cruise line to meet evolving traveler demands for sustainable and thoughtfully scheduled travel options, appealing directly to Australians and other travelers committed to sustainability.
Theme Parks Adjusting to Sustainable Traveler Expectations
Major US Theme Parks Celebrate Milestones Amid Changing Visitor Demands
In 2025, significant events at major US theme parks coincided with shifting global travel expectations. Notably, Dollywood celebrated its 40th anniversary, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim marked its 70th year, and Walt Disney World introduced a new after-dark parade at Magic Kingdom, timed with the summer season. Additionally, Universal Epic Universe, featuring themed areas such as Dracula, Harry Potter, and Nintendo, opened in Orlando, Florida, on May 22, followed closely by the launch of Sea Life Florida aquarium at Legoland on May 23.
While these openings and celebrations traditionally drew massive crowds, park operators increasingly acknowledged the changing preferences of international visitors, including Australians, who preferred sustainable and less crowded travel experiences. Consequently, theme parks started incorporating more eco-friendly operations and visitor management practices, aiming to balance high attendance with sustainability demands. Such adjustments aimed to ensure the parks remained attractive to environmentally conscious international travelers, thus reflecting broader global trends toward sustainable tourism practices.
Emerging Destinations and New Hotel Launches Embrace Sustainable Travel
Brisbane’s Queens Wharf Residences Catering to Sustainable Travelers
Responding directly to the evolving preferences of sustainable travelers, new hospitality developments like Brisbane’s Queens Wharf Residences demonstrated how the accommodation sector was increasingly aligning with sustainability demands. The newly launched hotel was part of Brisbane’s ambitious $3.6 billion Queens Wharf precinct, offering visitors a chance to enjoy sustainable tourism without compromising on comfort.
Queens Wharf Residences, managed by Minor Hotels, included 200 apartments with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, strategically located in Brisbane’s CBD, near the Brisbane River and Botanic Gardens. Designed with sustainable travel in mind, the apartments featured self-contained kitchens, laundry facilities, open-plan living spaces, and private balconies. Prices started at $349 per night, providing travelers with an attractive, eco-friendly alternative to conventional hotel stays.
Amenities such as a wine lounge, lap pool, sauna, and steam room, complemented by diverse dining options—from innovative Japanese cuisine to modern Chinese, steak, and seafood—underscored how even luxury accommodation providers embraced sustainability and thoughtful community engagement as central parts of their offerings.
Australians Increasingly Embrace Sustainable Travel Choices
Off-Peak Travel and Alternative Destinations to Reduce Impact
Booking.com’s latest Sustainable Travel report in 2025 highlighted Australians’ significant shift toward more sustainable travel behaviors. Over half of Australian travelers were reportedly mindful of their trips’ impacts on the environment and local communities. Moreover, a substantial majority, around 91 percent, expressed a strong desire to make more sustainable travel choices. About three-quarters specifically emphasized the importance of their tourism spending benefiting local communities directly and sought to leave destinations better off than upon arrival.
Australians increasingly chose to travel during off-peak seasons, aiming to reduce their environmental footprint and help prevent overcrowding at popular destinations. Additionally, travelers opted for less frequented or alternative locations, actively supporting the growth of sustainable tourism practices globally. This deliberate choice of less congested destinations had the dual effect of easing pressure on well-known tourism hotspots while bringing new economic benefits to emerging locations that welcomed this sustainable influx.
