In celebration of Earth Day this past weekend, Booking.com released findings from its global Sustainable Travel Report.

After the United Nations designated the entire year of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the new research points to promising improvements when it comes to eco-conscious travel.

The number of travellers intending to stay in an eco-friendly or “green” accommodation at least once is expected to double this year, as 65 per cent of global travellers express interest in sustainable travel, versus 34 per cent of travellers last year. In addition, 68 per cent confirm they are more likely to consider choosing an accommodation knowing it is eco-friendly, with Chinese travellers the most likely at 93 per cent.

“Just as where we stay on holiday plays a pivotal role in the enjoyment of our trip, so it also plays an increasingly important role in helping people to travel sustainably,” said Pepijn Rijvers, chief marketing officer, Booking.com. “Whether by serving locally grown food, using or selling local crafts, conserving water and energy, recycling or connecting guests with the local community, accommodations today are working on a range of sustainability efforts and it’s heartening to see travellers so keen to explore and embrace these.”

The ways in which we travel play an important role in overall sustainability. Booking.com found 43 per cent of travellers take public transportation whenever possible and 42 per cent try to walk, bike or hike as much as possible while travelling. While improvements can always be made, these numbers are significantly higher than previous survey results.

The study also found travellers are willing to make several luxury adjustments when it comes to amenities in order to stay somewhere eco-friendly. Ninety-four per cent are willing to stay in a property with energy-saving lightbulbs, 89 per cent in a property with AC/heating units that only run while guests are in the room and 80 per cent in an accommodation with low-flow showerheads. Other amenity adjustments travellers were willing to make were less frequent toiletry replacements, less frequent towel and linen replacements and travellers also reported they are willing to pay a little more for food that is locally produced.

While sustainable travel means something different to everyone, the results of Booking.com’s survey found it is something on the minds of most travellers, and many are willing to play their part in preserving the world’s beautiful destinations.