Vietnamese travelers' environmental awareness is gradually translating into action, according to the Sustainable Travel Report released on 19/5 by online platform Booking.com. The report found that 55% of travelers do not want to contribute to overcrowding at popular tourist hotspots. Additionally, 63% of respondents decided to plan trips outside of peak season, and 40% intend to actively avoid crowded areas.

In addition to crowd pressure, extreme weather is also reshaping travel patterns. The survey shows that 82% of travelers always consider weather risks when choosing a destination and departure time.

A significant 58% of Vietnamese travelers reported canceling or changing travel plans in the past 12 months due to extreme weather or natural disasters. More than 50% of travelers believe some destinations are too hot to visit during their desired travel times, and 77% eliminate desired destinations after receiving information about extreme weather or natural disasters.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the national temperature in 2026 is forecast to be 0,5-1,5 degrees Celsius higher than average. Intense heatwaves are expected to last from may to august in the northern and central regions. Key destinations from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa and the Central Highlands face risks of localized droughts, interspersed with flash floods and unexpected landslides in mountainous areas.

Tourism experts say that unusual weather patterns are forcing travelers to adjust their consumer behavior. Instead of booking months in advance, customers are shifting towards "last-minute bookings" to monitor weather developments. At the same time, there is a strong shift towards "cooling" destinations, a preference for staycations, and an interest in service packages with flexible cancellation policies to mitigate natural disaster risks.

Tourists visiting Phu Quy island during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day holiday, late april 2026. Photo: Viet Quoc

Tourists visiting Phu Quy island during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day holiday, late april 2026. Photo: Viet Quoc

Beyond changing destination choices, Vietnamese people's habits during their stays are also shifting towards "greener" practices.

Nearly 50% of travelers across all age groups committed to reducing energy consumption through small actions like turning off air conditioning and lights when not in their rooms. Additionally, over half of respondents are willing to sort recyclable waste and limit the use of single-use plastics.

Regarding local culture, over 40% of travelers prioritize choosing locally sourced food, eating seasonally, and shopping at small local stores to support the regional economy.

This year's Sustainable Travel Report by Booking.com is based on survey results from travelers in 35 countries and territories, including Vietnam.

Branavan Aruljothi, Country Director for Booking.com in Vietnam, noted that Vietnamese travelers of all generations are finding meaningful ways to enjoy their trips responsibly.

"This shift is evident in their travel decisions, their search for cultural experiences, and how they actively adjust itineraries to adapt to climate change", he said.

Minh (According to Booking, nchmf.gov.vn)