Nearly half of travellers aware of tourism’s impact on local communities

68% want their travel spending to benefit local communities.

A growing number of Singapore-based travellers are factoring in the social and environmental impact of their trips, with nearly half (46%) now aware of how tourism affects both local communities and ecosystems.

According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2025, 68% want their travel spending to benefit local communities, and 67% are motivated to leave destinations better than when they arrived.

Conducted across 34 countries, including 1,000 respondents from Singapore, the research suggests that sustainability is no longer a niche concern amongst holidaymakers. Instead, it’s becoming a guiding principle—especially for those balancing the dual roles of traveller and local resident.

Whilst 49% of Singapore respondents believe tourism has a positive impact on their own communities, many still express concerns about its side effects.

Overcrowding (38%), increased cost of living (34%), traffic congestion (30%), and noise pollution (30%) were amongst the top challenges cited.

Despite these, only 22% support limiting visitor numbers, preferring infrastructure improvements such as better waste management (32%), and public transport upgrades (29%).

As hosts, Singapore-based residents reported generally positive views of tourists. Over half observed that visitors respect local customs (52%) and support local businesses (54%).

These sentiments mirror their travel behaviours—78% say they actively seek authentic experiences that reflect local culture when abroad.

The report also found that sustainable travel habits are taking hold more broadly. About 77% of respondents said that travelling sustainably is important to them, and 91% have already taken steps to do so.

Popular actions include using reusable water bottles (43%), travelling outside of peak seasons (38%), and learning about local traditions and history (37%).

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.

The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.

So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia