Study reveals that 8 out of 10 Colombians seek to leave a positive mark on the destinations they visit.

Several industries worldwide are increasingly committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable initiatives that positively impact both the environment and communities. This is the case in the tourism sector, where more and more experiences related to this trend are being offered.

The reason behind this is also related to travelers' awareness when visiting a destination. It's no longer just about getting to know these places, but about doing so responsibly.

This is according to Booking.com's latest global sustainability study, which shows that 83 percent of travelers surveyed in Colombia want to explore the world more consciously , leaving a positive mark.

The data shows a clear intention: 79 percent recognize that their trips have a direct impact on local economies , while 69 percent believe they also affect the natural environment and the communities they visit.

This perception is influencing the way travel is planned. In fact, six out of ten respondents say sustainability is a key consideration.

According to the results, traveling sustainably doesn't just mean recycling or consuming less, but also how it's done. For example, 74 percent consider it essential that the money spent on a trip goes directly to local communities. Likewise, 78 percent agree that authentic experiences with local guides are essential.

This connection to territories, traditions, and cultures is also reflected in concrete actions during the trip. In the last year, more than half of Colombian travelers surveyed reported shopping in small or independent stores , and a similar percentage reported recycling, using reusable bottles, or learning about the local culture and history of the destinations they visited.

Additionally, 41 percent participated in activities that allowed them to have authentic local experiences, and 32 percent decided to explore less popular destinations, moving away from mass tourism.

As environmental awareness increases, so do travelers' choices. Fifty-nine percent of travelers surveyed said they avoid activities that harm wildlife , while 57 percent want to reduce their plastic waste.

There is also clear intention to reduce energy consumption (53 percent) and water consumption (40 percent), as well as to shop more at local businesses (43 percent) and travel outside of peak season (45 percent) to avoid being part of the natural saturation of these times.

The analysis also reveals that 75 percent of Colombian travelers want to leave the places they visit in better condition than they found them, and 68 percent say they are now making more sustainable choices than they were a year ago.

However, there are still challenges to further strengthening these types of initiatives. Forty-one percent believe there are not enough sustainable travel options , and 37 percent perceive these alternatives as expensive or difficult to find.

“At Booking.com, we believe that tourism can and should be a positive force for change. Colombia has the opportunity to establish itself as a regional leader in sustainability if the industry and destinations can support travelers' intentions with infrastructure, education, and visibility for responsible choices,” says Luiz Cegato, Communications Manager for Latin America.

ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614