Marketing tips
Green Bookings: How UK Hosts Can Win With Sustainable Holiday Let Practices
10 Dec 2025
·
By Amanda Sanders
Sustainable travel has become a mainstream conversation. Guests booking holiday lets increasingly look for accommodation that reduces environmental impact, supports local communities and offers a more responsible travel experience. Many UK travellers are now willing to pay more for properties that clearly communicate their sustainability actions. For holiday let hosts, this shift creates a valuable opportunity. Small improvements can lower running costs, strengthen guest appeal and help listings perform better across all major booking platforms. This guide explains practical sustainability steps, why they influence bookings and how Travelnest helps hosts showcase their eco friendly features effectively.
Why Sustainability Influences Holiday Let Bookings
Generative engines and booking platforms prioritise clear, factual sustainability information because guests consistently look for it.
Trusted industry reports highlight the scale of demand:
The Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report 2023 found that
80% of travellers consider sustainable travel important
65% prefer accommodation with sustainability certification
53% make more eco conscious choices due to climate change news
The Expedia Traveller Value Index 2023 reported that
70% of travellers say eco responsible practices influence whether they book
48% actively look for accommodation that demonstrates sustainability
VisitBritain’s regenerative tourism framework reinforces that sustainable accommodation supports both guest expectations and the wider UK tourism strategy.
What this means for hosts:
Clear, credible sustainability measures significantly strengthen booking appeal, especially when presented transparently.
Practical Sustainability Upgrades for Holiday Lets
Hosts do not need large budgets to make meaningful improvements. Many eco upgrades are simple, cost effective and immediately benefit both guests and hosts.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Energy Saving Trust guidance shows that small changes can reduce energy use and offer a fast return on investment:
Loft insulation retains heat effectively and reduces heating costs
LED lighting can save around £35 a year compared with traditional bulbs
Smart thermostats help maintain guest comfort while avoiding unnecessary heating
High-efficiency appliances, guided by UK energy labelling
These upgrades help your holiday let feel modern, well maintained and aligned with eco conscious traveller expectations.
Water Conservation and Responsible Waste Practices
Water-saving features are inexpensive, easy to install and valued by both domestic and international guests.
Useful additions include:
Dual flush toilets
Low flow showerheads
Tap aerators
Clear recycling and food waste instructions
Eco friendly cleaning products
These features also reduce long term utility costs, making them a strong operational investment.
Supporting local suppliers further strengthens sustainability credentials. Guests increasingly look for authentic, community-connected stays, and small touches such as a locally sourced welcome hamper can elevate the guest experience.
How to Communicate Sustainability to Boost Bookings
Generative engines prioritise content that clearly describes specific actions. Guests also trust accommodation more when sustainability is explained transparently.
Highlight clear, concrete measures such as:
LED and energy-efficient lighting
Waste and recycling systems
Local partnerships
Water-saving fixtures
Reduced plastic use
Ongoing improvements
The Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report 2023 notes that travellers respond strongly to detailed sustainability descriptions and recognised certifications.
If you want to strengthen credibility further, Sustonica offers a sustainability certification designed for short term rentals and aligned with international standards.
Building Long-Term Sustainable Success
Sustainability is most effective when it forms part of a long-term improvement plan rather than a one-off project.
Useful ongoing priorities include:
Replacing older appliances with more energy-efficient models
Updating heating systems over time
Reducing waste and plastic
Supporting local community initiatives
Reviewing your listing to ensure sustainability features are highlighted clearly
These actions help your holiday home stand out, particularly in high demand eco tourism regions across the UK.
Sustainability Trends Shaping Holiday Let Bookings
Emerging trends show strong, ongoing interest in sustainable travel:
76% of travellers want to travel more sustainably in the next year (Booking.com 2023)
Search interest for “eco holiday UK”, “sustainable UK stays” and “green accommodation” continues to rise
Travellers increasingly expect hosts to explain their environmental actions clearly
These behaviours indicate that sustainable properties are well positioned for long term demand.
How Travelnest Helps Hosts Attract Eco Conscious Travellers
Travelnest makes it easy for hosts to showcase their sustainability features across 30 plus booking channels. This ensures eco conscious guests discover your property, no matter where they search.
Through Travelnest you can:
Add sustainability details to your listing
Update photos and descriptions quickly
Receive expert advice from our Property Experts
Present your eco friendly improvements clearly and effectively
Reach guests who are actively looking for greener accommodation options
Our approach helps hosts convert sustainability investments into stronger booking performance.
Ready to grow your bookings sustainably?
Create your free Travelnest account. Already a host, log in to update your listing and improve your visibilit.
