Global Eco Tourism Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

Global Eco Tourism Market was valued at USD 210.3 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 670.6 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period 2024 – 2033.

Ecotourism is a type of responsible travel to natural regions that protects the environment and supports the well-being of locals. It emphasizes on experiencing and enjoying nature, animals, and local cultures while reducing negative environmental consequences and supporting conservation initiatives.

Eco Tourism Market: Growth Factors

Rising popularity of outdoor recreational activities

The growing popularity of outdoor leisure activities contributes considerably to the expansion of the ecotourism industry. As more individuals seek out nature-based activities, there is a growing interest in experiencing natural settings responsibly.

Ecotourism, which emphasizes ethical travel to natural regions, promotes an understanding of biodiversity and conservation activities. Outdoor leisure activities such as hiking, animal viewing, camping, and paddle boarding promote environmental awareness and conservation ideals, which are in line with ecotourism concepts.

Furthermore, the search for actual and immersive experiences encourages travellers to seek out areas with pristine scenery and distinct ecosystems. This rising demand for ecotourism experiences supports not just local populations and conservation efforts but also promotes the preservation of natural environments.

As a result, the increasing popularity of outdoor leisure activities acts as a stimulant for the rise of the ecotourism market, contributing to both economic development and environmental stewardship. The number of outdoor outings was up 8.4% in 2021 to 12.4 billion outings.

The average number of outdoor outings per participant increased by 6.1% in 2021 to 75.6 outings per participant. In 2021, 58.7% of outdoor participants (96.4 million) participated in outdoor recreation with levels of frequency that qualified them as core participants.

Rising influence of social media

Social media platforms are effective means for disseminating visually appealing material, such as images and videos of natural landscapes, animal encounters, and sustainable travel adventures. This user-generated material serves as a virtual word-of-mouth recommendation, encouraging people to visit environmentally friendly areas and engage in responsible tourism activities.

Social media platforms enable eco-tourism firms and organizations to directly communicate with their target audience, disseminating information about conservation efforts, ethical procedures, and community participation projects.

By creating online communities of similar travellers, eco-tourism providers may develop a sense of community and advocacy, encouraging visitors to support ecologically responsible tourist companies. Moreover, social media influencers have a tremendous impact on travel patterns and consumer behaviour.

Overall, the growing influence of social media raises the visibility of eco-tourism destinations and experiences, educates travellers about sustainable travelling practices, and promotes a sense of community among environmentally conscious travellers, resulting in increased growth and awareness of the eco-tourism market.

Eco Tourism Market: Restraints

Lack of regulations

The lack of laws is a substantial impediment to the expansion of the ecotourism business. Without defined norms and enforcement procedures, ecotourism resorts risk engaging in unsustainable activities and causing environmental deterioration.

Reckless tourist activities such as overdevelopment, habitat loss, pollution, and wildlife disturbance can jeopardize the ecosystems and assets that ecotourism tries to safeguard. Furthermore, the lack of laws may result in unfair rivalry among ecotourism providers, with some prioritizing profit over environmental conservation.

Furthermore, without regulations for sustainable tourism practices, visitors may be unsure about the authenticity and quality of ecotourism activities. To facilitate the sustainable expansion of ecotourism, administrations, and regulatory authorities must adopt and enforce comprehensive legislation that promotes ethical tourist activities.

Eco Tourism Market: Opportunities

Rising demand for sustainable tourism

The growing desire for sustainable tourism is driving the expansion of the ecotourism business. As people become more environmentally concerned, there is a rising preference for locations and activities that emphasize preservation, safeguarding, and ethical tourism activities.

Ecotourism allows travellers to interact with nature and local people sustainably, reducing negative environmental consequences while boosting conservation initiatives and helping local economies. Eco-friendly tour operators and hotels, such as those that utilize energy from renewable sources, reduce waste and safeguard habitats, attract eco-conscious travellers looking for authentic and ethical travel experiences.

Furthermore, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and industry groups promote ecotourism, which encourages market growth by raising awareness and rewarding sustainable tourist practices. In summary, the growing demand for sustainable tourism propels the expansion of the ecotourism market, offering travellers meaningful experiences that align with their environmental values.

Eco Tourism Market: Segmentation Analysis

The global Eco Tourism market is segmented by traveller type, age group, booking mode, and region.  Based on traveller type, the market is classified into solo and group. Group dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 35.7% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.

Group travellers play an important role in growing the ecotourism business by encouraging a shared commitment to ethical and sustainable travel practices. As they go together to natural areas, they increase the effect of their conservation activities while reducing their environmental imprint.

Group dynamics foster shared responsibility, enabling people to engage in environmentally friendly activities such as animal protection, habitat restoration, and trash reduction. Furthermore, group travellers frequently seek out eco-certified lodgings and tour operators, which benefits local communities and promotes sustainable tourism practices.

Moreover, their combined purchasing power allows them to bargain for ecologically friendly transport solutions and lower carbon emissions. Overall, group travellers serve as catalysts for positive shifts in the ecotourism industry, boosting interest in real, nature-based experiences.

Based on age group, the market is classified into Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z. Generation Y dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 62.5% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.

Generation Y, commonly known as millennials, is generating considerable development in the ecotourism industry because of its beliefs, interests, and environmental awareness. Millennials place a high value on sustainability and ethical travel practices, favouring eco-friendly places of interest, lodgings, and activities.

People want real experiences that allow them to reconnect with nature, assist local communities, and reduce their environmental impact. Millennials are passionate social media users, sharing their environmentally friendly travel stories and inspiring their friends to follow suit.

Their desire for sustainable tourism alternatives has encouraged tour operators, hotels, and travel agencies to provide eco-friendly packages and activities. Furthermore, Generation Y’s innovative nature has fostered the emergence of internet platforms and applications that promote environmentally responsible travel alternatives, making it easier for travellers to find and book sustainable tourism experiences.

Overall, Generation Y’s values and behaviours are driving the growth of the ecotourism market by shaping consumer preferences and industry practices towards sustainability and responsible travel.

Based on booking mode, the market is classified into direct and travel agents. Direct dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 60.8% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033. Direct booking mechanisms contribute greatly to the ecotourism sector by encouraging a more sustainable and ethical vacation experience.

Direct booking systems enable tourists to directly connect with eco-friendly lodgings, tour operators, and local communities, allowing them to make educated decisions that are consistent with their environmental beliefs. This direct engagement encourages real cultural experiences, helps local eco-friendly companies, and decreases the carbon impact associated with typical mass tourism.

Furthermore, online booking sites frequently provide eco-certified lodgings and tour operators dedicated to conservation, biodiversity protection, and community development. Tourists get a better understanding of natural surroundings and cultural heritage via open communication and direct interaction, while they also contribute directly to the local economy and conservation efforts.

Report Scope

Feature of the Report	Details
Market Size in 2024	USD 210.3 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2033	USD 670.6 Billion
Market Size in 2023	USD 208.2 Billion
CAGR Growth Rate	15.4% CAGR
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024-2033
Key Segment	By Traveller Type, Age Group, Booking Mode and Region
Report Coverage	Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends
Regional Scope	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America
Buying Options	Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research.

Eco Tourism Market: Regional Analysis

By region, Eco Tourism market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global Eco Tourism market in 2023 with a market share of 39.1% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.

North America is a major player in the ecotourism sector because of its large and diversified natural landscapes, which include national parks, forests, beaches, and wildlife reserves. The region’s devotion to conservation and environmental protection, along with rigorous rules on animal management and habitat preservation, adds to its attraction for ecotourism.

Furthermore, North America has a robust network of environmentally friendly lodgings, tour operators, and outdoor recreational activities geared towards nature lovers. Moreover, activities promoting ecological education and awareness, such as interpretative programs and guided eco-tours, are critical in developing a greater appreciation for nature and encouraging tourists to adopt sustainable travel behaviours.

Eco Tourism Market: Recent Developments

• In June 2022, Wetravel, Inc. collaborated with Tourism Cares to develop an academy course called Introduction to Sustainable Tourism to assist travel firms in becoming more sustainable.

• In May 2022, Frosch International Travel acquired Valerie Wilson Travel, an acquisition that brings together two New York City-based agencies run by two generations of families that built their respective brands into multimillion-dollar travel businesses.

• In May 2022, MSC Cruises, an Italian worldwide cruise operator, announced almost 1,400 sustainability-themed summer itineraries to highlight its strong commitment to sustainability.

List of the prominent players in the Eco Tourism Market:

• National Geographic Expeditions
• World Wildlife Fund
• TUI Group – TUI Care Foundation
• Intrepid Travel
• G Adventures
• Ecoventura
• Natural Habitat Adventures
• Wilderness Safaris
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Abercrombie & Kent
• The International Ecotourism Society
• Responsible Travel
• Earthwatch Institute
• Adventure Alternative
• Blue Ventures
• SEE Turtles
• Explore Worldwide
• Mountain Travel Sobek
• African Wildlife Foundation
• Biosphere Expeditions
• Others

These key players are adopting various growth strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, expansion, strategic alliances, new product launches, etc. to enhance their business operations and revenues.

The Eco Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Traveller Type

• Solo
• Group

By Age Group

• Generation X
• Generation Y
• Generation Z

By Booking Mode

• Direct
• Travel Agent

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America