Europe Safari Tourism Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the Europe Safari Tourism Market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 10.2 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 16.1 Billion.

The Europe Safari Tourism Market encompasses the travel and leisure industry focused on wildlife exploration across the continent. It involves organized tours, expeditions, and experiences in diverse natural habitats, ranging from Scandinavia’s wilderness to the Mediterranean’s coastal ecosystems.

Key elements include wildlife observation, nature excursions, and cultural interactions. The market caters to a broad audience, including adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers. Factors such as rich biodiversity, sustainable practices, and the integration of technology contribute to the market’s growth.

Operators often collaborate with conservation efforts, offering a blend of natural wonders and cultural attractions to provide unique and memorable safari experiences.

Europe Safari Tourism Market – Significant Growth Factors

The Europe Safari Tourism Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Rich Biodiversity and Varied Landscapes: The diverse ecosystems and natural landscapes in Europe, spanning from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, serve as a major driver. The continent’s rich biodiversity, including iconic species, attracts wildlife enthusiasts, fostering the growth of the safari tourism market.

• Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Practices: The increasing awareness of environmental conservation and the adoption of sustainable tourism practices contribute significantly. Tourists are drawn to operators and destinations that prioritize eco-friendly approaches, driving growth in the market.

• Cultural and Historical Attractions: Integrating cultural and historical attractions with safari experiences is a compelling driver. Many safari destinations in Europe offer a unique combination of wildlife encounters and exploration of ancient ruins, castles, and vibrant local cultures.

• Advancements in Technology: Incorporating technology, such as virtual reality experiences, wildlife tracking apps, and advanced safari vehicles, enhances the overall safari experience. This technological integration attracts tech-savvy travelers and contributes to the market’s evolution and growth.

• Rising Interest in Adventure Tourism: The growing trend of adventure tourism presents a significant opportunity. With an increasing number of travelers seeking more active and adventurous experiences, safari tourism in Europe can tap into this demand by offering exciting wildlife encounters and exploration activities.

• Expanding Domestic Tourism: The current emphasis on domestic tourism provides an opportunity for safari operators to attract local and regional travelers. Promoting wildlife experiences within European countries can cater to the preferences of those who prefer exploring closer to home, contributing to market expansion.

Europe Safari Tourism Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The Europe Safari Tourism Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of mergers and acquisitions in the Europe Safari Tourism Market include:

• In 2022, TUI Group, a UK-based travel company, revealed a €100 million investment in sustainable tourism initiatives in Africa. The funds will support conservation projects and community development, showcasing the company’s commitment to responsible travel practices and environmental stewardship in the region.

• In 2023, &Beyond unveiled plans to reconstruct Phinda Forest Lodge in South Africa’s &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Opting for a refurbishment over a complete rebuild, the initiative aims to minimize habitat disruption, retaining the lodge’s ‘Zulu-zen’ concept while integrating modern architectural elements for an enhanced guest experience.

• In 2022, Natural Selection inaugurated a new camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, offering luxurious tented accommodations and immersive safari experiences. This addition enhances the portfolio of safari options in the region, providing guests with an elevated and intimate wildlife encounter in the heart of Hwange.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies expand their product offerings, improve their market presence, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the European Safari Tourism Market. The trend is expected to continue as companies seek to gain a competitive edge in the market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Europe Safari Tourism Market – Significant Threats

The Europe Safari Tourism Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Pandemics and Health Concerns: Ongoing and future pandemics pose a significant threat to the European safari Tourism Market. Health concerns, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to travel restrictions, reduced consumer confidence, and a decline in tourist numbers, impacting the overall market.

• Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Climate change and environmental degradation pose threats to the habitats and biodiversity that attract tourists to safari destinations. Changes in weather patterns, habitat destruction, and the impact on wildlife can diminish the appeal of these experiences, affecting the long-term sustainability of the market.

• Political Instability and Security Issues: Political instability and security concerns in certain regions can deter tourists from visiting safari destinations. Civil unrest, terrorism, or geopolitical tensions can lead to travel advisories and restrictions, impacting the safety and attractiveness of these regions for potential visitors.

• Overcrowding and Habitat Disturbance: The popularity of safari tourism may lead to issues of overcrowding in certain destinations, causing habitat disturbance and negatively affecting the behavior of wildlife. Striking a balance between tourism and conservation efforts is crucial to prevent negative ecological impacts and maintain the appeal of these destinations.
• Changing Consumer Preferences and Demographics: Shifting consumer preferences and demographics pose a threat to the market. There is a significant change in the types of experiences or destinations that travelers seek. In that case, the traditional safari model may face challenges in remaining relevant and appealing to a broad range of tourists. Adapting to evolving preferences is essential for sustained market success.

Category-Wise Insights

By Accommodation:

• Safari Resorts & Lodges: Luxurious accommodations situated within or near wildlife reserves, offering a blend of comfort and immersion in nature. Trends include eco-friendly practices, personalized safari experiences, and integration of wellness offerings, catering to upscale travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

• Safari Camps: Temporary tented accommodations, providing an authentic, close-to-nature experience. Current trends involve a rise in glamping, offering comfortable amenities, and incorporating sustainable practices, appealing to adventurous travelers seeking a unique blend of comfort and wilderness.

• Treehouses: Elevated accommodations nestled in trees, provide a unique perspective of wildlife. Trends include eco-friendly designs, luxurious amenities, and a focus on sustainability, attracting nature enthusiasts seeking a novel and immersive stay.

• Others: This category encompasses diverse accommodations like wilderness cabins and floating lodges. Emerging trends involve off-the-grid experiences, digital detox options, and themed stays, appealing to a range of preferences and contributing to the diversity of the Europe Safari Tourism Market.

By Safari Type

• Adventure Safari: Adventure Safaris in Europe involve thrilling wildlife experiences, such as tracking large mammals or engaging in outdoor activities. A rising trend is the demand for more active and adrenaline-inducing wildlife encounters, appealing to adventure enthusiasts. Operators are introducing activities like hiking, kayaking, and off-road safaris, catering to the growing interest in adventurous exploration within the continent’s diverse ecosystems.

• Private Safari: Private Safaris offer personalized, exclusive wildlife experiences tailored to individual preferences. A notable trend is the increasing demand for luxury and privacy. Travelers seek intimate encounters with nature, and operators are responding by providing high-end accommodations, private guides, and customized itineraries, contributing to the growth of premium private safari experiences.

• Others: The “Others” category includes unique and specialized safari experiences beyond Adventure and Private Safaris. This diverse segment encompasses themes like birdwatching, photography safaris, and cultural immersion. A trend involves the development of niche markets, with operators offering specialized packages catering to specific interests, attracting a wide range of safari-goers seeking distinctive and tailored experiences.

By Traveler Type

• Friends: Friends, seeking adventure and shared experiences, drive the Europe Safari Tourism Market. The trend includes group safari packages, emphasizing camaraderie and thrill. Operators provide dynamic itineraries, combining wildlife encounters with social activities, catering to the energetic and social preferences of friend groups.

• Families: Families, drawn to educational and family-friendly experiences, fuel the market. The trend involves family-oriented safari packages, integrating wildlife education and engaging activities for all ages. Operators focus on safety and comfort, creating memorable, family-centric wildlife adventures.

• Couples: Couples, seeking romantic and intimate getaways, influence the market. The trend includes luxury safari packages, emphasizing privacy and exclusivity. Operators offer tailored experiences, blending wildlife encounters with romantic settings, catering to the desire for unique and romantic moments.

• Solo: Solo travelers, craving independence and self-discovery, impact the market. The trend involves solo-friendly safari options, promoting individual exploration and personalized itineraries. Operators focus on creating a sense of community for solo adventurers while providing opportunities for introspective wildlife encounters, aligning with the preferences of solo travelers.

By Mode of Booking

• Direct Booking: Direct booking refers to customers reserving safari experiences directly with tour operators or establishments. In the Europe Safari Tourism Market, the trend towards direct booking has increased with the rise of online platforms, allowing consumers to customize their experiences and access exclusive deals, fostering a more personalized and efficient booking process.

• Agents Booking: Agents booking involves tourists securing safari packages through travel agencies or tour operators. In the Europe Safari Tourism Market, this traditional booking mode remains relevant as agents offer expertise, convenience, and package deals, catering to travelers seeking guided experiences and comprehensive itineraries.

• Others: The “Others” category encompasses alternative booking methods, including online marketplaces and aggregator platforms. In the Europe Safari Tourism Market, emerging trends show an increase in unconventional booking options, providing tourists with diverse choices beyond direct or agent bookings, reflecting a dynamic and evolving market landscape.

Report Scope

Competitive Landscape – Europe Safari Tourism Market

The Europe Safari Tourism Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating. Some of the key players in the market include:

• TUI Group
• Thomas Cook Group
• Abercrombie & Kent Ltd.
• Intrepid Group
• Kuoni Global Travel Services
• Natural Habitat Adventures
• The Safari Collection
• Wilderness Safaris
• &Beyond
• Singita
• Micato Safaris
• Expert Africa
• African Travel Inc.
• Go2Africa
• Asilia Africa
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships.

New players entering the Europe Safari Tourism Market, such as GetYourGuide and Klook, are leveraging innovation and technology to disrupt traditional models. These platforms offer digital solutions, virtual experiences, and flexible booking options to attract modern travelers.

Key players dominating the market include TUI Group, Thomas Cook Group, and Abercrombie & Kent. They maintain dominance through established brand recognition, extensive networks, and sustainable practices. These industry leaders continue to adapt by incorporating advanced technologies, emphasizing responsible tourism, and collaborating with conservation efforts to secure their position in the competitive safari tourism landscape.

The Europe Safari Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Accommodation

• Safari Resorts & Lodges
• Safari Camps
• Treehouses
• Others

By Safari Type

• Adventure Safari
• Private Safari
• Others

By Traveller Type

• Friends
• Families
• Couples
• Solos

By Mode of Booking

• Direct Booking
• Agents Booking
• Others

Regional Coverage:

Europe

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