Ecotourism Global Market Report 2024

The ecotourism market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $219.53 billion in 2023 to $249.16 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to the demand for authentic experiences, government initiatives and policies, the rise of responsible travel, the conservation of biodiversity, and educational components.

The ecotourism market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $428.97 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rise of regenerative travel, climate-positive tourism initiatives, digital platforms for eco-experiences, green finance and investment, and inclusive and diverse ecotourism. Major trends in the forecast period include tech integration for sustainable tourism, plastic-free initiatives and waste reduction, global collaboration for conservation, digital platforms for eco-experiences, and partnerships with conservation organizations.

The expansion of eco-friendly tourist accommodations is anticipated to drive the growth of the ecotourism market in the future. These environmentally sustainable lodgings adhere to green living practices, ensuring non-toxic, safe, and energy-efficient options for tourists. Hotels are incorporating ecologically friendly designs and operations, focusing on reducing pollutant emissions and conserving water and energy. Additionally, they source green goods to promote ecotourism. For example, in June 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported an increase in international visitors to the US in 2021, reaching 22.1 million. This trend underscores the positive impact of the growing availability of eco-friendly accommodations on the ecotourism market.

The rise in environmental awareness is anticipated to drive the growth of the ecotourism market. Environmental awareness involves an individual's or a collective group's understanding and consciousness of the environment, encompassing natural resources, ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on the planet. Ecotourism, by offering educational opportunities, fostering conservation and cultural awareness, encouraging sustainable practices, promoting environmental ethics, can significantly contribute to raising environmental awareness and advocating for the sustainable use and preservation of natural resources. For instance, in May 2023, the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, a government department in Ireland, reported that in 2022–2023, 80% of the public expressed extreme or fair concern about environmental issues, indicating a high level of public awareness. Therefore, the increasing environmental awareness is propelling the growth of the ecotourism market.

Strategic partnerships and collaborations have become a prominent trend in the ecotourism market. Leading companies in the industry are prioritizing such alliances to strengthen their positions. An example is the October 2021 acquisition where Frosch International Travel, a US-based travel agency specializing in sustainable tourism services, acquired a 51% interest in Conlin Travel's corporate division. This collaboration is designed to provide FROSCH with a presence in the Great Lakes region, while also granting Conlin Travel access to essential resources, infrastructure, and Frosch's innovative technology solutions for clients. Conlin Travel is another US-based travel agency involved in the partnership.

Major companies in the ecotourism market are innovating by introducing new products, including seamless digital solutions, to gain a competitive edge. Seamless digital solutions encompass integrated and cohesive technology-based systems that ensure a smooth and uninterrupted user experience across various devices, platforms, and touchpoints. An example is the February 2022 launch of Tourque by CSM Technologies Pvt. Ltd., an India-based information technology and services company. Tourque provides tourists with comprehensive support throughout their journey, from discovery to enjoyment. The platform aims to democratize opportunities for all stakeholders in the travel value chain by offering a unified digital interface. It features tools for extracting user-generated content from travel experience reviews, along with 360-degree social media management, enhancing the experiences of both travelers and industry stakeholders.

In April 2021, Frosch International Travel, a US-based travel agency, successfully acquired Valerie Wilson Travel (VWT) for an undisclosed amount. The strategic move is geared towards reshaping the landscape of full-service travel management. The collaboration seeks to expand their presence in New York City and the tri-state area while bolstering their global footprint. Together, Frosch International Travel and Valerie Wilson Travel aim to emerge as leaders in the premium travel sector by incorporating innovative technology into their offerings. Valerie Wilson Travel is recognized for providing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism services.

Major companies operating in the ecotourism market report are Marriott International Inc., TUI Group, Booking Holdings Inc., Airbnb Inc., Accor S.A., Kynder Travel, BCD Travel, andBeyond, G Adventures Ltd., JTB Corporation, Goway Travel Ltd., Natural Habitat Adventures, Travel Leaders Group, Intrepid Group Ltd., National Geographic Partners LLC, Responsible Travel, Small World Journeys Ltd., SteppesTravel Ltd., Rickshaw Travel, Experience Travel Group, Adventure Alternative Ltd., Aracari Travel, Undiscovered Mountains, Conservation Capital LLC, Nature Discovery, Baobab Tourism, NuMundo, New Worlder Journeys, Gondwana Ecotours, Byway Travel, Earth Changers, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Expedia Group Inc., TripAdvisor Inc., American Express Global Business Travel, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited.

North America was the largest region in the ecotourism market share in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the ecotourism market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the ecotourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Ecotourism encompasses various types, including alternative tourism, responsible tourism, sustainable tourism, and community tourism. Sustainable tourism specifically focuses on industry practices that aim to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones on the environment. Traveler types in ecotourism range from solo travelers to group travelers, spanning different age groups such as Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. Distribution channels for ecotourism include travel agents and direct methods, catering to a diverse audience seeking responsible and environmentally friendly travel experiences.

The ecotourism market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ecotourism market statistics, including ecotourism industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ecotourism market share, detailed ecotourism market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ecotourism industry. This ecotourism market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The ecotourism market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing eco-logging, agro-tourism and community development. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.