Industrial tourism Global Market Report 2024

The industrial tourism market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $1.86 billion in 2023 to $2.43 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.4%. The growth in the historical period can be ascribed to the worldwide trend of industrialization, increased utilization of automation, economic expansion, and the burgeoning manufacturing sector.

The industrial tourism market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.3 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period is linked to the expanding agriculture sector, rising demand for energy, heightened focus on research and development, and an increase in disposable income. Notable trends expected in this period encompass the introduction of travel chatbots, adoption of innovative marketing strategies, integration of virtual reality and augmented reality, advancements in technology, and ongoing product innovations.

The growth of the industrial tourism market is expected to be propelled by the increasing demand for experiential travel. Experiential travel involves actively and meaningfully engaging with the nature, people, and culture of a destination to create unforgettable experiences. Industrial tourism benefits from the rise in experiential travel as it provides immersive experiences and hands-on activities in industrial settings, offering unique and educational opportunities for visitors to explore various industries and bringing them to industrial areas. For instance, as of July 2022, the International Trade Administration reported a significant increase in the total non-resident international visitor flow to the United States, reaching 5,210,752, marking a 160.8% growth compared to July 2021. Hence, the surge in demand for experiential travel is a driving force behind the industrial tourism market.

The growth of the industrial tourism market is also expected to be fueled by the increasing popularity of cultural and heritage tourism. Cultural and heritage tourism involves traveling to experience and explore the unique cultural, historical, and natural heritage of a destination. Industrial tourism contributes to cultural and heritage tourism by enabling visitors to explore a destination's industrial heritage and manufacturing processes. For example, as of July 2021, the AIANTA reported that cultural tourism is a rapidly growing sector, constituting 40% of global tourism, with a projected 15% increase. American cultural heritage travelers play a significant role, generating an economic impact of $123.6 billion. Notably, 30% of adults consider cultural or heritage influences when choosing a destination, underscoring the substantial role of cultural factors in shaping travel decisions. Therefore, the increasing trend of cultural and heritage tourism is a driving factor for the industrial tourism market.


The emergence of diverse industrial tourism offerings is a key trend gaining traction in the industrial tourism market. Companies operating in this market are dedicated to introducing innovative products to maintain their competitive standing. For example, in February 2023, Metalloinvest Management Company LLC, a Russia-based mining and metallurgy company, initiated industrial tourism at Alexey Ugarov Oskol Electrometallurgical Plant (OEMK). This initiative allows guests to explore green metallurgy technologies that harmonize with nature and learn about the latest professions in the industry. Tourists receive instructions on industrial safety and are provided with overalls, shoes, and other personal protective equipment.

Companies engaged in the industrial tourism market are also keen on introducing innovative approaches, such as strategic partnerships, to sustain their position. Strategic partnerships in industrial tourism drive sustainable development by offering visitors enriching experiences while preserving and showcasing the unique heritage and contributions of industrial sectors. For instance, in February 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, both based in Thailand, joined hands to launch the Digital Tourism Project, highlighting ThailandCONNEX, a seamless driver and thriver for the Thai economy. The collaboration aims to generate an estimated economic value of 120 billion baht and is part of depa's DIGITAL INFINITY campaign for 2023, aligning with TAT's strategy to leverage digital technology for tourism growth.

In May 2021, Frosch International Travel LLC, a US-based travel agency, acquired Valerie Wilson Travel for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Frosch International Travel LLC strengthens its position in the tourism industry and establishes a significant collaboration that enhances the companies’ footprint in New York City and the tri-state area. Valerie Wilson Travel is a US-based leading travel agency offering personalized luxury travel services, including corporate-level leisure travel for industrial tourism.

Major companies operating in the industrial tourism market report are TUI AG, AAA Club Alliance Inc., Expedia Group Inc., Global Business Travel Group Inc., BCD Travel, Fareportal Inc., Direct Travel Inc., World Travel Inc., ALTOUR International Inc., JTB Americas Ltd., Omega World Travel, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., Tauck Inc., Frosch International Travel LLC, Topdeck Travel, Travel Leaders Group LLC, Ovation Travel Group, Quasar Expeditions Inc., Peregrine Adventures Pty Ltd., Thomas Cook & Son Limited, Expedia Group Inc., China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Limited, China CYTS Tours Holding Co. Ltd., Bamba Experience Inc., Smithsonian Journeys.

North America was the largest region in the industrial tourism market in 2023. The regions covered in the industrial tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the industrial tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The primary categories of industrial tourism include industrial heritage tourism, company visits, and scientific tourism. Industrial heritage tourism entails a comprehensive approach and methodology for comprehending historical mechanized processes, contemporary industrial operations, and their tangible remnants as valuable legacy products. Visitors can range from students and professionals to leisure travelers. The applications cater to various age groups, including those below 20 years, 20–30 years, 30–40 years, 40–50 years, and above 50 years. These experiences are applicable across diverse industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology, transportation, aerospace, and science centers.

The industrial tourism market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides industrial tourism market statistics, including industrial tourism industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an industrial tourism market share, detailed industrial tourism market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the industrial tourism industry. This industrial tourism 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 industrial tourism market includes revenues earned by entities through digital and virtual experiences, access to restricted areas, exhibitions and museums, and guided tours. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. 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.