Polar Travel Market Report 2026

The polar travel market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.14 billion in 2025 to $1.23 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing interest in adventure and experiential travel, expansion of cruise-based polar tourism, increasing availability of specialized travel operators, rising demand for unique destinations, improvements in cold-region travel logistics.

The polar travel market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.64 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing focus on sustainable tourism practices, rising demand for luxury expedition experiences, expansion of research and science-based tourism, increasing use of technology for traveler safety, growing interest from high-income travelers. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for eco-conscious polar tourism, rising popularity of expedition-style travel, growing use of digital navigation and safety tools, expansion of small-group and customized tours, enhanced focus on wildlife and environmental education.

The growing interest in adventure tourism is anticipated to drive the expansion of the polar travel market in the coming years. Adventure tourism refers to travel experiences that involve exploration or physically demanding activities in challenging environments, undertaken for excitement and thrill. The demand for adventure tourism is fueled by the pursuit of unique experiences, the influence of social media, and an increased emphasis on health and sustainability. Polar travel supports adventure tourism by offering rare and compelling experiences for thrill-seekers seeking to explore remote and largely untouched landscapes, while also encouraging environmental awareness and scientific exploration. For example, in July 2025, according to Statistics Canada, a Canada-based central government agency, total tourism revenue in Canada increased by approximately 3.5% in 2024 compared with 2023, reaching about $104.4 billion. Therefore, the rising interest in adventure tourism is contributing to the growth of the polar travel market.

Companies in the polar travel market are focusing on eco-friendly tourism, including the use of environmentally friendly microships, to reduce their ecological footprint while providing sustainable and immersive travel experiences in polar regions. These small, energy-efficient vessels are equipped with sustainable technologies such as low-emission engines and eco-conscious materials to minimize their environmental impact, while still offering personalized travel experiences. For example, in January 2023, Secret Atlas, a UK-based travel company, launched the MV Vikingfjord micro polar expedition cruise, offering exclusive small-group Arctic journeys. These trips take place aboard a 12-passenger vessel, ensuring a more personalized and immersive experience. Designed with minimal environmental impact in mind, these cruises promote sustainable tourism in delicate polar regions. Expert guides lead travelers in exploring remote Arctic landscapes, observing wildlife, and enjoying nature-focused adventures. The MV Vikingfjord includes nine en suite cabins, a spacious saloon with rear-facing windows, and on-deck amenities such as a hot tub and sauna.

In October 2024, Polar Latitudes, a US-based polar expedition company, formed a partnership with Nordic Hamburg and Chimu Adventures to enhance its polar expedition offerings and expand operational capabilities. This collaboration aims to strengthen its cruise operations by integrating Nordic Hamburg’s shipping expertise with Chimu Adventures’ specialization in polar exploration and responsible travel. Nordic Hamburg is a Germany-based shipping company, and Chimu Adventures is an Australia-based travel company.

Major companies operating in the polar travel market are Hurtigruten Group, Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, Antarctica21, Silversea Cruises, Ponant, G Adventures, Exodus Travels, TUI Group, Abercrombie and Kent, Intrepid Travel, Polar Pioneer, Arctic Kingdom, Wildfoot Travel, Discover the World, Icebreaker Expeditions, Polar Routes.

North America was the largest region in the polar travel market in 2025. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the polar travel market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the polar travel market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The polar travel market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as guided cruises, adventure activities, wildlife observation, research expeditions, luxury experiences, accommodations, and logistical support. 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.

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