The ecotourism market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• The market size for ecotourism has seen a swift expansion in the recent past. It is projected to escalate from $246.99 billion in 2024 to a substantial $279.41 billion in 2025, experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.1%.
The unprecedented growth during the historic period can be credited to the increased demand for genuine experiences, initiatives and regulations set by the government, the emerging trend of responsible traveling, the preservation of biodiversity, and educational aspects.
The ecotourism market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• In the upcoming years, the ecotourism market is predicted to experience a brisk expansion. By 2029, it's projected to escalate to a value of $497.65 billion, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%.
The anticipated growth during the forecast timeframe could be credited to the upsurge in regenerative travel, initiatives for climate-positive tourism, digitized platforms for eco-experiences, green finance and investment, as well as inclusive and diverse ecotourism. The trend forecast for the period includes the incorporation of technology for sustainable tourism, initiatives towards being plastic-free and reducing waste, global cooperation for conservation, digital platforms for eco-experience, and alliances with conservation organizations.
The anticipated surge in the ecotourism market can be ascribed to the increasing availability of environmentally-friendly tourist lodgings. These accommodations not only abide by the principles of green living but also strive for energy efficiency, non-toxicity, and safety, thus enhancing their appeal for tourists. Many hotels are opting for ecologically conscious designs and operations, including minimizing pollutant output, saving water and energy, and buying green products as a way to advance ecotourism. For instance, in April 2023, Booking.com, an online travel agency headquartered in the Netherlands, revealed that 67% of travelers now switch off their air conditioning when they're not in their rooms- a jump of 29% from 2022. In addition, reuse of towels has seen a 25% spike, with 60% of guests participating, and a 19% rise has been noted in the use of reusable water bottles, with 55% of guests on board. This increase in environmentally-friendly tourist accommodations is thus stimulating growth in the ecotourism market.
The ecotourism market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Alternative Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Community Tourism
2) By Traveler Type: Solo Traveler, Group Traveler
3) By Age Group: Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z
4) By Sales Channel: Travel Agent, Direct
Subsegments:
1) By Alternative Tourism: Adventure Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Nature-Based Tourism, Educational Tourism
2) By Responsible Tourism: Eco-Friendly Travel Practices, Ethical Wildlife Tourism, Low-Impact Tourism, Voluntourism
3) By Sustainable Tourism: Green Hotels And Accommodations, Sustainable Transportation Options, Conservation-Focused Travel, Carbon Offset Programs
4) By Community Tourism: Community-Based Travel Experiences, Local Cultural Immersion, Support For Local Economies, Indigenous Tourism Initiatives
Leading enterprises in the ecotourism market are leveraging strategic collaborations to improve their services, broaden their reach, and advocate for sustainable practices in line with consumer demands for eco-friendly travel. Strategic collaborations imply a method where firms utilize each other's competencies and assets for shared advantages and growth. For example, Accor Pacific Pty Ltd., the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, partnered with Ecotourism Australia Ltd., an organization committed to endorsing ecotourism, in March 2023. Their goal was to amplify sustainable travel initiatives and encourage green practices throughout their hotel chains, thus fostering the ecotourism market and promoting responsible tourism among their patrons. Through this partnership, both Accor Pacific and Ecotourism Australia are striving to raise awareness for sustainable tourism methods, support eco-friendly lodging, enhance the ecotourism market, promote responsible traveling, and make contributions toward preserving the environment.
Major companies operating in the ecotourism market include:
• Marriott International Inc.
• TUI Group
• Airbnb Inc.
• Accor S.A.
• Kynder Travel
• andBeyond
• G Adventures 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
North America was the largest region in the ecotourism market share in 2024. 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.