Rural tourism refers to travel experiences centered around the unique culture, traditions, and natural landscapes of rural areas. It encompasses activities such as farm stays, agritourism, and nature walks, allowing visitors to experience the countryside's authentic lifestyle and heritage. This form of tourism emphasizes sustainability, preservation of rural heritage, and authentic interactions with local communities.
Rural Tourism Global Market Report 2024 provides data on the global rural tourism market such as market size, growth forecasts, segments and geographies, competitive landscape including leading competitors’ revenues, profiles and market shares. The rural tourism market report identifies opportunities and strategies based on market trends and leading competitors’ approaches.
The rural tourism sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, with its value increasing from $91.09 billion in 2023 to $97.84 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. This expansion has been driven by factors such as a surge in agricultural tourism, growing interest in cultural heritage, the popularity of pilgrimage routes, increased demand for post-industrial tourism, and heightened environmental awareness. Looking ahead, the market is projected to reach $131.47 billion in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.7%. This anticipated growth can be attributed to the rise in eco-tourism, better digital connectivity, increased interest in health and wellness, a demand for authentic experiences, and the growing opportunities presented by remote work. Emerging trends include the use of smart technology to enhance visitor experiences, the adoption of sustainable tourism practices, leveraging digital marketing and social media, offering personalized travel packages, and developing niche experiences such as agritourism and wellness retreats.
The growing interest in cultural heritage is expected to boost the rural tourism market. As global connectivity increases, more people are appreciating different cultures and historical sites, enhancing the appeal of rural tourism. Visitors are drawn to rural areas for authentic experiences tied to local traditions and historical landmarks. The Department for Communities in the UK reported that in 2022-2023, nearly 59% of adults visited a historic site, reflecting a growing interest in cultural heritage, which is supporting rural tourism.
Get Your Free Sample Of The Global Rural Tourism Market ReportThe rural tourism market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Tourism: Agro Tourism, Farm Tourism, Wilderness And Forest Tourism, Green Tourism, Eco-Tourism
2) By Accommodation: Farm Stays, Cottage Rentals, Eco-Lodges, Homestays
3) By Age Group: Below 15 Years, 16 To 25, 26 To 35, 36 To 45, 46 To 55, Above 55
4) By Traveler: Adventure Seekers, Cultural Enthusiasts, Eco-Tourists, Family And Group Travelers, Solo Travelers
In the rural tourism market, companies are leveraging digital platforms to increase collaboration and visibility for rural destinations. These platforms make remote locations more accessible by facilitating online bookings and promoting local experiences. For instance, in January 2024, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) launched TourismConnectsRural, a platform that connects around 200 rural destinations worldwide, encouraging communication and collaboration among tourism villages.
North America was the largest region in the rural tourism market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the rural tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.