Ecotourism Global Market Report 2025

Ecotourism involves responsible travel to natural places, aiming to conserve the environment, support local well-being, and provide interpretation and education. This form of tourism contributes to the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, raises awareness of local issues, and enhances local livelihoods through the utilization of natural and cultural ecosystem services.

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 from The Business Research Company 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 size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $246.99 billion in 2024 to $279.41 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand for authentic experiences, government initiatives and policies, rise of responsible travel, conservation of biodiversity, educational components.

The ecotourism market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $497.65 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rise of regenerative travel, climate-positive tourism initiatives, digital platforms for eco-experiences, green finance and investment, 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-experience, partnerships with conservation organizations.

The increasing availability of eco-friendly tourist accommodations is expected to drive the growth of the ecotourism market. Eco-friendly tourist accommodations prioritize environmentally sustainable practices, including green building designs, reducing pollutant emissions, conserving water and energy, and sourcing eco-friendly products. These initiatives provide tourists with safe, non-toxic, and energy-efficient lodging options while minimizing environmental impact. For example, in April 2023, Booking.com, a Netherlands-based online travel agency, reported that 67% of travelers turn off air conditioning in their accommodations when absent-up 29% from 2022-while 60% of guests now reuse towels, marking a 25% increase, and 55% use reusable water bottles, a 19% increase. This growing commitment to sustainability among travelers is supporting the expansion of 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.

Major companies in the ecotourism market are forming strategic partnerships to enhance service offerings, expand their reach, and promote sustainable practices that resonate with consumer preferences for environmentally responsible travel. Strategic partnerships involve leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits. For instance, in March 2023, Accor Pacific Pty Ltd., the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, partnered with Ecotourism Australia Ltd., an organization dedicated to promoting ecotourism, to enhance sustainable travel initiatives. This collaboration aims to implement eco-friendly practices across Accor's hotel properties, thereby supporting the growth of the ecotourism market and fostering responsible tourism among guests. By joining forces, Accor Pacific and Ecotourism Australia are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices, encouraging eco-friendly accommodations, and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

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 September 2023, Burges Salmon LLP, a UK-based law firm, acquired Oxygen Conservation Limited for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to bolster Burges Salmon's environmental conservation efforts and promote sustainable land management practices, which are crucial for enhancing the ecotourism market. Oxygen Conservation Limited is an environmental conservation organization in the UK that advocates for sustainable land management and supports ecotourism initiatives through its conservation efforts. By integrating Oxygen Conservation's expertise, Burges Salmon seeks to advance its commitment to sustainability and strengthen its role in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector.

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.

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.

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.

Ecotourism Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on ecotourism market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for ecotourism ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The ecotourism market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered: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
• Companies Mentioned: Marriott International Inc.; TUI Group; Airbnb Inc.; Accor S.A.; Kynder Travel
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.