Heritage Tourism Market Report 2026

The heritage tourism market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $641.64 billion in 2025 to $679.96 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of global tourism activities, expansion of protected cultural sites, increasing awareness of cultural heritage value, government support for heritage conservation, availability of guided heritage tours.

The heritage tourism market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $854.71 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in heritage site restoration, rising digital engagement in tourism experiences, expansion of sustainable tourism initiatives, growing interest in immersive cultural experiences, increasing domestic heritage travel. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, rising popularity of eco-friendly heritage tourism, growing use of digital heritage platforms, expansion of community-based tourism models, enhanced focus on cultural preservation.

The rising interest in historical events is expected to drive the growth of the heritage tourism market. Historical events, which are significant occurrences from the past that have influenced history, societies, or cultures, are gaining popularity due to improved educational resources, media exposure, cultural trends, and a desire to understand historical contexts. These events contribute to heritage tourism by offering engaging narratives and attractions that appeal to visitors, enhance their appreciation of cultural heritage, and stimulate local economies. For instance, in January 2024, Historic England, a UK-based government agency, reported an 11% increase in visits to historic attractions in the UK for 2023 compared to 2022. Visits to places of worship more than doubled from the previous year, and revenue from historic attractions increased by 10% in 2023. Consequently, the growing interest in historical events is propelling the heritage tourism market.

Major companies operating in the heritage tourism market are prioritizing digital engagement tools, such as interactive mobile applications, to gain a competitive edge. These apps enhance visitor experiences by offering real-time information, guided tours, and augmented reality elements that help bring historical locations to life. For example, in March 2023, VisitScotland, a Scotland-based tourism organization, introduced the Scotland’s Stories app, which enables users to explore various historical sites through interactive maps and audio guides that share local legends and historical narratives. The app also features user-generated content, allowing visitors to contribute personal stories connected to each site, along with social media integration for easy sharing. Although these digital tools greatly improve visitor engagement and satisfaction, they require continuous updates and maintenance to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological environment.

In June 2024, Szallas Group, a Hungary-based travel arrangements company, acquired an 80% stake in Creative Eye SRL for $18.2 million. This acquisition aims to strengthen Szallas Group's position in the Romanian market and expand its presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Creative Eye SRL is a Romania-based travel company specializing in heritage tourism.

Major companies operating in the heritage tourism market are Abercrombie and Kent, Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Tauck, Collette, Kesari Tours, Exodus Travels, Martin Randall Travel, ACE Cultural Tours, Context Travel, National Geographic Expeditions, Heritage Expeditions, Trafalgar, EF Go Ahead Tours, Backroads, Smithsonian Journeys, Cox and Kings, Odyssey Traveller, Cultural Tours, Miracle Experiences.

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

The heritage tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as guided tours, cultural exhibitions, themed accommodation and dining, and specialized transportation. 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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