Coastal and Maritime Tourism Market Report 2026

The coastal and maritime tourism market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.22 trillion in 2025 to $3.46 trillion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of global leisure travel demand, growth of cruise tourism industry, increasing investment in coastal infrastructure, rising popularity of beach destinations, development of marine recreational services.

The coastal and maritime tourism market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.58 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing focus on sustainable tourism practices, rising demand for personalized travel experiences, expansion of luxury and niche coastal tourism, growing adoption of digital travel ecosystems, increasing investment in resilient coastal tourism infrastructure. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for sustainable coastal tourism experiences, rising adoption of digital booking and travel platforms, growing interest in experiential and eco-friendly travel, expansion of cruise and marine leisure activities, enhanced focus on smart destination management.

The growing preference for leisure travel is expected to support the expansion of the coastal and maritime tourism market in the future. Leisure trips are journeys primarily taken for relaxation, enjoyment, and personal fulfillment rather than business or work-related purposes. The increasing appeal of leisure travel is linked to higher disposable incomes, stronger attention to work-life balance, and a rising interest in meaningful experiences and relaxation. Leisure trips stimulate coastal and maritime tourism by boosting demand for local lodging, dining, recreational activities, and cultural attractions, contributing to economic growth in coastal regions. For example, in February 2024, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, a Spain-based UN agency, reported that international tourist arrivals reached an estimated 1.28 billion in 2023, representing a 34% increase over 2022. Therefore, the growing demand for leisure travel is helping to drive the coastal and maritime tourism market.

Companies involved in the coastal and maritime tourism market are increasingly focusing on innovative tools such as cruise reservation platforms to simplify booking processes and improve customer experiences. These platforms make it easier for travelers to plan and reserve cruise vacations that include coastal destinations, encouraging more visitors and supporting local economies. For instance, in November 2023, Royal Caribbean partnered with IBS Software to introduce the iTravelCruise platform, a web-based reservation system designed to streamline bookings, personalize travel options, and enhance operational efficiency. Such technologies elevate the overall cruise experience and help companies respond to rising expectations for digital convenience and connectivity.

In November 2024, a consortium of investors led by Arini Capital Management and Cyrus Capital Partners acquired Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) for an undisclosed amount. The objective of this acquisition is to accelerate HX’s expansion in expedition cruising, enhance its service portfolio, and support environmentally responsible innovation while broadening its global destinations. Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) is a Norway-based coastal and maritime tourism operator that runs five expedition vessels visiting more than 250 destinations across 30 countries.

Major companies operating in the coastal and maritime tourism market are The Walt Disney Company, TUI AG, MSC Cruises S.A., Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Group, Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., Costa Crociere S.p.A., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Viking Cruises Ltd., Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Abercrombie & Kent USA LLC, Lindblad Expeditions, Hurtigruten Group AS, Seven Seas Cruises Ltd., Compagnie du Ponant, Riviera Tours Ltd., Crystal Cruises Inc., Dream Yacht Group, American Cruise Lines Inc., Azamara Club Cruises, Celestyal Cruises Centre Limited, Silversea Cruise Holding Ltd., Magical Cruise Company Limited, Sienna Charles LLC.

Europe was the largest region in the coastal and maritime tourism market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the coastal and maritime 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 coastal and maritime tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The coastal and maritime tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as fishing and marine wildlife tours, spa and wellness services, and event hosting services. 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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