Special Interest Tourism Market Report 2024

This Special Interest Tourism market 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 special interest tourism market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $3.24 billion in 2023 to $3.89 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising disposable income, higher educational levels, improved global connectivity, changing travel preferences, more effective marketing efforts, and advancements in transportation.

The special interest tourism market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.1 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for personalized travel experiences, increased emphasis on sustainability, a surge in remote work and digital nomadism, advancements in virtual reality travel planning, and the expansion of niche travel communities on social media. Key trends in the forecast period include the growth of adventure tourism, the expansion of ecotourism, a stronger focus on personalized itineraries, the popularity of sustainable travel options, and the integration of augmented reality into travel experiences.

The increasing demand for adventurous tours is expected to drive the growth of the special interest tourism market in the future. Adventurous tours focus on travel experiences that involve physically challenging or thrilling activities in diverse and often rugged environments. This surge in interest is driven by consumers seeking unique and immersive travel experiences that offer physical challenges, exploration, and personal growth. Special interest tourism caters to this demand by focusing on specific interests or activities related to adventure and exploration, such as hiking, mountain climbing, or extreme sports. For example, in June 2023, a report by Adventure Travel, a US-based trade association, revealed that adventure trips were 65% occupied in 2022, up from 52% in 2021. Additionally, the average number of travelers increased to 4,243 in 2022, marking a 213% rise from 2021. Thus, the growing demand for adventurous tours is fueling the expansion of the special interest tourism market.

Key companies in the special interest tourism market are concentrating on developing innovative technologies, such as digital platforms for marine tourism, to enhance engagement, promote sustainability, and offer personalized experiences tailored to niche interests in marine environments. Digital platforms for marine tourism are online tools and technologies designed to improve and manage travel experiences related to marine environments. For instance, in September 2022, the United Nations Environment Programme, based in Kenya, partnered with The Reef-World Foundation, a UK-based charity, to launch the Green Fins Hub. This digital platform promotes sustainable marine tourism by offering an integrated booking system for eco-conscious marine tours, accommodations, and activities. It includes interactive maps and virtual tours of marine destinations, aiding users in planning their trips with minimal environmental impact. The platform also provides comprehensive information on sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts, ensuring travelers are aware of their ecological footprint.

In June 2024, Yatra Online Limited, an India-based online travel company, acquired a 49% stake in Adventure and Nature Network Private Limited for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to expand Yatra's adventure tourism offerings and strengthen its market position by integrating ANN’s expertise and resources. Adventure and Nature Network Private Limited, an India-based tour operator, specializes in providing travel experiences related to adventure and nature.

Major companies operating in the special interest tourism market are Cox and Kings, Flight Centre Travel Group, Grand Circle Corporation, Insight Vacations, Abercrombie & Kent, Kensington Tours, Intrepid Travel, EF Educational Tours, Wilderness Safaris, Audley Travel, G Adventures, Contiki Tours, Wendy Wu Tours UK, China Highlights, Fez Travel, The Priceline Group, Adventures Abroad, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Luxury Gold, Soltour, Martin Randall Travel Ltd., ACE Cultural Tours, Geckos Adventures, Bus2alps, Adventure Life.

Europe was the largest region in the special interest tourism market in 2023. The regions covered in the special interest tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the special interest tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Special interest tourism focuses on travel centered around specific interests, hobbies, or activities, such as adventure, eco-tourism, cultural experiences, or niche hobbies. It caters to travelers who seek unique and personalized experiences aligned with their passions, offering in-depth exploration and engagement with their chosen interests.

The primary types of special interest tourism are domestic and international. Domestic tourism involves residents traveling within their own country for leisure, business, or other purposes, exploring various regions, cities, or attractions without crossing international borders. Travelers can be individuals, couples, groups, or professionals, with age groups ranging from 15 to 25 years, 26 to 35 years, 36 to 45 years, 46 to 55 years, and 66 to 75 years. Activities include environmental, adventure, and sports, while purposes cover activities such as education, discovery, hobbies, challenges, relaxation, health and therapy, and day tours.

The special interest tourism market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides special interest tourism market statistics, including special interest tourism industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a special interest tourism market share, detailed special interest tourism market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the special interest tourism industry. This special interest tourism 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 special interest tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as guided tours, cultural immersion experiences, wildlife safaris, educational trips, and eco-friendly travel options. 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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