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2022

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Age Group, Sales Channel, Traveler Type, Type Services, Visitors, Spending : Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2027

CG : Travel & Luxury Travel

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Author's: Vidit Gite | Roshan Deshmukh
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The Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market size was valued at $64,417.9 million in 2021, and is projected to reach $150,908.3 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 14.0% from 2022 to 2027.

Ecotourism is a form of travel that puts a great emphasis on maintaining and preserving the nature. This form of tourism comes under the concept of sustainable tourism, which aims to minimize negative impact on the natural ecosystem. Ecotourism involves travelling to remote and pristine destinations where the fauna, flora, and cultural heritage are the center of attractions. 

In the face of worrisome scientific certainty and public statements about the unsustainable status of the environment, an increasing number of industrial stakeholders in Asia-Pacific have focused on sustainability in recent years. By adopting westernized efforts for sustainable environment, leading industry players are devoting substantial time and money to develop eco-friendly hotels, despite high short-term development costs and a low return on investment (ROI). Leaders in Asia-Pacific’s tourism sector such as Rickshaw Travel Group and G Adventures are effectively identifying new possibilities in social and environmental challenges to develop new Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market opportunities, corporate strategies, and creative alliances. According to a travel business poll, almost 70% of tourists prefer a sustainable stay, and nearly 80% of passengers aim to stay at least once in environmental or green housing. Thus, in the next years, mutually beneficial cooperation between travel agencies and engaged partners will be critical in creating and integrating a better and smoother consumer experience.

The development of travel and tourism to exotic locations has demonstrated substantial global resilience, as visitor are exhibiting interest in visiting unique and remote destinations for mental detoxification in the post-pandemic period. Botswana, Kenya, Cambodia, and Nepal are the most popular distinctive eco-tourism locations in the Asia-Pacific and Africa. According to Nepal's Department of Immigration, the nation had a 280% rise in tourists in May 2022 compared to May 2021.

In May 2022, a total of 53,608 visitor visited, with 58,384 arriving in April 2022. Similarly, Kenya's 2021 tourist arrivals increased by 52.3%, with 870,465 tourists visiting in 2021, up from 567,848 in 2020. Furthermore, in recent years, Ethiopia has fared satisfactorily by focusing on specialized markets in contrast to the country’s historical, ecological, and cultural tourist advantages. Travelers visiting third-world nations have been drawn by wildlife tourism, birding, coral reefs, and pristine undisturbed natural regions such as the Amazon rainforest.

Presently, technology is a requirement to ensure that numerous processes are carried out efficiently, and the tourism sector is no exception. Technology has always been a boon to the travel and hospitality industries. Technology is challenging the traditional business with the introduction of web-based reservations and the application of AI and IoT in operating improvements. Online hotel conglomerates and metasearch engines, for instance, have substantially engaged in big data analytics to generate analytics-driven commercial decisions. Furthermore, the usage of Artificial Intelligence in virtual assistants has been employed to provide a seamless client experience. Travel merchants, practitioners, and government agencies are progressively embracing mobile technologies. Mobile technology presents organizations with new potential and obstacles in attracting consumers' attention, conveying market information, and engaging groups. As a result, recognizing mobile applications as a new marketing platform is critical for travel providers and practitioners. Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market demand is mainly driven by the adoption of technological advancements by the service providers in the market which is expected to proliferate the market growth during the forecast years.

However, Infrastructure is a critical component of the tourist industry, and it plays an important role in its development and evolution. The lack of sufficient infrastructure poses a serious concern since it discourages tourists from visiting the tourist attraction. Inadequate support infrastructure at ecotourism destinations, such as insufficient air, train, or road access to diverse ecotourism locations in poor and underdeveloped countries, is a major barrier to the growth of the ecotourism sector. Furthermore, the lack of available housing and the scarcity of quality and hygienic restaurants, dining establishments, and hotels impedes the expansion of the eco-tourism business, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, the monopoly of privately owned agencies, the presence of touts along with a scarcity of qualified and trained tourist guides, heightens the potential for tourist exploitation. The government's lack of attempts to develop suitable infrastructure inhibits investors from proceeding with investments, limiting the overall growth of the tourist industry.

Tourism with sustainability and minimal impact on the environment is another major hurdle that the stakeholders face in the ecotourism market. Noise pollution, overpopulation, trash contamination, fire hazards, and the introduction of non-native species, to mention a few are the significant environmental consequences with direct repercussions for natural habitats and ecosystems. Ecotourism, especially on a big scale, necessitates the construction of hotels, food outlets, and other required infrastructures, which necessitates the excavation of the surroundings and the relocation of locals to make room for the new infrastructures. The introduction of any foreign element to these delicate ecosystems disrupts natural processes. For instance, the presence of humans can scare off prey resulting in disruption of hunting patterns for predators. In addition, high number of tourists can lead to habitat loss & soil erosion, and additional stress on the environment to accommodate more people.

Sustainable tourism has grown in popularity and demand over the last few decades. As a result of the paradigm shift in consumer behavior, there is a greater emphasis on sustainability, which is pushing changes in tourist promotion and marketing, as well as product creation. Public-private partnerships that subsidize air links to isolated tourist areas, improve transportation capabilities, and ease of access result in market development, creating profitable prospects for local players. There are several examples of the government collaborating with business entities to improve the fortunes of destinations. For instance, the Karani Game Reserve in Mozambique was undergoing natural ecosystem devastation as a result of an increase in illicit poaching during the COVID-19 outbreak. The government entered into public-private partnerships, allowing international NGOs such as USAID and the World Bank to provide assistance, and the introduction of private investors, which is expected to improve the wildlife park's condition.

Segment Review

The Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market is segmented on the basis of age group, sales channel, traveler type, type, service visitor, spending, and region. Based on age group, the market is bifurcated into generation X, generation Y, and generation Z. On the basis of sales channel, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market size is studied across travel agents, tour operator, and direct. Based on traveler type, it is bifurcated into solo, group, and family. Based on service the Asia-Pacific and Africa market is segmented into travel, accommodation, and activities. On the basis type, the market is studied across type (wildlife, nature, marine, agro-tourism, eco-treks, eco-activities), Based on visitor, spending, and region, the market is segmented by domestic & international and budget, mid-range, & high-end, and Asia-Pacific & Africa respectively.

On the basis of age group, the global ecotourism market is studied across generation X, generation Y, and generation Z. The generation Y segment or millennial leads in terms of market share owing to the greater population of the category in the world; however, the generation Z segment is likely to gain Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market share in the upcoming years at a CAGR of 14.0%.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Age Group
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Generation Z would exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.0% during 2022-2027, owing to the modernization and westernization adopted by the generation in recent years.

By sales channel, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market is classified into travel agents, tour operators, and direct travel. The travel agents segment dominates the market owing to the increasing dependency of travellers on services offered by agents and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. The tour operators’ segment is expected grow with highest CAGR during the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market forecast period.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Sales Channel
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Tour operators would exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.9% during 2022-2027, owing to the rising trends of tour management and offerings of convenient travel services.

By traveler type, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market is classified into solo, family, and group. The group segment dominates to support Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market growth owing to the rising trends of tours and travels with friends & team and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period; however, the solo segment is likely to grow at a highest CAGR in the upcoming years.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Traveler Type
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Solo travelers would exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.9% during 2022-2027, owing to the rise in trends of solo travel experience worldwide.

On the basis of type, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market is categorized into wild life, nature, marine, agro-tourism, eco-treks and eco-adventures. Marine segment dominates the market owing to the rising interest of travellers toward marine life and activities.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Type
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Agro-tourism would exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.4% during 2022-2027, owing to the increased focus of tour providers on agricultural sectors due to greater availability of farms and lands in Asia-Pacific.

On the basis of service, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market is categorized into travel, accommodation, and activities. Accommodation holds major market share as accommodation is the basic need of any trips and tours. The activities segment exhibited the highest growth in 2021, and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Services
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Activities category would exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.7% during 2022-2027, owing to the increasing interest of people towards eco-leisure.

On the basis of visitor, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism industry is bifurcated into domestic and international. The international category held major share as the number of tourists arrival is increasing from developed economies in Europe and North America and is expected to grow at a higher CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Visitors
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International visitors would exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.4% during 2022-2027, owing to the adoption International eco-tourism trends among people in US and Europe.

On the basis of spending, the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism industry is categorized into budget, mid-range, and high-end. The high-end segment exhibited the highest growth, and is expected to continue the same trend throughout the forecast period owing to the increasing interest of people towards luxurious experience.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Spending
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High-end would exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.0% during 2022-2027, owing to the adoption of luxurious experience in eco tours and accommodation.

On the basis of region, the ecotourism market is studied across Asia-Pacific and Africa. Asia-Pacific was the largest market, and is expected to be the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 14.0% throughout the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market
By Region
2027
Asia-pacific 
Africa

Asia-Pacific would exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.0% during 2022-2027, due to emergence of several modern travel companies and increasing interest of international companies in Asia-Pacific.

Key companies covered in the reports are Gaia Discovery, Safarisource, Ecotourism World, Heimdall tracking, WanderingThru, Asian EcoTours, Khiri Travel, WildChina, EXO Travel, Ecoventure, G Adventures

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

  • This report provides an extensive analysis of the current Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism trends and emerging estimations & dynamics of the Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market size from 2015 to 2027.
  • Detailed Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market analysis by age group helps to understand the preferences for ecotourism by different age groups, and the variants that are expected to gain prominence in the future.
  •  The Porter’s five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and providers to offer a competitive advantage to stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and help strengthen their provider & buyer network.
  • Extensive analysis of the market is conducted by following key product positioning and monitoring the top competitors within the market framework.
  • Market share for all segments with respect to each country is detailed in the report, which helps to understand the trends in the industry.  

Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market Report Highlights

Aspects Details
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By Age Group
  • Generation X
  • Generation Y
  • Generation Y
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By Sales channel
  • Travel Agents
  • Tour Operators
  • Direct
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By Traveler Type
  • Solo
  • Family
  • Group
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By Type
  • Wild Life
  • Nature
  • Marine
  • Agro-tourism
  • Eco treks
  • Eco Adventures
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By Services
  • Travel
  • Accommodation
  • Activities
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By Visitors
  • Domestic
  • International
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By Spending
  • Budget
  • Mid-range
  • High-end
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By Region
  • Asia-Pacific 
  • Africa 

Analyst Review

Travelers in Asia-Pacific and Africa now a days are opting for unique and exotic holiday destinations, to get away from the daily hectic schedule and gain valuable experiences. Pristine, quite, serene, and exotic locations are the major factors that people consider while choosing their travel location. As a result, natural and unadulterated destinations are gaining high traction among travelers, especially among millennial in India, China, and Thailand, owing to the increase in capitalization by service providers in the market for creating awareness among the generation Z category.

Furthermore, the travelers prefer eco-friendly trips and tours in both domestic and international ways, owing to rise in adoption of westernization in tourism pattern in Asia-Pacific and Africa. The growing tourism industry is exerting high pressure on natural resources. As a result, focus on maintaining environmental integrity and developing tourism in ecologically sustainable manner remains a priority for the engaged stakeholders.

Various initiatives by governments in developing countries such as India, China, Australia, and others for facilitating tourist access and improving the destination experience are in place to promote and expand ecotourism. Product, Place, and Promotion (PPPs) can be an effective tool for tourism product enhancement and development, along with research, promotion, and marketing. From social collaboration to major infrastructure and development projects, public-private partnership can play a vital role in transforming ecotourism in Asia-Pacific.

Author Name(s) : Vidit Gite | Roshan Deshmukh
Frequently Asked Questions?

The Asia-Pacific and Africa ecotourism market size was valued at $64,417.9 million in 2021, and is projected to reach $150,908.3 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 14.0% from 2022 to 2027.

The forecast period in the market report would be 2022-2027.

The market value of Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism market in 2021 is $64,417.9 million.

The year 2021 is base year calculated in the Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism market report.

Trends such as travelling to remote and pristine destinations where the fauna, flora, and cultural heritage are the center of attractions in the market.

According to the report published by the Asian Development Bank and the World Tourism Organization 2021, the demand for flights fell by 96% in Asia-Pacific due to COVID-19 in 2020, compared to an 83 percent decline in Europe and an 88 percent fall in North America. Thus, the international as well as domestic arrivals at eco-tourist’s spots have declined during the pandemic years and is expected to normalize after couple of years.

Asia-Pacific will dominate the market by the end of 2027.

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Asia-Pacific and Africa Ecotourism Market

Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2027