Wildlife Tourism Market (2024 - 2030)

Wildlife Tourism Market Summary

With major institutions like the World Bank being involved in its development, promoting wildlife tourism aids in conserving wildlife and habitat, promoting wildlife-based economies, combating wildlife crime, and reducing demand for illegal wildlife products.

In addition, growing government initiatives, such as the UNWTO/Chimelong initiative for the conservation of wildlife sites and the promotion of sustainable tourism in Africa and Asia Pacific are expected to boost industry growth in the coming years. The COVID-19 pandemichampered the tourist sector. To control the worldwide spread and local transmission, numerous governments have instituted travel restrictions. Tour operators in the market experienced financial downturns as a result of the COVID-19 effect, which led to a decrease in passenger visits to wildlife locations. The pandemic had many adverse effects on the wildlife tourism industry.

According to the statistics published by The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), all of the regions with wildlife sites witnessed 65% of their destinations completely closed due to the pandemic. The same data also predicted a 20-30% decline in international tourist arrival. However, with the settlement of the pandemic, the global industry is expected to witness strong growth as governments initiated mitigation and contingency plans. In the U.S. due to the huge variety in its landscapes, the country is a habitat for a rich variety of wildlife. The Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, for instance, spans over 2.2 million acres of volcanic grounds, features 67 mammal species, and houses hot springs, geysers vast forest, mud pots, several mountain ranges, and North America’s highest altitude lake.

The park recorded its highest number of visitors in 2021, with around 4.86 million visitors. Tracking and photography of elks, bison, wolves, and bears, as tours of the grand canyons, and glaciers are the attractions in the U.S. that are boosting the industry ahead. In regions like Africa, wildlife tourism accounts for the majority of its employment and revenues. According to a UNWTO Report, 14 countries in Africa generate approximately USD 142 million in entrance fee for protected areas. A report by World Wildlife Fund suggests that 93% of all natural heritage sites are supported by recreation and tourism, along with 91% of them providing employment.

With the growing awareness about nature conservation, there is a rising prevalence of wildlife tourism in various demographics. By traveling and visiting animals’ natural habitats tourists experience an increase in their awareness and become more sensitive toward the flora and fauna of the environment. Sharing such experiences on social networking sites encourages other people to do the same. Among several demographics, the awareness of climate crisis and nature conservation is propelling the trend of wildlife tourism. As travelers visit sanctuaries, zoos, and national parks, they experience an increase in their knowledge along with building sensitization towards such situations.

Moreover, when these experiences are shared on social media networking platforms, other travelers are compelled to do the same. Wildlife tourism encourages the development of underprivileged communities by bringing in a steady flow of revenue to local economies. More than 1,000 Kenyans are employed by the Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya, which also offers them security, healthcare, and education. In addition, these employees are equipped with other skills, which can be used in other fields of employment.

Group Insights

The friends/group trips segment accounted for the largest share of more than 42.65% of the overall revenue in 2022. Many group tours for wildlife tourism are kept small, allowing adequate room for scopes and photography, to maximize good wildlife sightings, and for comfort when traveling. Group trips are offered on a private basis, either on a tailor-made basis for individuals and friends or as a small private group.The solo traveling segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030.

One of the great benefits of traveling solo is the prospect of being with like-minded people. Such groups typically include a mixture of singles and couples. After the global lockdowns were retracted, solo traveling increased. Explore Worldwide Ltd., an adventure travel company, reported that 60% of their customers on tours are solo travelers. With a surge in the digital nomad culture worldwide, the idea of solo traveling will keep growing, impacting the sector in the future.

Booking Mode Insights

The direct booking mode dominated the industryin 2022 and accounted for thelargest share of more than 63.45% of the overall revenue. Consumers and venue authorities prefer direct bookings alike owing to the reduced commissions to be paid to third parties and to form a strong bond with the visitors. Without any intermediate agent, the venue can market itself before, during, and after the travel, retaining control over the tourist relationship, both strategically and financially.

The marketplace booking segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the convenience, availability of various options, and discounts offered by such portals to the traveler. Marketplace booking allows consumers to compare various options, and gives all the required information needed to make a purchase, which can be done at anytime &from anywhere. These factors will contribute to the growth of this segment.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region dominated the global industry in 2022 and accounted for the largest share of more than 50.70% of the overall revenue. According to the statistics published by UNWTO, outbound AsiaPacific travelers account for 37.0% of global travelers and international travel spending has doubled in the region. The wildlife tourism business in this region is being driven by the importance of flora & fauna and rising awareness about global warming.

The Middle East & Africa regional market is projected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast years. Africa is a hub for tourism with spots featuring, such as Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater Park, there is an increased awareness about the poaching incidents of elephants and rhinos, which is boosting tourists attraction along with aiding in the conservation of the endangered species.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of a few established players and new entrants. Many big companies are increasing their focus on growing trends in the market. Players are also focusing on building sustainable practices to maintain their industry share.For instance,

• In May 2022, Exodus Travels Ltd. was awarded the Which? 2022 Awards Sustainability Champion of the Year recognizing its green initiatives, such as pledging to rewild 100 square meters for every customer, and the aim to halve our carbon footprint by 2030

• In November 2022, G Adventures invested in Reforest, a digital platform that connects travelers with local communities who are restoring their ecosystems with reforestation. This will enable travelers to give back by planting their trees in areas where reforestation is necessary for tourism

Some of the key players in the global wildlife tourism market include:

• Exodus Travels Ltd.

• Poseidon Expeditions

• 50 Degrees North

• Chinkara Journeys

• Birding Ecotours

• Elm Wildlife Tours

• Frontiers North Adventures Inc.

• Rockjumper Birding Ltd.

• Absolute Zambia Safaris Ltd.

• G Adventures

Wildlife Tourism Market