The global ecotourism market, driven by increased demand for sustainable and nature-based travel experiences, is set to be worth $561.13 billion by 2031, up from $320.74 billion last year, according to a new report by Mordor Intelligence.
This equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.59% between 2026 and 2031, it noted, with Asia-Pacific expected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period.
Increased investment in protected areas and community-led tourism initiatives is supporting the growth of the ecotourism market, while digital and AI-powered booking platforms are making eco-friendly destinations more accessible, the report noted. In addition, sustainability certifications are helping consumers better identify legitimate tourism operators with recognised environmental practices.
‘Despite this positive outlook, higher travel costs, limited infrastructure in remote regions, and visitor capacity restrictions at environmentally sensitive destinations remain key factors influencing market growth,’ Mordor Intelligence said.
Regional growth
Europe accounted for 33.75% of the global ecotourism market in 2025, with other regions gaining traction – in Asia-Pacific, for example, government initiatives to support sustainable tourism and nature-based travel have provided a boost, while North America has seen ‘strong consumer interest in responsible travel’ and the increased adoption of sustainable standards.
South America, with its rich biodiversity and rainforest tourism, remains a ‘leading destination’ for ecotourism, while Africa and the Middle East continue to ‘strengthen their position’, the report noted.
According to the report, demand for nature-based travel experiences is also changing traveller behaviour, with activities such as wildlife tours, hiking, eco-lodges and community-led tourism becoming more popular. This, in turn, is leading operators to expand their offerings, through community-based experiences, personalised itineraries and sustainability initiatives.
Verified industry data
“Our analysis of the ecotourism market is built on verified industry data, consistent research standards, and transparent evaluation of market trends rather than broad assumptions,” commented Jayveer V, senior research manager, Mordor Intelligence.
“Mordor Intelligence provides structured market intelligence that helps organisations assess opportunities, competitive dynamics, and long-term growth in the ecotourism market with greater confidence than reports based on limited or less rigorous research approaches.” Read more here.
