Diving Tourism Market Size, Share, and COVID Impact Analysis, By Type (Scuba Diving and Freediving), By Age Group (Up to 20 Years, Between 20 and 40 Years, and 40 Years and Above), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

Diving tourism includes recreational dive activities to explore underwater. Attractive destinations such as cave systems, tropical reefs, and shipwrecks increase the consumer inclination toward diving. Moreover, increasing consumer spending on leisure activities triggers global market growth.

The growing awareness regarding various health advantages of diving, such as increased muscle strength & flexibility, reduced blood pressure, stress relief, and improved blood circulation, contributes to the market expansion. Furthermore, recent years have witnessed governments across countries investing in diving tourism for economic growth. For instance, in June 2023, the Maharashtra (India) government announced plans to initiate several projects to boost tourism and enhance the state's potential. These projects included the development of a scuba diving center at Gosekhurd Reservoir (Bhandara, Maharashtra, India) and Koyna Bamnoli (Satara, Maharashtra, India).

Technological advancements have led to innovative diving gear and equipment development, such as high-tech dive computers, communication & warming systems, innovative fins & masks, and advanced buoyancy control devices, to enhance the diving experience. However, the increasing popularity of other adventure sports activities such as skydiving, hiking, skiing, camping, mountaineering, and horse riding impedes the global diving tourism market growth.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Diving Tourism Market

The COVID-19 crisis has significantly affected the growth of the global diving tourism market. The pandemic led to the temporarily closure of numerous diving destinations worldwide due to lockdowns and other COVID-19-related safety measures across countries, notably in 2020. In addition, travel & transport restrictions and cross-border limitations resulted in a shortage of diving equipment and declined tourism, further hampering market growth. However, the market is expected to grow considerably in the near term as numerous individuals emphasize engagement in outdoor recreational activities after being forced to stay indoors for an extended period due to the unprecedented pandemic.

Segmentation

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the global market is segmented into scuba diving and freediving. The scuba diving segment held a major market share in 2022. Individuals typically prefer scuba diving as it assists them in staying underwater for an extended period (compared to freediving) using a breathable air tank. Furthermore, various professional and recreational scuba diving types, including drift, wreck, deep, cave & cavern, night, ice, and rescue diving, support segmental growth.

Analysis by Age Group

Based on age group, the market is categorized into up to 20 years, between 20 and 40 years, and 40 years and above. The between 20 and 40 years segment is likely to exhibit significant growth during the forecast timeframe, backed by increasing inclination of the Gen Z and millennial population toward adventure sports activities, including diving. Moreover, rising spending of the young generation on travel and leisure contributes to the segment growth. 

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Global Tourism Industry
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Industry SWOT Analysis
• Key Industry Developments (Product Launches, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Diving Tourism Market

Regional Analysis

To gain extensive insights into the market, Download for Customization

Geographically, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Europe accounted for the largest global diving tourism market share in 2022, backed by numerous diving sites, including Secca Della Colombara (Italy), Island of Chios (Greece), Lofoten Islands (Norway), Medes Islands (Spain), Blue Hole & Azure Window (Malta), Kilkee (Ireland), and The Big Crack/Silfra Crack (Iceland). In addition, numerous tourists prefer European countries for diving, boosting regional market expansion. According to the Malta Tourism Authority, a Malta-based organization promoting tourism across the country, in 2019, approximately 131,382 individuals were motivated to travel to the country for scuba diving.

North America is expected to grow significantly over the forthcoming years, favored by numerous regional divers. For instance, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, a Laurel, Maryland, U.S.-based non-profit organization, there were nearly 2,588,000 divers across the U.S. in 2020. Moreover, growing consumer interest, notably youth, in exploring marine life and ecosystems fuels the market growth in North America.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, Bluewater Travel, Divers Den, Fly & Sea Dive Adventures, ZuBlu, Ultimate Diving, Scuba Adventure, Scuba Travel, PADI Travel, and Entrada Travel Group

Key Industry Developments

• In September 2022, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), a Nairobi, Kenya, based environmental issues authority, collaborated with Reef-World Foundation, a U.K.-based charity, to introduce the Green Fins Hub, a digital platform assisting diving operators across the globe to make profitable changes to their practices and encourage diving tourism.
• In May 2023, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism hosted Bahamas Dive Week from 6^th May to 13^th May. The event featured local dive operators, open water certified divers, 18 U.S.-based divers, and a Bahamas Dive Ambassador exploring various dive sites.