Wildlife Tourism Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Forest Wildlife Tour and Marine Wildlife Tour), By Tourist Age Group (Up to 20 Years, Between 20 and 40 Years, and Above 40 Years), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global wildlife tourism market size was valued at USD 180.14 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 221.74 billion in 2025 to USD 949.58 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.35% during the forecast period. Wildlife tourism includes recreational activities to observe various animal and plant species in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. It involves activities such as safari, photography, trekking, and interaction with wildlife. The growing interest in adventurous activities and wildlife conservation boosts the growth of the global wildlife tourism market.

Wildlife tourism assists in economic growth as numerous individuals worldwide visit countries for a wildlife tour. As a result, governments across countries worldwide are actively promoting tourism through policies and initiatives, leading to higher adoption of wildlife tourism activities. For instance, In July 2023, the Ministry of Tourism, an Indian government unit, launched the "Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan" project, which aims to enhance tourist amenities (including wildlife tourism) at natural heritage and tourist sites across India, making them more visitor-friendly.

The global wildlife tourism market has also benefitted from the growing interest in travel and recreational activities, notably among youth. The young generation, typically millennials and Gen Z, exhibits a strong inclination to explore new destinations and take up adventure-based experiences, increasing the demand for wildlife tourism.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Wildlife Tourism Market

The global wildlife tourism market has witnessed a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Border restrictions and lockdowns across countries worldwide brought international travel to a halt, notably in 2020, significantly impacting wildlife tourism sectors. The novel pandemic also resulted in challenges in managing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks due to a need for more workers. Furthermore, several prominent wildlife tourism destinations across countries, such as India, Kenya, Australia, Madagascar, and South Africa, experienced a significant decline in visitors due to the pandemic. For instance, in April 2020, WRSA (Wildlife Ranching South Africa) Centurion, a South Africa-based non-profit agency for wildlife tourism, reported a complete standstill in hunting and ecotourism on game farms in South Africa.

Segmentation

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the global wildlife tourism market is categorized into forest wildlife tours and marine wildlife tours. The forest wildlife tour segment is anticipated to be the market leader in the forthcoming years as it does not require special equipment or skills, such as swimming and diving, that are needed for marine wildlife tours. This factor increases consumer inclination toward forest wildlife tours. Moreover, the increasing development of several resorts near forests worldwide supports segmental growth.

Analysis by Age Group

Based on age group, the market is segmented into up to 20 years, between 20 and 40 years, and above 40 years. The 20- to 40-year-old age group segment is expected to dominate the market in the near term due to the rising interest of youth, notably millennials, in travel, tourism, and adventurous activities. Furthermore, increasing youth spending on recreational activities and awareness regarding wildlife protection fuel the segment growth.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

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

Regional Analysis

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The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific held the major market share in 2022, backed by strong governmental support for the tourism sector. For instance, in February 2023, the Indian government announced plans to import 12 African cheetahs from South Africa. These cheetahs will be introduced into Kuno National Park with the objective of enriching wildlife in the region. This initiative aligns with the goal of promoting wildlife tourism in India, underlining the government's commitment to preserving the country's natural heritage for tourists.

Europe is also one of the prominent markets for wildlife tourism favored by the presence of numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the region, including Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia), Ecrins National Park (France), Saxon Switzerland National Park (Germany), Białowieża Forest (Poland), RSPB Minsmere (U.K), and Biebrza Marshes (Poland).

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as Exodus Travels Ltd., Poseidon Expeditions, Chinkara Journeys, Frontiers North Adventures Inc., 50 Degrees North, Absolute Zambia Safaris Ltd., Birding Ecotours, G Adventures, Rockjumper Birding Ltd., and Elm Wildlife Tours.

Key Industry Developments

• November 2023: MM Hills Safari, a Karnataka, India-based new safari zone, was opened in the Mysuru region. This new zone serves as an extension of the existing safari options within the Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves. Moreover, the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary includes around 706 elephants and 12 tigers.
• October 2023: World Animal Protection, a Toronto, Canada-based non-profit organization, and World Cetacean, an East Sussex, U.K.-based organization for aquatic mammal welfare, collaborated to introduce a global initiative named 'Wildlife Heritage Areas' focused on wildlife tourism and conservation.