SAVE Tourism Market

SAVE Tourism Market Size:

The global SAVE tourism market size reached USD 82.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 127.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93% during 2025-2033. The market is propelled by the increasing environmental awareness among travelers, rise in academic and research opportunities, growth of volunteer tourism, significant technological advancements and accessibility, and favorable government and NGO support.

SAVE Tourism Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Increasing awareness about environmental sustainability, government initiatives promoting eco-friendly tourism, and increasing consumer preferences for authentic and responsible travel experiences are some of the major market drivers of the industry.
• Key Market Trends: Some of the key market trends include adoption of digital tools and platforms for eco-friendly travel planning, integration of local community engagement in tourism activities, and expansion of green certifications and eco-labels for tourism services.
• Geographical Trends: Strong policy support from governments for sustainable tourism, high levels of environmental awareness among travelers, and well-established infrastructure for eco-friendly travel options, are major factors escalating SAVE tourism demand in the European region.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the SAVE tourism industry include Abta Ltd., Attitude Hospitality Ltd., Bookdifferent, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Fair Trade Tourism, The travel foundation, Tui Group, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Some of the challenges of the industry include high costs associated with implementing sustainable practices, limited awareness and understanding of SAVE tourism among potential travelers, and inconsistent regulations and standards across numerous regions. Whereas, expanding market for eco-friendly travel options, increasing availability of funding and grants, and development of new technologies to enhance sustainable travel experiences, are some of the major SAVE tourism market recent opportunities.

SAVE Tourism Market Trends:

Increasing Environmental Awareness

The global SAVE (Scientific, Academic, Volunteer, and Educational) tourism market is significantly driven by increasing environmental awareness among travelers. According to the WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, 76% of surveyed travelers in the year 2023, expressed their intent of adopting sustainable travel activities. As individuals become more conscious of the impact of traditional tourism on natural environments, they are seeking more sustainable and responsible travel options, which is creating a positive SAVE tourism market outlook. This tourism concept provides an avenue for travelers to engage in activities that promote environmental conservation, scientific research, and education, thereby minimizing their ecological footprint. For instance, programs focused on wildlife conservation or marine biology offer tourists the opportunity to participate in research and conservation efforts. This direct involvement enhances the experience of the travelers and also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity.

Government and Non-Government Organization (NGO) Support

The substantial support from government bodies and non-government organizations (NGOs) is another key factor responsible for the SAVE tourism market growth. These entities play a crucial role in promoting and facilitating this type of tourism through funding, policy development, and collaborative initiatives. Governments worldwide are recognizing the potential of SAVE tourism and are increasingly incorporating it into their tourism strategies. Policies that support conservation efforts, cultural preservation, and community development are often intertwined with SAVE tourism initiatives. According to INVEST INDIA, the government of India devised a policy to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. The policy also aims to achieve $1 Trillion contribution of the tourism sector to GDP by 2047. Numerous governments across the globe also offer grants and tax incentives to organizations that run SAVE tourism programs, encouraging the development and expansion of such activities.

Growth of Volunteer Tourism

Volunteer tourism, also known as voluntourism, is another factor catalyzing the market growth. This type of travel allows tourists to engage in volunteer work that benefits communities and environments in their destinations. Volunteer tourism has gained popularity as travelers seek more meaningful and impactful ways to spend their vacations, contributing their time and skills to various projects around the world. According to SCIRP, 1.6 million individuals globally participate in volunteer tourism projects annually, spending between 832 Million Euros and 1.3 Billion Euros each year. Organizations that facilitate volunteer tourism offer a wide range of programs, from teaching English in rural schools to building infrastructure in underdeveloped areas. The appeal of these programs lies in the opportunity for travelers to make a tangible difference while experiencing new cultures. Additionally, volunteer tourism often attracts individuals looking to gain professional experience and enhance their resumes, consequently increasing SAVE tourism market revenue.

SAVE Tourism Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and sales channel.

Breakup by Type:

• Scientist
• Academic
• Volunteer
• Education
   

Academic accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes scientist, academic, volunteer, and education. According to the market report, academics represented the largest segment.

As per the SAVE tourism market forecast, academic is the largest segment due to the increasing demand for experiential learning and practical fieldwork opportunities among students and researchers. Universities and educational institutions are prioritizing programs that offer hands-on experiences, leading to a rise in study abroad programs, field research projects, and academic tours. These programs provide students with valuable real-world insights and skills that enhance their academic and professional development. Additionally, the growing collaboration between educational institutions and international organizations has expanded the availability and accessibility of such opportunities, further driving the dominance of the segment in the market.

Breakup by Sales Channel:

• Travel Agent
• Online
   

Travel agent holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the sales channel have also been provided in the report. This includes travel agent and online. According to the report, travel agent accounted for the largest SAVE tourism market share.

Travel agents constitute the largest segment in the market breakup by sales channel due to their comprehensive service offerings, expert knowledge, and personalized consumer support. They provide a one-stop solution for booking flights, accommodations, tours, and other travel-related services, simplifying the planning process for consumers. Travel agents leverage their expertise to offer tailored travel packages and exclusive deals that are often unavailable through direct booking. Additionally, their ability to handle complex itineraries and provide assistance during travel emergencies enhances their appeal. Consequently, the convenience, expertise, and value-added services offered by travel agents drive their dominance in the market.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Europe leads the market, accounting for the largest SAVE tourism market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe was the largest regional market for SAVE tourism.

According to the SAVE tourism market overview, Europe holds the leading position due to its diverse and well-established tourism infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and extensive array of tourist attractions. Countries such as France, Spain, and Italy consistently rank among the top global destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. Additionally, the advanced transportation networks of Europe, including extensive rail and air connections, facilitate easy travel across the continent. The strong focus of the region on sustainability and eco-tourism, coupled with a variety of academic, scientific, and volunteer opportunities, further contribute to its positive appeal.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major SAVE tourism companies include Abta Ltd., Attitude Hospitality Ltd., Bookdifferent, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Fair Trade Tourism, The travel foundation, Tui Group, etc.

  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

• Several leading players in the market are creating immersive volunteer programs that integrate conservation and community development projects. Universities and research institutions are expanding their study abroad and field research programs, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in diverse environments. Additionally, a key SAVE tourism market recent development is the incorporation of virtual expeditions, which are gaining traction as a response to increased demand for accessible and immersive educational travel. These virtual tours allow participants to explore remote and scientifically significant locations without physical travel, making them more inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Companies are partnering with academic institutions, leveraging technology to offer accessible and informative options for potential SAVE tourists. Partnerships between NGOs and local communities ensure sustainable practices and equitable benefit distribution, further enhancing the appeal and effectiveness of the market. These concerted efforts are significantly advancing the SAVE tourism sector.

SAVE Tourism Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global SAVE tourism market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global SAVE tourism market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global SAVE tourism market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive SAVE tourism market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the SAVE tourism market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the sales channel?
• Which is the most attractive sales channel in the SAVE tourism market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global SAVE tourism market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the SAVE tourism market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global SAVE tourism market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the SAVE tourism industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.