Five Nations Paving the Way for Ecotourism as Sector Reaches $295 Billion Value
Discover how five leading countries are setting benchmarks in the ecotourism industry amidst climate change challenges.
With the impact of climate change affecting every part of the globe, the practice of ecotourism is becoming increasingly important.
Today, the ecotourism sector is a major growth area for the global tourism industry, its material worth pegged at US$295.83 billion as of end-2025. Indeed, a forecast from Spherical Insights sees the sector growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7 percent, bringing its total worth to US$838.5 billion by 2032.
Per the most recent report from Fortune Business Insights, the nature and wildlife tourism segment currently holds a major ecotourism market share of 59.23 percent, given the rising interest in conservation tours, safari treks, as well as mountain tourism.
But ecotourism isn’t just about taking travelers on a safari or encouraging them to join coastal clean-ups; it involves experiences that will have a lasting positive impact on both travelers and the environment.
So, who’s leading the charge and which destinations embody the ethos of ecotourism?
Five key destinations
Before we discuss the five countries blazing the trail for ecotourism, let’s define an ecotourism-centric destination. Experts point out that these destinations focus on:
- Conservation of vulnerable areas
- Promotion of environmental sustainability through visitor education
- Economic support for local communities
They minimize their environmental impact through sustainable practices and offer immersive, authentic experiences that respect local culture.
The leading destinations in this sector include:
- Costa Rica - Initializes gold standards for sustainable hospitality and tours with its curated national parks and biodiversity.
- Bhutan - Prioritizes a high value, low volume tourism model, charging visitors a sustainable development fee of US$100 per day.
- New Zealand - Focuses on regenerative tourism that protects its biodiversity and indigenous culture through initiatives like the Tiaki Promise.
- Norway - A leader in green tourism, utilizing renewable energy for public transport to preserve its natural habitats.
- Ecuador - Features the Galapagos Islands and works with authorities to protect its diverse ecosystems while educating locals and travelers on environmental issues.
