Ecotourism in 2025: A Global Surge Towards Sustainable and Regenerative Travel
In 2025, ecotourism is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by travelers' increasing desire for sustainable, nature-based experiences that positively impact local communities and ecosystems. The global ecotourism market is projected to reach approximately $270.5 billion this year, with expectations to grow to $551.8 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% .
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Global Trends: Regenerative Travel and Nature-Based Experiences
Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic interactions with nature, leading to a rise in regenerative travel—a model that aims to leave destinations better than they were found. This approach emphasizes repairing and revitalizing ecosystems and local communities rather than just minimizing environmental
In Costa Rica, a country renowned for its nature-based tourism, there is a shift towards regenerative practices to address concerns about mass tourism and its effects on local communities . Similarly, in Kenya, community-based initiatives are redefining conservation models by integrating ecotourism with sustainable land use, ensuring economic benefits for local communities while protecting wildlife .
India's Ecotourism Highlights
India is witnessing a surge in ecotourism, with destinations like the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh experiencing record tourist arrivals. During the 2024-25 tourism season, the reserve welcomed over 44,000 Indian and 574 foreign visitors, attributed to enhanced infrastructure and improved visitor experiences .
Initiatives like the Char Dham Yatra 2025 are also transforming India's tourism sector by offering enriched spiritual and cultural journeys, attracting travelers seeking meaningful experiences .
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Global Ecotourism Destinations
Samaná, Dominican Republic: Recently declared an Ecotourism Province, Samaná aims to promote sustainable tourism that protects the environment and benefits local communities .
Vietnam: Establishing itself as a leading ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers responsible travelers unique opportunities for discovery, combining environmental preservation with authentic experiences .
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Colombia: With the highest number of avian species on Earth, Colombia has seen a significant rise in birdwatching tourism, driven by its unique habitats and improved safety following the 2016 peace agreement .
Sustainable Accommodations and Travel Practices
Travelers are increasingly holding accommodations to higher sustainability standards. The world's first carbon-positive hotel, Populus, opened in the US in 2024, and IHG launched its first branded net-zero hotel in the UK in March 2025 . In South Africa, Few & Far Luvhondo, a zero-waste, renewable energy-powered lodge, is working to rewild 50,000 hectares of degraded land .
Additionally, travelers are encouraged to consider the journey as well as the destination. With air travel being carbon-intensive, alternatives like rail travel are gaining popularity. In 2025, new opportunities for memorable and lower-impact travel routes have emerged, such as Australia's Indian Pacific extending its journey and Italy's La Dolce Vita Orient Express making its inaugural journey .
