SAVE Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Scientific, Academic, Volunteer, Education), By Age Group (18-34 Years, 35-54 Years, 55-64 Years, 65+ Years), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

SAVE Tourism Market Size & Trends

The global SAVE tourism market size was valued at USD 2.82 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2030. The SAVE tourism market, an acronym for Scientific, Academic, Volunteer, and Educational tourism, represents a significant niche within the broader sustainable tourism sector. This market appeals to travelers who prioritize meaningful experiences, combining leisure with impactful activities that benefit both the destination and the individual. While volunteer and educational tourism dominate this segment, scientific and academic tourism also contribute to its growing relevance. As an increasingly vital form of sustainable travel, Scientific, academic, volunteer, and educational (SAVE) tourism aligns with the values of younger travelers, particularly Generation Y and Z, who seek purpose-driven experiences that foster cultural exchange and skill development while traveling.

One of the key trends within the SAVE tourism market is its connection to experiential travel. Younger generations, particularly millennials and Generation Z, favor immersive travel experiences that allow them to contribute to local communities, engage in skill-based learning, and explore new cultures. This shift towards experiential and purposeful travel has driven the demand for activities such as environmental research, archaeological expeditions, volunteer projects, and educational tours. These forms of tourism are designed to create lasting impressions, promote cross-cultural understanding, and provide practical knowledge that can be applied in professional and personal development.

Volunteer tourism, despite facing growing criticism, remains a relevant and profitable segment of the SAVE tourism market. Concerns about its effectiveness and the potential for exploitation have sparked debates about its long-term value. Critics argue that short-term volunteer efforts can undermine local projects, create dependency, and displace local workers. Nonetheless, volunteer tourism continues to attract young travelers who view it as an opportunity to gain experience in international development, contribute to social causes, and engage in personal growth. Programs that follow ethical guidelines, such as Habitat for Humanity and La Choza Chula, offer more sustainable models for volunteer tourism.

Exeter-based Global Vision International (GVI) has established itself as a leading player in the volunteer and conservation market, having deployed nearly 35,000 volunteers to over 100 global locations over the past 25 years. A key milestone in its portfolio is its 20-year partnership with the Seychelles government, during which 1,000 participants have engaged as interns, research fellows, and apprentices, contributing to various marine conservation initiatives.

New trends in the SAVE tourism market reflect a shift towards more sustainable and meaningful travel experiences, with a growing emphasis on long-term impact and local engagement. The rise of domestic voluntourism offers travelers the opportunity to contribute to conservation and rewilding projects within their own countries, reducing the environmental footprint associated with international travel. Traditional voluntourism continues to attract those seeking in-person experiences, as it fosters cross-cultural interactions and personal connections that many find transformative.

Type Insights

Volunteer tourism accounted for a share of 29.8% of the overall SAVE tourism market in 2023. Volunteer tourism has grown significantly in recent years due to its appeal to travelers seeking purpose and meaningful experiences. Unlike traditional tourism, it offers participants the chance to engage directly in community development, conservation, and humanitarian efforts, allowing them to make a positive impact on the places they visit. This trend aligns with the increasing desire among travelers to contribute to global challenges while exploring new cultures and destinations. The accessibility of diverse volunteer programs and the desire for more immersive travel experiences have also contributed to the rise in its popularity.

Demand for scientific tourism is expected to rise at a CAGR of 12.0% from 2024 to 2030. This kind of tourism is expected to increase as interest in environmental preservation and sustainable development grows on a worldwide scale. With increasing demand for meaningful travel experiences, professionals from fields like environmental science, archaeology, and marine biology are engaging in research-driven trips to contribute to global conservation efforts. Collaboration between research institutions and local communities further enhances the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, the growing public interest in science and ecology, coupled with the rising popularity of eco-tourism, is likely to drive the expansion of scientific tourism in the future.

Age Group Insights

Travelers in the age group of 18-34 years accounted for a share of 41.2% in the SAVE tourism marker in 2023. Millennials and Gen Zare driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact while exploring the world. This generation is socially conscious, seeking purpose in their travels, and eager to contribute to causes they care about. With a preference for hands-on experiences and peer-driven influence, they are drawn to opportunities that align with their values. SAVE tourism provides the perfect blend of adventure and social responsibility, making it highly appealing to this age group, which values personal growth and global engagement.

The participation of travelers aged 55 to 64 in SAVE tourism is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2024 to 2030. As many individuals in this age group approach retirement, they are increasingly seeking meaningful ways to stay active and give back to society. With more time and life experience, they are drawn to opportunities where they can use their skills to make a lasting impact on communities. SAVE tourism aligns with their desire to leave a positive legacy and contribute to causes that resonate with their values. Additionally, the social connections and personal fulfillment gained through volunteering enhance their sense of purpose during retirement.

Regional Insights

The SAVE tourism market in North America accounted for a market share of 17.6% in 2023 in the global SAVE tourism market. North America's prominence in SAVE tourism can be attributed to the strong culture of volunteering, particularly in countries like Canada. For example, research from the Johns Hopkins Center for Civic Society Studies in 2021 showed that Canada was the fourth most prominent country for volunteering abroad, with 38.06% of respondents having engaged in such activities. Additionally, in 2010, over 13.3 million Canadians devoted 2.07 billion hours to volunteer work, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. This strong foundation of civic engagement makes North America a key player in SAVE tourism, as many North Americans actively seek meaningful travel experiences that align with their values of contribution and education.

U.S. SAVE Tourism Market Trends

In 2023, the SAVE tourism market in the U.S. held a dominant 70.2% share of the North American market. The U.S. industry dominated due to a deeply ingrained culture of volunteerism, which has been a hallmark of American civic life since the country's founding. From youth exposed to volunteering through religious groups and scouting organizations to corporate-driven volunteer initiatives, Americans of all ages are motivated to give back. This commitment to community service, coupled with a diverse range of opportunities both domestically and internationally, has helped fuel the growth of SAVE tourism, making it a key area of involvement for many U.S. citizens.

Europe SAVE Tourism Market Trends

The SAVE tourism market in Europe accounted for a share of 21.8% of the overall SAVE tourism market. The market here is poised for growth due to a strong focus on experiential travel, particularly among Generation Y and Z travelers. European youth, especially from Scandinavian countries, are increasingly drawn to volunteering and educational tourism opportunities. Organizations like Projects Abroad, WWOOF, and Global Vision International are key players in providing meaningful travel experiences, while network organizations such as BETA and The International Ecotourism Society support sustainable tourism initiatives. This ecosystem of intermediaries and networks creates a favorable environment for the continued expansion of the SAVE tourism market in Europe.

Asia Pacific SAVE Tourism Market Trends

The SAVE tourism market in Asia Pacific is set to grow at a CAGR of 12.2% from 2024 to 2030. The industry here is poised for growth due to the strong culture of volunteering, as seen in countries like New Zealand and Australia, where a significant portion of the population actively participates in both formal and informal volunteer work. With millions of hours dedicated to volunteer labor each year, the region demonstrates a deep commitment to community and social causes. This cultural affinity for giving back, combined with the region's increasing interest in sustainable and educational travel, positions Asia Pacific as a key growth area for SAVE tourism in the coming years.

Key SAVE Tourism Company Insights

The SAVE tourism market is fragmented. Market players are focusing on enhancing sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices and reducing carbon footprints. They are improving accessibility through inclusive services and infrastructure, offering personalized experiences to cater to diverse preferences, and ensuring value for money with competitive pricing and unique offerings. Additionally, they leverage technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, GoPro, PADI, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) collaborated to promote ocean health and sustainable tourism. Activities included GoPro Workshops for capturing underwater beauty and the SeaGlass workshop for repurposing marine debris. The event aimed to inspire responsible travel and marine conservation through storytelling and visual documentation. Additionally, the launch of Thailand's first PADI Instructor course on Koh Tao will enable new instructors to teach the GoPro PADI Distinctive Specialty Course, further supporting marine conservation efforts.

• In January 2024, Agoda expanded its partnership with WWF, pledging USD 1 million to support eight conservation projects in Southeast Asia through the Eco Deals Program. Key initiatives include donating USD 1 per booking to conservation efforts and supporting significant milestones such as volunteer training sessions in Singapore, ranger training in Cambodia, reforestation in Indonesia, and successful anti-poaching patrols in Malaysia.

• In November 2023, Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) launched its 2024 volunteering projects, expanding from three to four destinations due to high demand. Volunteers could work on diverse initiatives in Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nepal, including building schools, supporting local teachers, and constructing sand dams. The program, running for over 50 years, focused on sustainability and impactful volunteer work, fostering long-term community connections and personal development. JOA also planned to introduce online volunteering opportunities in Accountancy and Health by Spring 2024.

SAVE Tourism Market Report Scope

Global SAVE Tourism Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the SAVE tourism market report based on type, age group, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Scientific

  • Academic

  • Volunteer

  • Education

• Age Group Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 18-34 Years

  • 35-54 Years

  • 55-64 Years

  • 65+ Years

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia