Heritage Tourism Market Size To Reach $778.07 Billion By 2030

Heritage Tourism Market Growth & Trends

The global heritage tourism market size is expected to reach USD 778.07 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.5% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to witness promising growth due to the increasing affordability of travel and rising disposable income. The increasing interest of travelers in cultural and natural heritage is likely to drive the growth of the market. According to the UNWTO, about 40% of all tourists worldwide are cultural tourists, spending on heritage sites. Moreover, increasing initiatives by the governments to improve heritage tourism is likely to increase access and spending on heritage travel and drive the heritage travel market growth.

The cultural heritage segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021. This is significantly attributed to the higher consumer inclination to travel to historic monuments, palaces, buildings, and artifacts over other sites. Also, according to the UNESCO world heritage site list, cultural sites account for around 50% of all sites including natural as well as intangible heritage sites.

The 51 to 70 segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021. This is mainly attributed to the consumer interest and consumer inclination associated with travel destinations. Baby boomers and older generations are more likely to choose heritage travel due to a huge interest in the traditional and cultural aspects of the different communities. During the forecast period, the millennial’s rising inclination towards travel and tourism is likely to be a promising factor for cultural tourism market growth.

The online segment of the booking channel is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period. This is attributable to the shift in the consumer profile. The increasing share of millennials and generation Z in the travel industry is likely to propel the online segment growth. Additionally, the implementation and launch of online booking channels by key players across the world are also expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific accounted for the highest revenue share in 2021. This is highly attributable to the presence of affluent heritage sites in the region. According to UNESCO, Asia Pacific accounts for more than 450 heritage sites comprising cultural heritage, natural heritage, and intangible heritage sites. Also, the higher population, and developed domestic travel account for the higher market revenue share of the region.

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Heritage Tourism Market Report Highlights

• The cultural heritage tours accounted for a market share of 55.62% in 2024. The demand for cultural heritage tours is rising as travelers increasingly seek meaningful, immersive experiences that offer insights into the traditions, arts, and history of a destination.

• The demand for heritage tours among travelers aged 51 to 70 captured a market share of 58.42% in 2024, reflecting the heightened interest in culturally enriching and educational travel experiences among this demographic.

• In 2024, offline bookings accounted for a market share of 68.78% in 2024. The growth is driven by the enduring appeal of personalized service and the tangible experiences associated with face-to-face interactions.

Heritage Tourism Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global heritage tourism market on the basis of type, age group, booking mode, and region:

Heritage Tourism Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

• Cultural Heritage

• Natural Heritage

• Intangible Heritage

Heritage Tourism Age Group Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

• 30 and Under

• 31 to 50

• 51 to 70

• 71 and Above

Heritage Tourism Booking Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

• Online

• Offline

Heritage Tourism Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • UK

  • Germany

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Portugal

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • India

  • Japan

  • Australia & New Zealand

  • South Korea

• Central & South America

  • Brazil

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

  • South Africa

  • Egypt

  • Morocco

  • Tunisia

List of Key Players in the Heritage Tourism Market

• ACE Cultural Tours Ltd.

• Exodus Travels Ltd.

• Expedia Group, Inc.

• BCD Travel

• TUI AG

• ATG Travel

• Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd.

• Carlson Wagonlit Travel

• Martin Randall Travel Ltd.

• Travel Leaders Group