The beach tourism market revolves around tourism activities near beaches, coastal areas and island destinations. Popular beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, surfing, water sports and relaxing. Beaches offer picturesque backdrops for holidays and hold cultural significance as well. The growing popularity of blue vacations, digital nomadism and workcations is augmenting the demand for beach destinations. Hotels, resorts, airbnbs and homestays near beaches cater to tourists seeking sun, surf and sand.
The Global beach tourism market is estimated to be valued at US$ 341.10 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the beach tourism market are TUI Group, Expedia Group, Inc., TripAdvisor, Inc., Thomas Cook, Booking.com B.V., Airbnb, Inc., Cox & Kings Ltd, apple leisure group, Kuoni travel group, On The Beach Group, Beach Travel, and Safari Beach. The growing popularity of digital booking platforms and online travel agencies has made it easier for tourists to search and book beach holidays remotely. Emerging destinations in Southeast Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe are attracting increasing numbers of tourists. Technological advancements like virtual/augmented reality and live webcams are giving potential tourists immersive previews of beach destinations prior to booking trips.
Market Drivers
Some of the key drivers for the Beach Tourism Market Size include – growing middle class incomes and aspiration for leisure travel in emerging economies, rise of long weekends and workcations, preference for experiential and wellness-oriented travel among millennials and Gen Z, increasing online visibility and marketing of lesser-known beach destinations through social media influencers and blogs. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards domestic and regional beach vacations within driving distance as opposed to long haul international trips. This is positively impacting niche beach destinations.
Current challenges in Beach Tourism Market
The beach tourism industry faces challenges like rising operational costs, environmental pollution at beaches, declining tourist arrival in few destinations due to natural calamities like hurricanes, tsunami etc. Protecting coastal environment and beaches from pollution and decline is important to sustain tourism business. Investing in infrastructure and focusing on experiential tours can help attract more tourists.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: presence of scenic beaches and coastal beauty attracts tourists. Weakness: high dependence on climate and weather conditions. Opportunity: scope to promote lesser explored beaches and develop water sports activities. Threats: natural calamities like hurricanes, tsunami can damage beaches and affect business.
Geographical regions with high market value
Currently, Caribbean region dominates the beach tourism market in terms of value contributing over 30% share. Counties like Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic are top beach destinations in this region. North America is another major market led by tourist hotspots along Florida coast.
Fastest growing geographical region
Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing market for beach tourism during forecast period. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines are witnessing rise in tourist arrivals at their beaches annually. Growing income levels and expanding tourism infrastructure is aiding beach tourism business growth in Asia Pacific region.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it