The educational tourism market has grown significantly over the past few years owing to increasing interest in experiential learning among students and learners. Educational trips help in gaining hands-on experience by visiting historical sites, universities, museums, and various institutions of economic and cultural significance. They aid in personality development, improve communication skills, and builds self-confidence in children and youth. The Educational tourism industry designs customized packages and curated itineraries for students of various grade levels focusing on areas including arts, science, culture, heritage, language, and more. The growing availability of learning opportunities abroad and preference for immersive learning experiences is projected to drive the growth of the educational tourism market over the forecast period.
The Global educational tourism market is estimated to be valued at US$ 470.15 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 12% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the educational tourism market are EF Education First Ltd., ACIS Educational Tours, Explorica, Inc., WorldStrides, Rustic Pathways, Walking Tree Travel, Travel For Teens, School Tours of America, EST, World Expeditions Travel Group Pty Ltd, ACE CULTURAL TOURS, Atlantis Erudition Travel Services, Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd., ATG Travel, Global Educational Travel, Educational Tours, Inc., AAI EDUTOURZ, and Capital Tours, Inc.
The key opportunities in the Educational Tourism Market Growth include rising popularity of virtual exchange programs and online educational trips owing to advancements in VR and AR technology. This has enabled educational institutions to offer virtual international experiences to students while indoors.
Technological advancements have further accelerated the growth of the educational tourism market with innovations like virtual and mixed reality classrooms and simulations. Educational applications utilizing VR/AR are transforming how students can immerse themselves in new places, historical events and cultural experiences from the comfort of their homes.
Market Drivers
The major growth driver for the educational tourism market includes rapid globalization and increasing focus on developing intercultural skills and global competence among students. Sustainable and responsible educational tours focusing on local communities, environment and culture are gaining popularity. Growing participation of schools, universities in international student exchange programs is further expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period.
Current challenges in the educational tourism market
The Educational Tourism Market faces some challenges currently. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education system worldwide and international travel came to a standstill. This had a significant negative impact on the educational tourism market. As learning moved online, opportunities for overseas educational trips reduced drastically. Even as restrictions are being slowly lifted, concerns around health and safety continue to impact the decision of students and parents to opt for foreign educational programs and tours. Additionally, geopolitical tensions among some countries also pose challenges in promoting cross-border student mobility and exchange programs. Changing education policies and visa rules in different nations add an element of uncertainty for those planning international educational experiences.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Educational tours provide unique learning opportunities through direct exposure to different cultures and ways of life. They help broaden one’s worldview and gain global perspectives.
Weakness: High costs associated with international travel, accommodation and study programs. Language barriers may pose difficulties for some.
Opportunity: Growing interest in experiential and inter-cultural learning. Promoting regional educational routes within continents can aid recovery.
Threats: Risks of health emergencies stalling cross-border mobility. Political instability or unrest in certain nations impacts their popularity as study destinations.
Geographical regions of concentration
In terms of value, the educational tourism market is currently concentrated in North America and Western Europe. Countries like the US, the UK, Germany, France are popular destinations for overseas students and educational tours. High quality higher education systems and a wide variety of international programs attract large student inflows here.
Fastest growing regions
The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth in the educational tourism market. Rising investment in education and infrastructure along with affordable costs are helping emerging Asian nations gain prominence on the global education map. Countries like China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea have seen strong double-digit growth in incoming international students in the past decade. Growing interest in Asian cultures and the prevalence of English-medium schools are driving the Asia Pacific region’s rapid growth prospects.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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