This thematic research report takes an in-depth look at the theme of niche tourism and the impact it has on the travel and tourism industry. This report analyzes the players impacted by this theme alongside the contributing trends, negative destination trends, unintended opportunities, and trends that have emerged as a result of niche tourism. It then dives deep into an industry analysis, presenting several real-life case studies looking at how destinations and companies have responded to the impact of this theme on their operations. Recommendations are then offered for the travel sector, alongside a description of companies mentioned throughout. This report focus is on Niche Tourism.
Key Highlights
Niche tourism is now recognized across the entire industry, with many companies looking to differentiate their brand from others. Niche tourism has many similarities with the experience economy because niche tourists are constantly searching for engaging and unique experiences that match their interests. Niche tourism has the opportunity to set any company or destination apart, providing the ability to differentiate itself in the hypercompetitive travel landscape today. There are identifiable examples across the travel and tourism supply chain where embracing a niche can increase brand awareness and aid its competitive position. Leaders in the field have identified a specific target market and can offer an alternative product to the traditional sun and beach holiday, which adequately meets the niche tourist needs. Niche tourism can be divided into both ‘macro’ and ‘micro’ niches. What is most prevalent is that this is a complete shift away from the traditional mass tourism model where tourists simply walk into a travel agent store and book a sun and beach holiday. The four macro niches identified here are environmental, cultural, urban, and emerging niche themes. Under each macro niche, there is a list of micro-niches that function as a traveler’s inspiration today. There are many niche tourism types including adventure tourism, dark tourism, eco-tourism, gastronomic tourism, agri-tourism and rural tourism
Scope
This thematic report provides an overview of the impact niche tourism has on the travel sector and seeks to understand some of the contributory factors. The key trends within this theme are split into three categories: consumer trends, enterprise trends, and industry trends. Several case studies are included to analyze the multiple ways countries and companies have responded to the impact of this theme’s growth and what they are doing to grow with this theme.
Reasons to Buy
Understand the current niche tourism trends within the travel landscape today and how these will escalate in the near future. Assess how travel and tourism companies such as tour operators, OTAs and DMOs are utilizing niche tourism to drive revenues. Acknowledge the potential pitfalls of using niche tourism by understanding the social, cultural, and environmental effects on the destination. Discover recommendations for businesses involved in niche tourism. GlobalData’s thematic research ecosystem is a single, integrated global research platform that provides an easy-to-use framework for tracking all themes across all companies in all sectors. It has a proven track record of identifying the important themes early, enabling companies to make the right investments ahead of the competition, and secure that all-important competitive advantage. All across the travel and tourism supply chain, now have an opportunity to capitalize on niche tourism, and there are notable examples of this. Therefore, all should buy this report to fully understand how this theme will continue to be a key theme in the future travel landscape.
Executive Summary
Players
Thematic Briefing
Trends
Consumer trends
Enterprise trends
Industry trends
Industry Analysis
The impact of niche tourism
Stimulating the economy
Cultural preservation
Diversification of tourism offerings
Development of infrastructure
Promotion of community engagement
Risks of cultural homogenization
Educating visitors
The challenges of niche tourism
Overcrowding
Commodification
Environmental issues
Cultural sensitivity
Market saturation
Community displacement
Regulatory challenges
Recommendations
Community engagement
Visitor education
Stakeholder collaboration
Quality over quantity
Technology integration
Regulatory compliance
Crisis preparedness
Case studies
Farah Experiences
Agoda
Orbis Expeditions
Goway Travel
Saltete
Timeline
Signals
M&A trends
Social media trends
Honeymoons
Road trips
Eco-tourism
Value Chain
Third-party suppliers
Direct suppliers
Ancillary suppliers
Companies
Public companies
Private companies
Sector Scorecards
Travel intermediaries sector scorecard
Who’s who
Thematic screen
Valuation screen
Risk screen
Glossary
Further Reading
GlobalData reports
Our Thematic Research Methodology
About GlobalData
Contact Us
List of Tables
Table 1: Consumer trends
Table 2: Enterprise trends
Table 3: Industry trends
Table 4: The key M&A transactions associated with the niche tourism theme between January 2020 and January 2024
Table 5: Public companies
Table 6: Private companies
Table 7: Glossary
Table 8: GlobalData reports
List of Figures
Figure 1: Who are the leading players in the niche tourism theme, and where do they sit in the value chain?
Figure 2: The shift away from the mass tourism model has led to a wealth of niche opportunities
Figure 3: Sentiment toward online travel methods and influences
Figure 4: The niche tourism story
Figure 5: Trendline
Figure 6: The niche tourism value chain
Figure 7: Third-party suppliers in the niche tourism value chain
Figure 8: Direct suppliers in the niche tourism value chain
Figure 9: Ancillary suppliers in the niche tourism value chain
Figure 10: Who does what in the travel intermediaries space?
Figure 11: Thematic screen
Figure 12: Valuation screen
Figure 13: Risk screen
Figure 14: Our five-step approach for generating a sector scorecard