Outdoor vacation market seen reaching $3.3 trillion by 2030

By AI, Created 9:01 AM UTC, May 27, 2026, /AGP/ – Allied Market Research says the global outdoor vacation market was valued at $500.3 billion in 2020 and could hit $3.3264 trillion by 2030, driven by online bookings, social media influence and government support for tourism infrastructure. Volunteering trips, solo travel and OTA bookings are among the fastest-growing segments.

Why it matters: - The outdoor vacation market is projected to expand sharply over the next decade, signaling stronger demand for recreation-focused travel and related services. - Growth in online booking, destination discovery and adventure travel preferences could reshape how travelers plan trips and how operators sell them. - The forecast also points to fast-growing niche segments, especially volunteering trips, solo travel and online travel agencies.

What happened: - The outdoor vacation market is expected to reach $3,326.4 billion by 2030, up from $500.3 billion in 2020. - Allied Market Research projects a compound annual growth rate of 16.2% from 2021 to 2030. - The market includes culinary tours, leisure tours, factory tours, camping, fishing and heritage tours. - The report covers tour type, traveler type, age group, mode of booking and region.

The details: - By tour type, volunteering trips are projected to reach $376.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 18.9%. - Leisure tours and heritage trips together held about 57.8% of the market in 2020, with leisure tours accounting for about 40.5%. - By traveler type, the solo segment was valued at $49.8 billion in 2020 and is forecast to reach $375.4 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 18.7%. - By age group, millennials are expected to post a CAGR of 17.8% over the forecast period. - By mode of booking, the OTA segment was valued at $223.6 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $1,680.2 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 18.7%. - By traveler type, the couple segment was valued at $169.7 billion in 2020, or 33.9% of the global market. - By age group, baby boomers were valued at $120.4 billion in 2020, or 24.1% of the global market. - By mode of booking, travel agents were valued at $276.7 billion in 2020, or 55.3% of the global market. - Switzerland was the most prominent European market in 2020 and is projected to reach $31.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.9%. - North America is expected to maintain a major share, supported by destinations such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Texas ranch stays, Canada and Alaska wilderness, and the Rocky Mountains. - Key players named in the report include Abercrombie & Kent USA LLC, Butterfield & Robinson, Cox & Kings Ltd, Kensington Tours, Micato Safari, Scott Dunn Ltd, Tauck, Thomas Cook India Ltd, Travcoa Corporation, TUI Group, American Express Travel, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Expedia Group, JTB Americas, Priceline, Travel Leaders Group and World Travel, Inc.

Between the lines: - Government support for travel infrastructure and tourism incentives are expected to help the market. - Social media exposure is shaping destination research and purchase decisions. - Quick flight and hotel bookings, activity bookings, rising trust in online payments and easier comparisons of adventure travel options are boosting online travel demand. - The COVID-19 pandemic hurt the market through global travel restrictions, and UNWTO estimated international tourist arrivals could fall 58% to 78% in 2020. - The strongest growth pockets suggest travelers are looking for trips that combine convenience, personalization and participation in experiences.

What’s next: - Market growth is likely to continue across OTAs, solo travel and volunteering trips as more bookings move online. - Providers are likely to lean on product launches and business expansion to gain share. - The report also positions the market for more competition around destination partnerships, niche offerings and regional tourism growth.

The bottom line: - Outdoor vacation is moving from a broad travel category to a high-growth market shaped by digital booking, experiential travel and younger traveler demand.