The global Cultural Tourism market is on track for sustained growth, with expectations of robust expansion through 2031. According to the latest report from Reed Intelligence, the global Cultural Tourism market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.5% over the forecast period spanning from 2023 to 2031.
Key Highlights
Forecast Period & Growth: The market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of ~4.5% between 2023 and 2031.
Largest Region (2023 baseline): While the report does not specify a single numeric share, regions including Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and LAMEA are covered, with Europe and APAC among the most prominent.
Fastest-Growing Region: The APAC region is highlighted as a region showing “remarkable growth,” driven by emerging economies and an expanding middle class.
Segmentation – Type & Application:
By Type: Domestic Cultural Tourism, International Cultural Tourism
By Age-Group / Application: Below 20 years, 20–30 years, 30–40 years, 40–50 years, and Above 50 years.
Market Players: The competitive landscape includes a wide array of global tour operators, agencies, and travel firms.
Market Dynamics
The global Cultural Tourism market is being driven by a growing global appetite for heritage, culture, and immersive experiences. As travelers increasingly seek authentic cultural, historical, and artistic experiences — from heritage and museum visits to cultural festivals and local customs — demand continues to rise. According to Reed Intelligence, this shifting consumer preference toward heritage and immersive cultural experiences is a key driver of market expansion.
However, the market also faces challenges. Economic uncertainties, regulatory complexities, and possible supply-chain or operational disruptions in tourism services act as restraints that may slow down growth. That said, these very challenges present opportunities: by focusing on personalized itineraries, digital storytelling, and responsible tourism practices, industry players can tap into under-served segments, expand into new geographies, and differentiate their offerings.
Top Market Players
The report identifies a broad set of key players operating globally, including but not limited to:
AAA Travel
Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia
ACE Cultural Tours
Altour
American Express Global Business Travel
BCD Travel
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
China CYTS Tours Holding
China Travel
Classic Journeys
Corporate Travel Management
Direct Travel
Envoy Tours
Expedia Group
Fareportal / Travelong
HRG North America
Indigenous Tourism BC
Kudu Travel
Martin Randall Travel
Nature Quest
Odyssey World
Priceline Group
Responsible Travel
Splitrock Environmental
Tandem Travel
The Cultural Travel Company
Tourism Australia
Travel and Transport
Travel Leaders Group
Wilderness Travels
Segmentation & Regional Scope
The report’s segmentation framework and regional breakdown are as follows:
By Type
Domestic Cultural Tourism
International Cultural Tourism
By Age / Application Group
Below 20 Years
20–30 Years
30–40 Years
40–50 Years
Above 50 Years
Geographical Regions Covered
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Middle East & Africa (MEA) / LAMEA
Latin America (within LAMEA coverage)
About the Report
This Global Cultural Tourism Market report by Reed Intelligence offers an in-depth analysis of market size, growth trajectory, segmentation, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and emerging trends. It serves as a comprehensive resource for travel industry stakeholders including tour operators, cultural institutions, travel agents, investors, and policymakers seeking to understand and capitalise on the evolving demand for cultural tourism globally.
