The ecotourism market - France

The ecotourism market, despite being a relatively recent phenomenon, has demonstrated significant growth and potential. In France, there is a high awareness of ecotourism and related concepts, with 75% of the population having heard about it. However, the practice of responsible tourism remains low, at 19%. The French market for ecotourism, making up just 1% of the country's total tourism sector, equates to over $2 billion. Ecotourism's growth was notably influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which spurred an increase in domestic tourism that tended to be more environmentally and socially conscious. Key players in the market include specialized tour operators, such as Voyageurs du Monde and Double Sens, with the latter providing transparency in pricing—highlighting contributions towards environmental initiatives and local community support.

Regulations play a critical role, with ERP regulations ensuring safety, accessibility, and possibly impacting establishment operations with non-compliance leading to fines or closures. Market segmentation shows a variety of players, from associations like ATR and ATES to tour operators like Terres d’Aventure with a turnover of €74.5 million. The ATR label, setting the benchmark for sustainable practices in tourism, commits its members to significant CO2 offset goals by 2023 and 2025. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the trend towards more responsible and sustainable travel appears to be a lasting one, positioning ecotourism for persistent growth in the years beyond 2020.

Ecotourism Market Trends in France

In recent times, France has seen a noteworthy rise in awareness and interest towards ecotourism and responsible travel categories. The French market has embraced the various facets of responsible tourism, encompassing ecotourism, equitable tourism, solidarity tourism, ethical tourism, and sustainable tourism. Surveys indicate that between 80 and 85% of the French population is familiar with at least one term related to responsible tourism, with ecotourism taking the lead as the most recognized term. Such awareness has a demographic skew towards younger and older age groups, and is notably higher among individuals with over two years of university education and those in higher socio-professional categories.

Despite the high awareness levels, the actual participation in responsible tourism practices is relatively low. Only about one in five French people claims to have embarked on a 'responsible trip,' while a vast majority have never participated in such travel. This reluctance is attributed to the perceived difficulty in organizing responsible journeys, with nearly two-thirds of the population deeming it challenging.

From a cost perspective, more than half of French citizens believe that ecotourism is more expensive than conventional tourism. This deters people from choosing more responsible and environmentally-friendly travel methods despite a growing consciousness around these issues. And yet, the popularity of ecotourism is gaining traction, partly due to shifts brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic which heightened interest in domestic and community-conscious travel.

When it comes to preferences within the realm of responsible tourism, the French population shows a clear inclination towards accommodation that is eco-friendly, like residences powered by sustainable energy or guest rooms in private homes, with camping being the least favorite. The ideal locations for such trips are the countryside, followed distantly by mountains and isolated islands.

Moreover, the French market also shows an appetite for engaging with local culture and sampling local cuisine as part of their ecotourism experience. While the overall market size for ecotourism in France remains small—currently estimated at around 1% of the broader tourism sector, equating to just over $2 billion—there is an expectation of growth. This sentiment is strengthened by the global ecotourism market which is projected to expand significantly by 2027.

On the supply side, specialized tour operators are the main actors driving ecotourism, offering a range of sustainable travel options that tend to be on the higher end in terms of costs. Reports from Double Sens break down these costs showing that a sizable portion goes towards supporting the local economy.

Navigating the Ecotourism Landscape: Key Industry Stewards

The realm of ecotourism is not just a fleeting trend but a blossoming industry that champions sustainable and responsible travel. The main players in this market are driven not solely by commerce but by a commitment to the planet and to communities. Here’s a look at some of the organizations and tour operators leading the way in the French ecotourism sector.

Ecotourism Associations and Organizations: The Compassionate Custodians

• - ATR (Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable): A pioneering association established in 2004, ATR congregates a variety of stakeholders in the French ecotourism marketplace, from tour operators to custom travel creators. It strives for the promotion of responsible tourism practices and has a membership network that is continually growing.
• - ATES (Association pour le Tourisme Equitable et Solidaire): Formed closely on the heels of ATR, ATES expands on a similar vision but places a stronger emphasis on the social dimensions of tourism. It focuses on equitable relationships with local communities and sustainable development through travel.
• - Both organizations symbolize the conscientious shift toward a tourism model that deeply considers environmental footprints and the local socioeconomic milieu.

Tour Operators: Curators of Conscientious Journeys

• Voyageurs du Monde: Distinguished for curating bespoke travel experiences, this high-end operator takes pride in crafting vacations that are not only luxurious but also mindful of the environment. They offer an array of eco-friendly destinations, tempting the eco-conscious traveler with rich, local encounters.
• - Terres des Andes: Another premium operator that specializes in integrating cultural immersion with ecological travel. Their itineraries in regions like Argentina reflect a commitment to authenticity and sustainable tourism.
• - Double Sens: Positioned more accessibly in terms of pricing, Double Sens provides travelers with opportunities to explore places like Senegal in a manner that is both enriching and responsible. They focus on community interaction and ensuring that travel benefits reach local spheres.
• - Passion Terre: Offers a varied palette of travel experiences that allow tourists to engage deeply with destinations like Nepal. They underscore the transformative power of travel when undertaken with a philosophy of care for the environment.
• - Chamina Voyages: This mid-range operator also facilitates eco-trips across various terrains. Their forays into places like Norway imbue the spirit of adventure with a consciousness of the terrain's ecological sensitivity. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 07/07/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Connaissance des termes relatifs au tourisme responsable
• Connaissance des termes relatifs au tourisme responsable, par âge
• Connaissance des termes relatifs au tourisme responsable, par niveau d'éducation
• Environmental awareness
• Sondage : "Avez-vous déjà voyagé de manière 'responsable' ?"
• Sondage : "Est-ce qu'il devrait y avoir des propositions de séjours responsables sur les sites de voyages ?"
• Sondage : "Est-ce le rôle des professionnels du tourisme de réduire l'impact de leurs activités sur l'environnement ?"
• Sondage : "Seriez vous prêts à payer plus chers les éléments suivants lors d'un voyage ?"
• Sondage : "Etes vous en accord avec l'instauration de quotas ou de restrictions dans les lieux emblématiques afin de préserver l'environnement ?"
• L'hébergement idéal pour le tourisme responsable
• Activités idéales pour un tourisme responsable
• Destination idéale pour le tourisme responsable
• Nombre de nuitées passé par l'ensemble des français dans un hébergement touristique en France
• Principaux marchés de l'écotourisme en Europe
• Taille du marché mondial de l'écotourisme
• Taille du marché du tourisme et de l'écotourisme
• Décomposition du prix d'un voyage avec Double Sens
• Les raisons conduisant les français à choisir un séjour durable
• Les français usent de stratagèmes pour éviter le tourisme de masse
• L'impact des transports sur le choix de la destination
• Les freins au développement de nouvelles pratiques touristiques