The ecotourism market - France

The French ecotourism market is estimated at over €2 billion.

The ecotourism market, although a relatively recent phenomenon, has demonstrated significant growth and potential.

In France, ecotourism and related concepts are well known, with 75% of the population having heard of them. However, the practice of responsible tourism remains low. The French ecotourism market, which represents just 1% of the country's total tourism sector, is worth over €2 billion.

The growth of ecotourism has been influenced in particular by the avian flu pandemic, which has led to an increase in domestic tourism, more concerned with the environment and society.

Market segmentation shows a variety of players, from associations such as ATR and ATES to tour operators.

The ATR label is the benchmark for sustainable practices in the tourism sector, and commits its members to achieving specific targets for offsetting CO2 emissions by 2025.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the trend towards more responsible and sustainable travel appears to be enduring, positioning ecotourism for continued growth in the years ahead?

Ecotourism market trends in France

Responsible tourism encompasses ecotourism, fair tourism, solidarity tourism, ethical tourism and sustainable tourism. Surveys show that between 80 and 85% of the French population is familiar with at least one term related to responsible tourism, with ecotourism being the most widely recognized.

Awareness is higher among people with more than two years' education and in higher socio-professional categories.

Despite high levels of awareness, actual participation in responsible tourism practices is relatively low. Only one French person in five claims to have embarked on a "responsible trip". This reluctance is attributed to the perceived difficulty of organizing responsible travel, by almost two-thirds of the population.

More than half of French people believe that ecotourism is more expensive than conventional tourism . Yet the popularity of ecotourism is growing, thanks in part to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has boosted interest in domestic and community travel.

The French population shows a clear penchant for eco-friendly accommodation, such as residences powered by sustainable energy or B&Bs, with camping being the least popular.

The ideal locations for such trips are the countryside, followed at a distance by mountains and isolated islands.

The French market also shows an interest in local culture and tasting local cuisine as part of their ecotourism experience.

Specialized tour operators are the main players in ecotourism, offering a range of sustainable travel options that tend to be at a higher level in terms of cost.

Ecotourism isn't just a passing trend; it's a booming industry that champions sustainable, responsible travel.

Some ecotourism players

Ecotourism associations and organizations

• - ATR (Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable): A pioneering association created in 2004, ATR brings together a variety of players in the French ecotourism market, from tour operators to creators of tailor-made trips.
• - ATES (Association pour le Tourisme Equitable et Solidaire): develops a similar vision, but places greater emphasis on the social dimensions of tourism.

Tour operators: Conscientious curators of travel

• - Voyageurs du Monde: Renowned for its tailor-made travel experiences
• - Terres des Andes: another high-end operator specializing in the integration of cultural immersion and ecological travel.
• - Double Sens: Positioned in a more accessible price range
• - Passion Terre: Offers a wide range of travel experiences.
• - Chamina Voyages: Mid-range operator

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 07/07/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• 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