The European market potential for wildlife tourism

Wildlife tourism has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as wildlife tourism requires spacious destinations, this niche market is expected to recover faster than others. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France are the largest European source countries for wildlife tourism. As Europeans are becoming more aware of the current climate crisis, the demand for sustainability is increasing. After COVID-19 the European market for wildlife tourism will offer many opportunities, with more tourists wanting to connect with nature and a higher demand for sustainable wildlife travel options.

1. Product description

Wildlife tourism refers to travel that is concerned with the observation of, and interaction with, animal species at the travel destination. Wildlife tourism consists of three specialist niche markets and their respective passion groups.

Table 1: Overview of specialist niches and their passion groups

Safaris, marine life watching, and wildlife watching are forms of non-consumptive tourism, consisting of a variety of wildlife observing activities. Non-consumptive tourism is only related to viewing and photographing animals that live freely in their natural habitat. Consumptive wildlife tourism is related to influencing wildlife’s natural functioning by engaging in activities such as fishing, hunting, and animal-riding. These niches within wildlife tourism are likely to harm wild animals and their natural habitat. 

This study focuses only on non-consumptive wildlife tourism. It provides an overview of the wildlife specialist niches: safaris, wildlife watching and marine watching. The report will further address reasons for Europe being an interesting market for wildlife tourism, which European countries offer the most potential, and trends that offer opportunities.

2. What makes Europe an interesting market for wildlife tourism?

7% of tourism worldwide is concerned with wildlife. In Africa this is 70-80%, with most of their international visitors being from Europe and the United States. However, the importance of wildlife tourism in Africa differs greatly per country. In Morocco, for example, cultural tourism is more important, while in Zambia and Kenya, wildlife tourism is most important. Countries such as Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia receive mostly international tourists interested in wildlife. 80% of wildlife tourists in these countries are international. Most of these international tourists are from Europe.

Besides Africa, Europeans are increasingly travelling to the Asia-Pacific region for wildlife watching, being the second region, and rising in popularity. North America is third and South America is fourth. Around 58% of European tour operators provide wildlife watching activities.

COVID-19 travel restrictions and safety measures

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the tourism industry decreased tremendously. Before the pandemic, the number of international visits globally was expected to reach 1.8 billion a year by 2030. Tourism has grown rapidly over the years before the COVID-19 pandemic, with a yearly growth rate of 3%. Now that this development has come to a halt, the wildlife tourism sector is experiencing many job losses.

Because wildlife tourism often uses spacious destinations, it is expected to recover relatively quickly. When travel restrictions decrease, European tourists are likely to travel to destinations that feel safest with regard to COVID-19. For example, small chalets in national parks will likely be preferred over hotels and large group activities. Europeans with a middle to higher income are expected to travel first as travel restrictions become less.

Political circumstances and current affairs in destination countries

Europeans are very aware of current affairs in destination countries. Tourists are less likely to visit a country with unstable political circumstances or recent disastrous events. See the advice the source countries provide for citizens travelling to your country. For example on the Dutch, United Kingdom, Swedish, or Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs page.

Market segmentation

European tourists are experienced travellers, with most households taking at least one international trip per year. This makes them well-informed travellers with high demands. European wildlife tourists do not fall within a specific age range, and therefore make a very diverse group. Most European wildlife tourists are well educated and tend to spend more money because they earn higher incomes.

They enjoy travelling with their families or as a couple. Europeans are interested in travelling in smaller groups, because it contributes to a more unique and high-quality experience. Some tourists also enjoy travelling independently, meaning they will plan their trip as they go and do not make use of organised travel offered by tour operators. Business travellers from Europe also engage in wildlife activities, although it is not their main purpose for travel. Therefore, this last group is mainly interested in short trips (1-3 days).

European wildlife tourists are generally interested in intelligent and big animals, elegant animals and animals with vibrant colours. Furthermore, interest in lesser known and rare species is increasing. European tourists are also interested in seeing local predators, such as crocodiles, as long as a safe distance from the animals is maintained. Snakes and spiders are not as interesting for the average European tourist, as they are perceived as dangerous and scary.

European tourists are increasingly concerned with the well-being of wildlife and are willing to pay more to see animals in the wild instead of visiting zoos. They find it increasingly unacceptable when animals are used for entertainment purposes. Feeding animals or making them do tricks is considered unacceptable, because it is not how the animals behave naturally and is not good for their well-being. Swimming with dolphins is an example of an activity that Europeans find less and less acceptable.  

European tourists care about tour operators and their ethics about animal welfare and are more likely to book their trips with tour operators that concern themselves with animal well-being as well.

European wildlife tourists value a unique experience. Personalised tours for European tourists cater to their need for a special holiday experience and add to the idea that their holiday is unique. Offering choices to your customers is beneficial, even if you know in advance which choices your customers will make. Personalising a holiday can be done in multiple ways, including:

• Offering building blocks, such as a walking safari, a cycling safari, and visiting a local village. Let the choices and sequence be determined by your customers.
• Providing options. For example, let your customers choose between a shorter and a longer trail.
• Talking to your clients to make an inventory of their wishes, and coming up with an attractive proposal.

European tourists are also highly interested in learning more about any wildlife they encounter during their tours, to expand their knowledge. Offering a lot of information is therefore essential. Keep in mind that the amount of information that is preferred differs per group of tourists. Therefore, it is important to keep asking your clients about their preferences.

Furthermore, European tourists find it important that the money they spend at their wildlife travel destination gets reinvested in the local community to help them support themselves and the conservation of local wildlife. Friends of Wallacea is an example of a touring operator that makes sure the money from tourists is spent on supporting the local communities and their efforts to conserve the local environment. The travel guides are from the local community and can provide a lot of information about the local wildlife.  

European wildlife tourists can be divided into enthusiastic and casual wildlife tourists:

Wildlife enthusiasts

These tourists tend to be more knowledgeable about wildlife and are interested in further information and education about the wildlife and environment they are visiting. They tend to spend 5-7 days at one destination. These tourists travel more independently by booking activities locally instead of going on organised trips. Many enthusiastic wildlife tourists are independent travellers who do not make use of tour operators to decide what they want to do on location.

Wildlife enthusiasts are usually fit and actively participate in wildlife watching. They appreciate a knowledgeable guide who can teach them about the local animals and environment. They have a wider range of interests when it comes to animals, and are interested in more special and rare species.

Wildlife enthusiasts are often loyal and come to the same destination multiple times to discover and learn more about wildlife they may not have seen during their last visit. As these tourists are more informed about wildlife, they also tend to have higher sustainable awareness and care a lot for animal welfare. Many of these tourists are members of nature-related organisations such as, for example, the United Kingdom’s Wildlife Trusts.

Good-quality or even professional cameras are often used to photograph the animals. Some wildlife enthusiasts, such as professional photographers, travel for professional purposes. Many enthusiasts bring along their families or friends on their holidays. These family members or friends are also interested in wildlife, but usually don’t have very specific interests, and fall in the casual wildlife tourist profile.

Casual wildlife tourists

Casual tourists are interested in more iconic animals, such as “The Big 5”. They are interested in basic information about the animals and their habitat but are less interested in learning about special or rare animals. They are also interested in activities that are not related to wildlife watching. In Kenya for instance, most wildlife trips for this target group are combined with sun and beach activities at the end of their stay.

The social element of travelling and wildlife watching is very important for casual tourists. Organising group or family activities with a guide that can provide general information on the animals and their habitat is important. Next to that, providing a broader range of activities can attract tourists whose main goal is not to experience wildlife. Casual tourists tend to stay for a shorter amount of time than wildlife enthusiasts.

3. Which European countries offer most opportunities for wildlife tourism?

The United Kingdom, Germany, and France are the most important European source countries for wildlife tourism in terms of market size, followed by Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

The demands of wildlife tourists from different European countries do not differ much. However, different countries in Europe have different travel prospects because of the COVID-19 vaccination rates. The European Commission aims to have 70% of all Europeans vaccinated by the end of September 2021. Currently, most countries are not likely to meet this target. This could change, depending on logistic improvements or changing target groups for vaccination.

Middle to higher-income households are expected to travel long distances sooner than lower income European households after the travel restrictions are lifted. It is expected that Europeans can travel again when COVID-19 is under control, which largely depends on vaccination rates. See this live data tracker to stay informed about the percentage of vaccinated people per European country. A higher vaccination rate may reduce travel restrictions.

United Kingdom

Wildlife watching is becoming increasingly popular among British tourists. According to data provided by World Animal Protection the percentage of British citizens that have taken part in any wildlife activity abroad has increased from 23% in 2014 to 32% in 2019. Most of them (85%) agree that tour operators should avoid activities that cause suffering for wild animals. 87% of the British citizens prefer to see animals in the wild rather than in captivity.  

The United Kingdom is the largest European wildlife tourism source country. Before the pandemic, the average British travel budget in 2020 was €2,108 per trip. They are the largest spenders on international travel. British travellers prefer booking packaged holidays, with around 50% of international travel from the United Kingdom being packaged holidays.

The length of stay for the average British international traveller is 10 nights. The most profitable age-group is between 25 and 55 years old, with little difference in expenditure within this age range. Age groups that fall below and above this range both spend significantly less while travelling internationally.

The United Kingdom currently has the highest vaccination rate, with 49% of the adult population having received at least one vaccine in April 2021.

Germany

Germany is the largest European source market in international tourism. According to data provided by World Animal Protection the percentage of citizens that have engaged in any animal activity abroad, has increased from 22% in 2014 to 25% in 2019. When attracting German tourists, it is important to respect animal welfare. Most Germans (88%) agree that tour operators should avoid activities that cause suffering for wild animals.

Germans are dedicated travellers and very much enjoy going on holidays. Germans spend the most money during international travel, compared to other European tourists. 74% of Germans go abroad for holidays, and over 50% of German travellers book activities through a tour operator. German tourists enjoy spending their holidays in warm and sunny countries. In 2018, 5% of German international travellers travelled to Africa for their holidays, 25% travelled to Asia or the Asia-Pacific region and 15% travelled to the Americas. The average budget for international travel in 2020 was €1,583

Germans usually go on organized trips and prepare well. They generally book their trips online. Although they prefer less active holidays in comparison to, for example, the Dutch, natural attractions (36%), nature park visits (32%) wildlife viewing (30%) and hiking in nature (26%) are their favourite holiday activities. 

Germany is a forerunner in sustainability and therefore German tourists are likely to care most for sustainable wildlife tourism activities, with 56% of the German population believing that ecological and social sustainability are important factors to consider when going on holidays. According to data provided by World Animal Protection, 88% of the Germans feel that tour operators should avoid activities that cause suffering for wild animals.

Germans are exceptionally well organised, being well-informed about their destination before they travel. Punctuality and well-organised trips are especially important for them.

The German vaccination rate is much lower than the vaccination rate in the United Kingdom, with 21% of the adult population having received at least one vaccine in April 2021. If the speed of vaccination continues at this pace, there is a possibility that the travel restrictions will stay in place for a longer time.

France

Most French people like to go to French-speaking holiday destinations like Madagascar and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. Therefore, when French is a major language, France is likely to be among the main source countries. French travellers between the ages 25 and 55 offer the largest market for international travel. French tourists usually go on wildlife trips with their families. They also tend to spend their holidays at two or more destinations per trip.

The average French travel budget is €1,522. French people mainly base their travel destinations on the value they get for their money, available outdoor activities, and locations that are suitable for the whole family. The French care more for high quality travel packages than other Europeans. Many French people book their holidays through tour operators and prefer to exclusively experience their holidays with their own travel party.

International travel to areas outside Europe has increased, highlighting Asia, the Pacific and Africa as interesting destinations.

19% of the adult population has received at least one vaccine by April 2021.

Spain

In 2020, the average travel budget for Spanish tourists was €1,583. Spain has been badly affected by COVID-19 and the Spanish are the most concerned with their health, compared to other countries.

The Spanish have a high preference for Spanish speaking guides and are more likely to arrange their travels with a tour operator than the other countries in this top six.

21% of the adult population has received at least one vaccine by April 2021.

Italy

Just like the Spanish, Italians prefer to book their travels via a tour operator and especially value a tailor-made holiday. Many Italians also tend to travel in larger groups, often with large (multi-generational) families, and prefer an Italian speaking guide. It is often hard to fulfil the needs of different family members with different wishes. Also, margins are generally lower for larger groups. However, their large group-sizes offer some economies of scale.

19% of the adult population has received at least one vaccine shot by April 2021.

The Netherlands

Wildlife watching is becoming increasingly popular among Dutch tourists. According to data provided by World Animal Protection the percentage of citizens that has taken part in any wildlife activity abroad has increased from 28% in 2014 to 30% in 2019.

The average Dutch outbound tourist between 45 and 64 years old spends €1,687 on travel. They enjoy socializing with other travellers during their holiday. Dutch people speak English well and often understand and speak some German too.

21% of the adult population has received at least one vaccine shot by April 2021.

4. Which trends offer opportunities in the European market for wildlife tourism?

European wildlife travellers seek a connection with nature

Europeans enjoy travelling to remote areas to connect with nature. They want to experience nature rather than just observe it. People have become more interested in their local natural environment since COVID-19. The interest in taking walks and being in nature as a social and individual activity has increased. This increased appreciation of nature is likely to continue to some extent as COVID-19 regulations decrease. People might be more interested in taking their appreciation for nature internationally when international travel is more accessible. The demand for wildlife tourism is expected to increase among Europeans in the coming years.

There is a decreased demand for luxury goods and services in and around accommodations, as this is considered as being at odds with the natural environment. Accommodation for tourists needs to provide the necessities such as drinkable tap water, needs to live up to basic hygienic standards, and needs to be free of bugs. Some Europeans crave a “digital detox”, where they do not want to be disturbed by their phones or incoming emails during their travel.

European tourists seek a connection with nature that is special and unique. This way tourists feel more connected to their holiday experience. Europeans’ demand for tailor-made trips has increased over the past years. They want to be taken off the beaten track and look out for wildlife in alternative ways. Alternative ways in which Europeans like to experience wildlife are:

• Guided walks or cycling. Most Europeans like to be physically active while enjoying wildlife, without the constant noise of vehicle engines. This way, tourists can engage with nature even more. Make sure you can guarantee the safety of your clients when offering such a tour.
• Canoeing, kayaking or enjoying a river cruise, which allows tourists to see wildlife from the water. Most Europeans will find this idea even more appealing if you can offer trips via locally used transportation, such as a mokoro, which is used in some African countries.
• Hot air balloon safaris, which are offered for example in Kenya and Tanzania, offers tourists the opportunity of experiencing wildlife from the sky. An alternative is experiencing wildlife by using a glider. 

Figure 1: tourist enjoying nature with a glider

Source: Unsplash

Figure 2: hot air balloon safari

Source: Unsplash

European tourists care about the wellbeing of wildlife

When going on a wildlife safari, European tourists enjoy a natural encounter over a forced encounter set up by the tour operators. Tourists also care for the animals’ well-being and would rather leave without seeing the animal for which they came for, than having a forced, set-up encounter.

According to data provided by World Animal Protection, European tourists are finding it less acceptable to swim with dolphins and visit zoos or aquariums, and the number of people doing these activities for fun is decreasing. Most Europeans nowadays prefer seeing animals in their natural habitat. They are often willing to pay significantly more to see animals in the wild.   

Europeans are interested in learning about local wildlife and their habitat. Going on tour with a knowledgeable guide is important for them so they can ask questions and learn more about how they can help conserve specific species or the environment in general. Therefore, it is important to offer information on how you conserve the wildlife’s habitat and tell people how they can do this at home. This connects to European tourists’ values and makes them engaged with the experience. Biosphere Expeditions is an organisation that organises “citizen-science conservation expeditions”. They organise trips where they do research on wildlife and let tourists be part of the research process.

Digitisation is influencing the wildlife market for both tourists and tour operators

Social media has a large influence on wildlife tourism, especially among tourists from generation Y and Z. Experiences of individual tourists are shared with their followers on their Instagram, Facebook, or TripAdvisor accounts. Tourism organisations themselves often also have their own accounts to post updates about wildlife (such as when a baby lion is born), or use social media platforms for marketing.

These platforms allow for real-time engagement with past, current and potential visitors. They also allow for direct feedback from tourists. Instagram is getting more important as camera equipment is advancing. People are interested in taking good pictures of wildlife that they can post on Instagram or show their friends at home. Read our study How to be a successful touring company online for more information.

Since 2017, Instagram has been alerting users when they are looking at pictures or searching hashtags related to animal abuse or selling wild animals. Users can report photos that depict animal abuse and there is speculation that Instagram and other platforms are working on machine learning tools that can identify photos that indicate wildlife abuse. As European tourists care about animal welfare, the developments to detect animal abuse will be ongoing.

Virtual Reality, smartphone apps and headset guides are technological tools that are becoming increasingly important to enhance the tourists’ experience. These are useful tools that help provide educational information and explain safety measures while wildlife watching. An example of a tour guide app is Voice Map. This app helps you create audio tracks for tourists on tour. It makes sure tourists stay on the right track, and provides information according to the tourists' GPS location. It is suitable for walking, cycling, driving, and boat tours.

European are becoming more conscious about sustainability

European tourists are becoming increasingly concerned with climate change and are taking more action in their daily lives to be more sustainable through eating less meat, using less plastic, or buying more organic products, for example. The demand for sustainable travel destinations is likely to increase as well.

WAYO Tanzania is a wildlife tour operator that showcases the actions they undertake to be environmentally sustainable, like setting up green tent camps, eliminating plastic waste and making use of decomposing toilets. They also support local NGOs that support child education and buy from local food suppliers to impact the local economy in a sustainable way.

Multigenerational travel is increasing among Europeans

European tourists are becoming more interested in travelling abroad with their larger family, including grandparents and grandchildren. This creates a need for destinations that can accommodate all generations’ needs. See the study on the opportunities in the European multigenerational tourism market to learn more about how to accommodate all family members.

Africa Endeavours is an example of a tour operator that offers various holidays with activities that are suitable for the whole family. They bring tourists to see the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and also include driving safaris and marine watching at the bay.

This study was carried out on behalf of CBI by Molgo and ETFI.

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