Urban experiences provided by enthusiastic independent tour guides and small local operators are very popular all over the world. Those offering urban experiences can play an important role in delivering sustainable experiences in lesser-visited destinations and mitigating overtourism. Online travel agents (OTAs) are a key marketplace — and the marketplace is very large. To stand out from the crowd, it is important that tour guides and operators deliver unique urban experiences that are different from those offered by competitors.

Diving for leisure is a popular activity practiced by around 6 million Europeans, so Europe is a major market for dive tourism. Sustainable diving activities are a must, as Europeans seek diving experiences that do not harm the environment. Safety and high standards are important requirements. There are good opportunities for local dive businesses in developing destinations to attract European divers, if they can provide exciting diving experiences that are sustainable and safe.

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor sports in Europe (and the world). There are several types of fishing tourists who enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences, like game fishing for big fish in exotic destinations. Developing countries are home to some of the best fishing locations in the world. Sustainable fishing is important to recreational anglers, who look for responsible tour operators with strong sustainability actions, including conservation of fish species and improved catch-and-release techniques.

Around 90% of all cocoa exported to Europe is bulk cocoa. It is primarily imported to Europe as cocoa beans, but large volumes of bulk cocoa paste, butter and powder are also imported. The main importing countries are the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. The requirements to enter the European market are similar for all cocoa products, although bulk cocoa is often of a lower quality and sold in larger shipments. The main exporting countries are Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.

As the European market for pumpkins and squash is dominated by local supply, exporters from outside Europe should look for the gaps in the European supply window. This window occurs during the first and second quarter of the year. As pumpkins are considered a relatively healthy and environmentally sustainable vegetable, they are a good match with consumer trends for more healthy and sustainable food options.

Onions are the most widely grown crop in Europe. Therefore, consumers in Europe mainly consume locally grown onions. In the off-season and for particular types of onions, Europe still relies on imported onions. Countries that can supply European markets in the off-season have good opportunities. To export successfully, you should be up to date on the European onion season, the European harvest situation, prices, regulatory aspects, competition and other market dynamics.

The European market for watermelons offers many opportunities for exporters from outside Europe. There is a strong demand for watermelons during summer and a lesser demand during the off-season. Specialised varieties, such as seedless melons or ones with a flesh colour other than red, will allow you to access value-added niche markets. European buyers are more and more interested in organic products. If you can supply organic-certified watermelons, you will be able to sell them at higher prices.

The European market offers significant opportunities for certified honey due to growing concerns about environmental issues, bee vulnerability and honey adulteration. Organic certification schemes are widely used in this market.

The European Union (EU) developed the European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) to ensure that specific products sold in the EU do not come from deforested land. 

The regulation is part of an EU regulatory strategy to address human rights and environmental degradation in agricultural supply chains. The requirements apply to traders and operators in the EU. From 30 December 2024 onwards, producers can only sell or export coffee on the EU market if it meets the EUDR requirements.