Surfing tourism refers to recreational tourism focused on surfing. Surfing involves riding ocean waves using boards including bodyboards or surfboards. It is gaining immense popularity as an exciting water adventure sport and offers stress-busting experience amidst serene natural settings by the ocean. Surfing tourism allows travelers to combine their passion for surfing with vacationing to famous surfing destinations across the world. The global surfing tourism industry has grown significantly over the past decade, supported by rising environmental consciousness among travelers preferring activities close to nature.
The global surfing tourism market is estimated to be valued at USD 10.69 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 16.19 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Global Surfing Tourism Market are Driftwood Mentawai, 360° Travel - Sports Travel Agency, Perfect Wave, ZOCOTRAVEL , Wavehunters , Global Surf, Waterways Surf Adventures., Nomad Surfers, Atoll Travel, The Ocean Spell Surf Travel Agency, LUEX, Surf The Earth, World Surfaris, True Blue Travel, and CR Surf Travel Co. Major surfing destinations include Indonesia, Hawaii, Australia, southern California among others providing growth opportunities to Global Surfing Tourism Market Growth. Surf Travel companies are expanding globally through partnerships, product innovations and targeted marketing to popularize surfing tourism worldwide.
Market Drivers
The increasing popularity of eco-friendly sports like surfing among millennials is a major driver for the global surfing tourism market. Surfing provides travelers a unique experience of adventure sports amidst scenic coastal backgrounds helping reduce stress. Social media platforms have boosted the image of surfing destinations globally fueling the market's growth. The advancement in surf wear technologies providing protection and convenience has also augmented the participation in surfing activities. Government initiatives to promote various adventure sports as an attractive tourist segment aids the expansion of surfing tourism industry.
PEST Analysis
Political: Surfing tourism is regulated by laws and regulations governing international travel, tourism industry standards, coastal zone regulations, environmental protection laws etc.
Economic: The global surfing tourism market is driven by factors like rising disposable incomes, growing popularity of adventure and water sports, increased spending on leisure travel.
Social: Surfing has gained popularity as a sport and lifestyle. People travel to surf destinations for unique coastal experiences and to connect with local surfing communities.
Technological: Advancements in surf equipment design, wetsuits, safety gear etc. have improved the sport. Online travel booking platforms help promote surf destinations worldwide. Satellite imagery and ocean monitoring aids in surf forecasting.
Geographical regions where the market is concentrated in terms of value:
North America accounts for a significant share due to countries like the US and surf destinations like Hawaii, California coast etc. attracting high number of surf tourists. Australia is another major regional market leveraging popular surf breaks along its extensive coastline which receive visits from both domestic and international surfers. Countries like Indonesia, Mexico and Costa Rica in Central America and parts of South America also witness concentrated surf tourism activities.
Fastest growing region:
East and South East Asia are emerging as rapidly growing regional markets. Countries like China, Japan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are witnessing rising participation in surfing. The number of surf schools and tours promoting surf destinations in the region have increased. Government initiatives to develop surf tourism infrastructure and events are supporting the growth. Increasing popularity of adventure and water sports among affluent middle class is driving the regional market.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
