The estimated average expense of an ecotourist exceeds 162 euros per day
MADRID, 6 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The average annual turnover in Spain of ecotourism companies was around 150,000 euros in 2023 with an average occupancy rate of 50%. An excellent situation that reflects the solidity and stability of a business that now demands a generational change to continue promoting the economic dynamization of many Spanish territories.
Ecotourism emerges as a constantly growing sector in Spain in a context where environmental awareness and the search for authentic experiences merge. This is reflected in the latest data provided by the Spanish Ecotourism Observatory, which reveals promising trends in both demand and supply of this booming tourism segment.
The ecotourism business sector is consolidating in Spain, thus 62% of the companies that operate in this sector in Spain have been doing so for more than 10 years, while 30% have more than 20 years of experience in the sector.
This business longevity reflects the solidity and stability of the ecotourism market in Spain, but also highlights the need for a generational change in the short term since a notable 64.7% of the companies are run by people between 46 and 65 years old. , with the average age of the person in charge of the company being 51 years old.
These ecotourism companies in turn contribute to local economic revitalization and job creation, with an average of three permanent jobs and two temporary jobs per year, an important fact also taking into account that the majority of these companies are located in threatened areas. due to depopulation. Furthermore, the majority of these positions are held by women, including the most prominent management positions.
Ecotourism is also proving to be a mobilizer for the deseasonalization of tourism in Spain, and 45.5% of companies detect an increase in the volume of clients out of season, especially during autumn, winter and spring, favoring Companies in the sector only close an average of 32 days a year, in a clear sign of stability.
Sustainability and environmental conservation occupy a central place for both ecotourists and ecotourism companies in Spain. Among the measures applied to fight climate change, the most common is related to the reduction of the carbon footprint (53.7%) followed closely by measures to adapt to climate change with 49.7%. The average budget allocated to actions that directly contribute to nature conservation is notable, amounting to approximately 1,105 euros per year per company.
And another key element is digitalization that plays a crucial role in the promotion and marketing of ecotourism services in our country. According to the report, almost all of the ecotourism companies located in Spain, 95.8%, have a website, more than half of which are translated into foreign languages. In addition, most of them have profiles on social networks, with Facebook and Instagram standing out as the most used.
Although 66% of companies claim to use marketing platforms, the truth is that direct booking and contracting continues to be their main sales channel, especially in the case of activity companies, restaurants and environmental education centers.
Furthermore, only 37.6% of companies claim to have a specific management program, which according to the report reveals that, although digitalization is quite widespread in terms of promotion, today it is still a pending issue in terms of commercialization.
The typical ecotourist is an adult between 25 and 65 years old, with a higher education level and who is currently working. The majority of these ecotourists usually travel to natural spaces between two and four times a year and in 86% of cases they say that they usually hire guided activities.
Most of them recommend them as an essential accessory for the trip. Guided routes or tours are the most reserved (66.9%) followed by the observation of flora and fauna (41.5%), sports activities such as horseback riding, diving, cycling and canoeing (28.5%) and cultural activities such as guided visits to monuments, archaeological sites or historic centers (24.5%).
Most ecotourists visit the destination for the first time (69%) and the main motivations for visiting an ecotourism destination are recommendations from friends or family in 29.2% of cases. Among the motivations is also visiting a natural space (52.1%), discovering and observing nature (41.1%), as well as resting and relaxing in nature (30.6%).
The survey also highlights that these travelers prefer to travel in small groups of between 2 and 5 people, predominantly as couples (49.5%), and rarely include children under 12 years of age (17.6%).
In terms of planning, they tend to organize getaways that last two to eight nights, using digital platforms to reserve accommodation in 38.8% of cases, although 52.3% also contacted service providers directly. through email, website or telephone.
The most popular activities carried out during your trip include tasting local cuisine, visiting nearby towns, as well as observing fauna and flora.
In terms of spending, accommodation represents the majority of the travel budget, with an average of 57 euros per person per night, followed by food in bars and restaurants, with an average expense of 38 euros per person per day. Spending on ecotourism activities varies between 11 and 15 euros.
The report also highlights that travelers are very sensitive to the attributes of ecotourism. 98.7% of those surveyed highly valued that their trip helps conserve the natural space they visit, and 98.6% that it contributes to local development. Furthermore, practically all of them trust that their trip will generate the least possible environmental impact on the environment.
