Vegan tourism has evolved from a niche market segment to a significant force in the global travel industry, driven by increasing awareness of environmental issues, ethical considerations, and health benefits associated with plant-based lifestyles. This comprehensive analysis examines the multifaceted importance of vegan tourism, its growth trajectory, and its impact on the broader travel industry as we approach the mid-2020s.
The Evolution and Growth of Vegan Tourism
Vegan tourism has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from what many considered an impractical or fringe concept to a thriving segment of the global tourism market. As Skift noted in 2021, “Well past the days of being a fringe diet, veganism has emerged as a tool for tour operators to attract guests to its excursions”.
This shift reflects broader societal changes, with veganism gaining mainstream acceptance worldwide. A 2023 study revealed that the number of vegans globally has doubled in the last five years, with particularly strong growth among millennials and Generation Z – demographics also known for their travel enthusiasm.
The economic significance of this growth cannot be overstated. According to industry projections, the vegan food market is expected to reach $65.4 billion by 2030, while more recent estimates suggest the industry could double to $92 billion by 2027.
This economic expansion has naturally extended into the tourism sector, with dedicated vegan travel companies emerging to meet demand. Companies like Escape To, Vegan Travel Asia (formerly VegVoyages), and Veggies Abroad now offer specialized itineraries catering exclusively to vegan travelers.
The pandemic has further accelerated this trend, with many travelers reassessing their values and priorities. As noted by Responsible Travel, “Bookings for our vegan holidays have more than doubled in recent years, rising by 120 percent between 2016 and 2019”. This surge is expected to continue, with vegan tourism predicted to see significant growth in 2024 and 2025.
Environmental Significance of Vegan Tourism
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of vegan tourism is its environmental importance. The connection between veganism and sustainability is well-established, with numerous studies indicating that a plant-based diet substantially reduces environmental impact. Remarkably, adopting a vegan diet can reduce one’s carbon footprint even more effectively than eliminating air travel and implementing rigorous recycling practices.
This environmental benefit extends naturally to tourism, an industry often criticized for its ecological footprint. Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages exemplifies this environmental commitment by implementing carbon-conscious trips. The company works with sustainable tourism consultants to measure and manage carbon emissions, recognizing that “the amount of meat in one’s diet has a substantial effect on carbon emissions”. Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that high meat consumption generates the most carbon emissions, while vegan food produces the least.
The environmental significance of vegan tourism extends beyond carbon emissions. According to research published in DiVA portal, “a vegan diet is generally less taxing on the environment than for example vegetarian or omnivorous ones”. This reduced environmental impact addresses multiple ecological concerns, including deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction – issues often exacerbated by conventional tourism practices.
Economic Impact and Market Opportunities
The economic importance of vegan tourism extends to both travelers and service providers. For travelers, especially during times of economic uncertainty, plant-based options can present cost advantages. As reported in The Sun, “When some industries or facilities are closed and the process is stopped, farmers and industrial workers must make up for the loss by increasing prices. This means paying more for meals which requires us to give up money for other expenses such as holidays”. During such periods, plant-based options often remain more affordable.
For accommodation providers and tour operators, catering to vegan tourists represents a significant business opportunity. Host Tools notes that “Catering to vegan tourists is good for business and helps reduce tourism’s environmental impact”. This dual benefit – economic and environmental – makes vegan tourism particularly attractive for forward-thinking businesses.
The market opportunity extends beyond food provision. Vegan travelers seek comprehensive experiences that align with their values, including vegan-friendly accommodations, toiletries, and activities. This creates multiple revenue streams for businesses willing to adapt to this growing market segment.
Cultural and Social Dimensions
Vegan tourism offers unique opportunities for cultural immersion and social connection. Rather than simply avoiding animal products while traveling, modern vegan tourism emphasizes exploring local plant-based cuisines and engaging with communities that have historically maintained plant-forward culinary traditions.
Vegan travel companies curate experiences that go beyond dining, offering “tours that explore local vegan restaurants, cooking classes featuring regional plant-based specialties, and visits to animal sanctuaries”. These experiences create meaningful connections between travelers and local communities, often in ways that conventional tourism does not.
Fredessa Jaudon, a traveler profiled by Lonely Planet, exemplifies this approach. Beyond sampling delicious vegan curries in Thailand and learning recipes from local chefs, she has “taken part in community projects, including volunteering with an animal rescue organization in Rajasthan, releasing sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean in Bali, and helping clean beaches in Sri Lanka. This integration of cultural exploration, ethical engagement, and environmental action represents the multidimensional importance of vegan tourism.
Challenges and Industry Adaptations
Despite its growth, vegan tourism faces significant challenges. According to research published in International Hospitality Review, “Problems that might arise were mainly the general lack of awareness about veganism, as well as the confusion between vegetarianism and veganism in the destinations”. Language barriers and cultural differences can exacerbate these challenges, creating potential obstacles for vegan travelers^13.
However, the tourism industry is increasingly adapting to meet these needs. GlobalData reports that “Travel companies are hoping to attract environmentally-focused individuals as they see greater personalization as key. That also means accommodating every traveler type, vegans included, will be critical in the future of travel”. This adaptation takes multiple forms, from developing specialized vegan accommodation platforms to creating apps that facilitate vegan travel.
Innovative solutions include Vegvisits, “a home-sharing platform providing accommodation with vegan hosts across 80 countries,” and Air Vegan, which “rates the vegan-friendliness of airports and where you can find plant-based food within them”. Major hotel chains are also responding, with Hilton opening its first vegan hotel suite in 2019.
Future Outlook and Emerging Trends
Looking toward 2025, vegan tourism appears poised for continued growth and integration with other travel trends. The Women’s Journal identifies plant-based travel as one of the top travel trends for 2025, noting that “The rise of veganism is influencing travel, with more destinations catering to plant-based diets”. This trend aligns with broader shifts toward more intentional, ethical, and sustainable travel practices.
Vegan tourism is increasingly intersecting with other emerging travel trends, particularly eco-tourism and sustainable travel. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, the vegan lifestyle offers a practical means of reducing one’s ecological footprint while traveling. This synergy between veganism and eco-tourism creates powerful opportunities for destinations and providers who can authentically address both concerns.
Social media is playing a crucial role in promoting vegan tourism, particularly among younger travelers. According to The Women’s Journal, 38% of Gen Z travelers seek travel inspiration on TikTok and Instagram, platforms where vegan content thrives. This digital visibility amplifies the importance of vegan tourism, making plant-based travel options more accessible and appealing to mainstream audiences.
Conclusion
The importance of vegan tourism extends far beyond accommodating dietary preferences. It represents a fundamental shift in how many travelers approach exploration, seeking experiences that align with their values regarding environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and personal health.
As one researcher provocatively asked, “If sustainability really mattered to you, would you be implementing a vegan lifestyle everywhere you go?”
The economic significance of vegan tourism is substantial and growing, creating opportunities for destinations and businesses that can authentically meet the needs of this market segment. Its environmental importance cannot be overstated, offering a practical means of reducing tourism’s ecological footprint.
Culturally and socially, vegan tourism facilitates meaningful connections between travelers and communities, often supporting local sustainability initiatives.
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, vegan tourism’s importance will likely continue to grow, integrated with broader trends toward more conscious, sustainable, and purposeful travel.
Far from a passing trend, vegan tourism represents a significant evolution in how we conceptualize and practice tourism in an era of increasing environmental awareness and ethical consumption.