EDUCATIONAL TOURISM MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

The educational tourism market faces several challenges. As travel remains unpredictable due to global events like pandemics and political instability in some regions, it introduces uncertainty and causes many to postpone their educational trips. Additionally, costs associated with international travel and education continue to rise, putting study abroad programs out of reach for some. Differences in visa approval processes across countries also discourage some from pursuing education overseas. Infrastructure and accommodation limitations in smaller cities and developing countries can hamper the growth of this market.

 Market Opportunities: Emergence of new destinations

The emergence of new destinations has a huge potential to drive growth in the educational tourism market. As the world becomes more interconnected and accessible, students are displaying greater willingness to study in new and less traditional locations. This presents valuable opportunities for countries and regions to establish themselves as niche education hubs. For Instance, South and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are increasingly attracting international students with their unique environments and relatively low costs of living. These countries offer high-quality academic programs taught in English, as well as immersive cultural experiences different from traditional Western study abroad options. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of international students studying in Vietnam grew by 30%, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) data in 2021. Cambodia similarly saw a 23% increase in foreign enrolments during this period. This emergence of new study destinations disrupts the long-standing dominance of destinations like the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It allows more locations to compete on aspects beyond just academics, like diversity of experience. Students now have greater latitude to satisfy their desire to learn in radically different cultural milieus. As alternatives proliferate, individuals will make choices based more on fitting their interests and lifestyle preferences. This changing student mindset presents an open playing field for entrepreneurial countries. If supported by strong value propositions tailored for niche segments, new educational hotspots can rise rapidly and drive significant future growth in this expanding industry.