Impact of Tourism Development on the Demand for Travel Luggage and Backpack Markets

Impact of Tourism Development on the Demand for Travel Luggage and Backpack Markets

With the rapid recovery of global tourism, the travel luggage and backpack markets are experiencing significant structural growth. According to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international tourists reached 1.445 billion in 2024, recovering to 99% of pre-pandemic levels, and international tourism revenue reached $1.6 trillion, exceeding 2019 levels. The Chinese market has been particularly outstanding, with 5.615 billion domestic trips in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 14.8%, directly driving demand for travel supplies.

I. Tourism Recovery Directly Drives Market Expansion

The global travel luggage market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 7.3%, reaching $48.3 billion by 2033. China's luggage market was valued at 31 billion yuan in 2023 and is expected to maintain an 8.9% growth rate over the next five years. The backpack market has also shown strong growth, with global outdoor backpack sales expected to reach 18 billion yuan in 2024, a CAGR of 12%. Among them, the hiking travel backpack market is valued at $3.726 billion and is expected to increase to $5.15 billion by 2031.

The diversified development of tourism has generated segmented demands. In business travel, global business travel expenses are expected to reach $1.5 trillion in 2024, with China accounting for $370 billion, driving demand for high-end luggage such as TUMI's Alpha Bravo series, which combines durability and stylish design as a top choice for business professionals. The rise of outdoor tourism has boosted the professional backpack market: in 2024, the number of outdoor sports participants in China exceeded 420 million, sales of large-capacity backpacks (60L and above) increased by 133% year-on-year, and the penetration rate of smart backpacks with GPS positioning and solar charging functions grew by 28% annually. Here, waterproof backpack and carry on backpack have become popular choices among outdoor enthusiasts for their functionality and convenience.

II. Consumption Upgrading Drives Product Innovation

Consumers' demand for travel products has shifted from function-oriented to prioritizing quality and experience. The application rate of lightweight materials has jumped from 31% in 2020 to 49% in 2023, with carbon fiber frame backpacks having a unit price exceeding 2,000 yuan, and the high-end market growing at 23%. The environmental trend is significant: the usage rate of recycled nylon has increased from 12% in 2021 to 29% in 2023, and products with environmental certifications have a premium space of 30%. Smart technology has become a new growth point: the global smart luggage market was valued at 5.8 billion yuan in 2024 and is expected to exceed 20 billion yuan by 2030, with sales of products integrating GPS tracking, electronic locks, and other functions surging 215% year-on-year.

Regional markets exhibit differentiated characteristics. The Asia-Pacific travel luggage market is expected to lead the world with a 7.9% CAGR from 2024-2030, with China accounting for 35% of the global market share, and the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta industrial clusters contributing 70% of the country's production capacity. The European market has strong high-end demand, with eco-materials and smart products accounting for over 40%; the North American market focuses on multi-functional designs, with business travel luggage sales accounting for 45%. Notably, travel backpack for women has emerged as a key segment in these regions, catering to specific design and functionality needs.

III. Industrial Chain Transformation and Future Trends

As the world's largest producer, China's luggage export volume increased by 9.2% from January-November 2024, but due to international economic conditions, export prices fell 9.8% year-on-year, prompting companies to accelerate brandization and intelligent transformation. Local brands like TraveRE, 90 points, and ITO are seizing the mid-range market through e-commerce channels and national trend designs, with their market share expected to rise to 45% by 2030. Cross-border e-commerce has become a new engine: in 2024, China's smart travel accessories export volume reached $930 million, a 31% year-on-year increase, with 68% going to European and American markets. Products like leather backpack and work backpack have gained traction here for their durability and professional appeal.

Over the next five years, the industry will see three major trends: first, product matrix restructuring, with modular backpacks and smart travel luggage markets expected to grow 19% and 23% annually; second, supply chain flexibility upgrades, with the Yangtze River Delta industrial cluster reducing order response cycles to 72 hours; third, sustainability becoming a threshold requirement, as the EU carbon tariff forces companies to build recycled material closed-loop systems, with eco-product costs expected to decrease 40% by 2028. Additionally, products like suitcase set of 3, 28 inch suitcase, medium luggage, and foldable travel bag will continue to meet diverse consumer needs across different travel scenarios.

The prosperity of tourism has not only reshaped travel experiences but also driven the travel luggage and backpack market to shift from "quantitative expansion" to "qualitative improvement." As consumer demands continue to upgrade and technological innovation accelerates, the industry will usher in broader development space, while also placing higher demands on companies' product R&D, supply chain management, and brand building.