Industrial tourism is booming
A global phenomenon backed by impressive numbers
Global industrial tourism market in 2026
Estimated global market in 2030
Tourism's share of global GDP; "experiential" tourism is the most dynamic segment
An international phenomenon
In countries with long manufacturing traditions (Germany, France, Japan, United Kingdom), industrial tourism continues to grow each year. This category of tourism is spreading across continents, from North America to Southeast Asia.
Contemporary values
Industrial heritage discovery, urban exploration, environmental consciousness for more local and sustainable tourism, search for new experiences, authenticity, and transparency - all these current phenomena and trends combine in the enthusiasm for this unfiltered tourism. It attracts all categories of the population, from children who aren't always excited about visiting "old stones" to people simply curious about a place, a setting, a craft, or the little manufacturing secrets of a passion product...
Direct and indirect benefits
For companies that open their doors to visitors, the advantages are also numerous: showcasing expertise and production processes, changing perceptions about a product, industry, or profession, attracting future candidates for recruitment-challenged activities, and developing new revenue through visits and product sales. On average, depending on the country, 80% of visitable sites offer on-site shops or curated product selections (local manufacturing, merchandising).
Return on investment
The benefits of industrial tourism are well documented. In Canada, according to a reference audit conducted by Rio Tinto on opening their ilmenite mine near Lake Tio to visitors, 1 dollar invested in tourist reception brings back, on average, 30 times more! This remarkable return on investment demonstrates the untapped potential of industrial tourism.
The team behind FAB
Gabriel
Co-founder
With his father's legacy in industry — from foundries to pharmaceutical production — Gabriel has always loved factories, production lines, kilometers of colored pipes, and their distinctive scents. He ultimately took the path of communication, co-founding a media outlet and a creative agency between Lyon, Paris, and Montreal. The FAB project brings together memories and perspectives, old machines and contemporary imagery, tradition and a commitment to responsible, circular, and local tourism.
Xavier
Co-founder
A born entrepreneur and polyglot technologist, Xavier brings to FAB his unique experience in the startup world and his passion for innovation. Previously a Co-Founder of SmartHalo, a company that marketed innovative solutions for urban cyclists in over 90 countries. This entrepreneurial adventure led him to establish partnerships with major players like Apple. His vision of industrial tourism perfectly aligns with FAB's DNA: making the behind-the-scenes of innovation and production accessible and understandable while creating bridges between manufacturing tradition and emerging technologies.