Global Cable Cars and Ropeways Market CAGR 11.4% by 2032 | Booming Demand for Tourism and Adventure Activities Worldwide to Spur Market Growth

The global cable cars and ropeways market size is likely to be valued at US$ 5.1 billion in 2025, reaching US$ 9.7 billion by 2032 and exhibiting a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period 2025-2032. Rampant urbanization and persistent traffic congestion in densely populated cities are pushing cable cars and ropeways as green, efficient alternatives to road transport, with cities such as Medellín and La Paz integrating them into public transit networks.

Recent Market Trends

• The market us fueled by the surge in tourism in the post-pandemic era, particularly in mountainous and difficult-to-access regions, which rely on these systems to enhance visitor experiences and improve regional accessibility.
• Technological innovations such as 5G communication integration and IoT applications are improving operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and safety of these systems.
• Environmental sustainability is central, as cable cars offer eco-friendly construction and operation compared to traditional infrastructure such as roads and bridges, making them ideal for sensitive ecological zones.
• Government investments in smart city projects are actively incorporating cable cars as part of sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Cable Cars and Ropeways Market in the News

• June 2025: A letter of intent was signed by German Transport Minister Winfried Hermann and Mayor Harry Mergel to rapidly plan and implement an innovative urban cable car in Heilbronn. Backed by € 4 million from the state of Baden-Württemberg to cover half of the planning costs, the car has been designed to link the city center with the new IPAI district, ease ground-level traffic, and fit into the city's sustainability and public transport strategies. The system will offer a space-saving, quiet, and accessible transit solution that integrates with existing rail and bus networks.
• June 2025: Sentosa Development Corporation and Mount Faber Leisure Group launched "Peranakan Reimagined," a vibrant, immersive arts and cultural showcase across Sentosa that ran from May to August 2025, celebrating both Singapore’s SG60 milestone and the 10th anniversary of the Sentosa Cable Car–Sentosa Line. Featuring a 7.2-metre Peranakan House, beaded slipper installations, light shows, workshops, dining experiences, themed cable car cabins, and traditional kebaya exhibitions, it reinterprets Peranakan heritage through vibrant multisensory storytelling for contemporary audiences.
• May 2025: The Uttarakhand government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG to construct a ropeway from Tapovan in Rishikesh to the Kunjapuri Temple in Narendranagar, under a public-private partnership using a design-build-finance-operate-transfer model. Bartholet will prepare the detailed project report at its own expense and oversee the project from planning through operations, aiming to deliver faster, safer, and eco-friendly access to the spiritual site while reducing environmental impact and boosting tourism.

Segment Analysis

The cable cars and ropeways market growth is primarily driven by the dominance of aerial tramways, which account for a significant revenue share due to their ability to connect remote and inaccessible regions while offering scenic travel experiences. These systems are highly adaptable to varied terrains, unaffected by soil conditions, and provide superior passenger and cargo capacity compared to alternatives such as funicular ropeways and surface lifts. Their economic feasibility and operational efficiency make them ideal for transportation in mountainous and rugged landscapes, solidifying their role in infrastructure development and regional connectivity. Tourism is set to remain the leading end-use segment in this market, as these systems enhance access to picturesque destinations and recreational sites. Cable cars are increasingly integrated into tourist infrastructure to manage high visitor volumes and promote unique travel experiences. Strategic marketing and government-backed ropeway projects are helping popularize lesser-known destinations, positioning cable cars as a key enabler of sustainable tourism.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, North America is projected to hold a dominant 35.0% cable cars and ropeways market share in 2025. Market growth in this region is attributable to increased government investments in revamping tourism infrastructure, greener urban transportation facilities, and the popularity of cable cars in snowy and mountainous areas. The adoption of aerial transport systems for both tourism and city commuting is also accelerating in the region, with operational networks already expanding in the United States and Canada. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market, driven by rising investments in the tourism sector, strong promotion of unexplored natural sites, and the integration of cable cars into public transport systems in countries such as India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These systems are increasingly used across pilgrimage destinations and mountainous areas where conventional transport is limited. Europe is also expected to maintain a prominent position in the market, housing more than 10,000 operational installations of cable cars and ropeways. Alpine tourism and the push for sustainable mobility solutions are the other key drivers, with countries such as Switzerland and France leading in cableway infrastructure.

Industry Players

The global cable cars and ropeways landscape is marked by strategic competition among highly specialized players such as Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, Leitner Group, POMA Group, and Bartholet Maschinenbau AG. These companies are at forefront on the back of their extensive product portfolios, advanced technologies emphasizing automation, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort, and robust after-sales support. Innovation is a crucial area of competition, with firms continuously enhancing system safety, communication technologies, and operational integration into smart city frameworks. Smaller regional specialists thrive in niche applications, while strategic alliances and government contracts form central growth avenues.