Definition of Tourism. (24. Types of Tourism)

History of Tourism

Tourism is travelling for pleasure or to enjoy yourself away from the place you live. People do this for many different reasons – to have fun, visit other countries and learn about other cultures or just relax from stressful working life.

People have been travelling for pleasure since ancient times. In ancient Egypt, religious festivals attracted people from the whole Nile Valley. Ancient Greeks travelled regularly to the site of their gods. Romans travelled to Greece, Sicily and other places in the empire. Wealthy Romans had second homes near the sea where they spent the summer.

During the Renaissance educated Europeans embarked on what was called the Grand Tour , a trip to several European countries to enjoy art and architecture and get educated.

In the 19th century the invention of the steam engine made it possible for people to travel by boat and train. Regular passenger services from Europe to America started in the 20th century. The invention of the automobile made it possible to travel larger distances by car.

In the 1960s going on holidays by plane became affordable for many. Jumbo jets of the early 1970s were capable of carrying over 400 passengers and reducing costs of travelling to other continents even further.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries nowadays. It is very profitable in many countries. The tourism industry grows faster and faster each year.

Definition of Tourism. (24. Types of Tourism)

Tourism is a travel away from a person’s home for a period longer than twenty-four hours, mainly for pleasure or recreation, and often to several destinations. People do this for many different reasons – to have fun, visit other countries and learn about other cultures or just relax from stressful working life.

Tourism can be classified into the following types:

Inbound International tourism: Non-residents traveling in the given country.

Outbound International tourism: Residents traveling in another country.

Domestic tourism: Residents of the given country traveling only within this country.

Tourism can also be classified by the purpose of one’s visit. The following types of tourism can be distinguished:

Leisure Tourism. Leisure time can be defined as “free time”, not doing any work. It is that time to do things that you normally have no time for in your daily life. Leisure tourism includes a holiday with relaxation, sport activities, visiting places of interest and local attractions, shopping for goods and so on.

Business tourism can be defined as “travel for the purpose of business”.

Medical Tourism involves people who travel to a different place to receive treatment for a disease, health condition, or a surgical procedure, and who are seeking lower cost of healthcare and higher quality of care.

Cultural tourism includes cultural facilities such as museums, theatres and festivals. This is one of the most popular types of tourism and attracts tourists from different parts of the world.

Adventure tourism is an outdoor activity that generally takes place in an unusual, remote or a wilderness area. This adventurous activity can take place in the sea, in rivers, in the air, in mountains and is associated with low or high levels of physical activity.

Ecotourism is “Responsible travel to natural (unspoilt) areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Here the traveler can experience the natural way of life surrounded by natural circumstances.

Sports tourism refers to international travel either for viewing or participating in a sporting event.

Religious Tourism is for people of faith who travel on their own or in groups to holy cities or holy sites.

Wildlife tourism is the observation of wild (non-domestic) animals in their natural environment. It includes activities such as photography, viewing and feeding of animals.

Other minor forms of tourism include Slum tourism, Luxury tourism, Agritourism, Geo-tourism, Culinary tourism and many more.