Airtourism

Airtourism is the practice of travel to destinations primarily by air and includes tourism activities conducted in the air. The term encompasses international and domestic air travel used to reach destinations, as well as air-based experiences such as sightseeing flights, helicopter or fixed-wing tours, hot air balloon rides, and other aerial activities that form part of a tourism itinerary.

Travelers engage in airtourism by flying to new places and then taking part in aerial experiences or viewing landscapes from the air. Core components include scenic flights and air safaris, while in some regions tourists rely on air transport to access remote areas for exploration and culture.

Airtourism supports airlines, airports, tour operators, pilots, guides, and local businesses, contributing to regional employment and infrastructure. It can bolster economies and provide access to remote or insular destinations, but it also brings challenges such as peak-season demand, capacity constraints, and potential dependence on fluctuations in air travel.

Environmental considerations center on the carbon footprint of aviation, noise, and ecosystem disturbance. Industry responses include improving aircraft efficiency, adopting sustainable aviation fuels, carbon offset programs, and regulatory measures by aviation authorities. Responsible airtourism emphasizes minimizing environmental impact, respecting communities, and adhering to safety and wildlife guidelines during aerial activities.

Notable airtourism activities include Grand Canyon helicopter tours, Cappadocia hot air balloons, Alaska floatplane trips, and scenic flights over fjords, glaciers, or coastlines. Ongoing trends include greater use of low-cost carriers to reach diverse destinations and a push toward sustainable practices and transparent reporting of environmental impacts.