Tourism

Tourism refers to the activities of people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, or other purposes. It includes domestic tourism by residents within their own country as well as inbound tourism by non-residents and outbound tourism by residents traveling abroad. The tourism industry encompasses transportation, accommodation, attractions, events, travel services, and related infrastructure, and is often measured by international tourist arrivals, tourism receipts, and related employment.

Common forms of tourism include cultural, historical, coastal, adventure, ecotourism, medical, and business travel. Subfields such as sustainable or responsible tourism emphasize minimizing negative impacts on environments and communities, while community-based or rural tourism seeks to involve local residents more directly.

Economically, tourism can contribute to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange, particularly in regions with natural or cultural assets. It can also drive investment in infrastructure, diversify local economies, and support small and medium-sized enterprises. Socially, tourism can promote cultural exchange and local pride, but it can also lead to overexposure, rising prices, and changes to local lifestyles or heritage sites.

Environmental implications include energy and water use, waste generation, habitat disruption, and carbon emissions. Sustainable tourism seeks to reduce these effects through planning, conservation, and community participation, as well as accreditation and certification schemes.

Governance and policy involve destination management, marketing, visa policies, safety standards, and regulatory frameworks. Data from organizations such as UNWTO and WTTC track indicators like international arrivals, receipts, and tourism’s share of GDP to guide planning.

Current trends include digital platforms for booking, data analytics, climate resilience, and growing demand for authentic experiences, while challenges include overtourism, seasonality, and ensuring equitable benefits for local populations.