tourist facility definition

Example sentences tourist facilities

An expected 500,000 visitors have led to a massive renovation of the country's sports complexes, road, airport and rail infrastructures, and tourist facilities .

It's not the basic tourist facilities that are the problem.

It had warned of destruction of tourist facilities and a heightened risk of landslides.

Planning environmentally friendly tourist facilities and accommodation, and encouraging more effective waste management and widespread use of alternative energy sources, are all on the ministry's agenda.

The tourist facilities at either end of the beach are designed to minimise environmental impact.

Definition of 'facility' facility

Definition of 'tourist' tourist

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UN standards for measuring tourism

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Glossary of tourism terms

Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which involve tourism expenditure.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Activity/activities : In tourism statistics, the term activities represent the actions and behaviors of people in preparation for and during a trip in their capacity as consumers ( IRTS 2008, 1.2 ).

Activity (principal): The principal activity of a producer unit is the activity whose value added exceeds that of any other activity carried out within the same unit ( SNA 2008, 5.8 ).

Activity (productive): The (productive) activity carried out by a statistical unit is the type of production in which it engages. It has to be understood as a process, i.e. the combination of actions that result in a certain set of products. The classification of productive activities is determined by their principal output.

Administrative data : Administrative data is the set of units and data derived from an administrative source. This is a data holding information collected and maintained for the purpose of implementing one or more administrative regulations.

Adventure tourism : Adventure tourism is a type of tourism which usually takes place in destinations with specific geographic features and landscape and tends to be associated with a physical activity, cultural exchange, interaction and engagement with nature. This experience may involve some kind of real or perceived risk and may require significant physical and/or mental effort. Adventure tourism generally includes outdoor activities such as mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, bush walking, scuba diving. Likewise, some indoor adventure tourism activities may also be practiced.

Aggregated data : The result of transforming unit level data into quantitative measures for a set of characteristics of a population.

Aggregation : A process that transforms microdata into aggregate-level information by using an aggregation function such as count, sum average, standard deviation, etc.

Analytical unit : Entity created by statisticians, by splitting or combining observation units with the help of estimations and imputations.

Balance of payments : The balance of payments is a statistical statement that summarizes transactions between residents and non-residents during a period. It consists of the goods and services account, the primary income account, the secondary income account, the capital account, and the financial account ( BPM6, 2.12 ).

Bias : An effect which deprives a statistical result of representativeness by systematically distorting it, as distinct from a random error which may distort on any one occasion but balances out on the average.

Business and professional purpose (of a tourism trip): The business and professional purpose of a tourism trip includes the activities of the self-employed and employees, as long as they do not correspond to an implicit or explicit employer-employee relationship with a resident producer in the country or place visited, those of investors, businessmen, etc. ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Business tourism : Business tourism is a type of tourism activity in which visitors travel for a specific professional and/or business purpose to a place outside their workplace and residence with the aim of attending a meeting, an activity or an event. The key components of business tourism are meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. The term "meetings industry" within the context of business tourism recognizes the industrial nature of such activities. Business tourism can be combined with any other tourism type during the same trip.

Business visitor : A business visitor is a visitor whose main purpose for a tourism trip corresponds to the business and professional category of purpose ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Central Product Classification : The Central Product Classification (CPC) constitutes a complete product classification covering goods and services. It is intended to serve as an international standard for assembling and tabulating all kinds of data requiring product detail, including industrial production, national accounts, service industries, domestic and foreign commodity trade, international trade in services, balance of payments, consumption and price statistics. Other basic aims are to provide a framework for international comparison and promote harmonization of various types of statistics dealing with goods and services.

Census : A census is the complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point in time with respect to well defined characteristics: for example, Population, Production, Traffic on particular roads.

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism : Coastal tourism refers to land-based tourism activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing and other coastal leisure, recreation and sports activities which take place on the shore of a sea, lake or river. Proximity to the coast is also a condition for services and facilities that support coastal tourism. Maritime tourism refers to sea-based activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports and includes their respective land-based services and infrastructure. Inland water tourism refers to tourism activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports which take place in aquatic- influenced environments located within land boundaries and include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, groundwater, springs, cave waters and others traditionally grouped as inland wetlands.

Coherence : Adequacy of statistics to be combined in different ways and for various uses.

Competitiveness of a tourism destination : The competitiveness of a tourism destination is the ability of the destination to use its natural, cultural, human, man-made and capital resources efficiently to develop and deliver quality, innovative, ethical and attractive tourism products and services in order to achieve a sustainable growth within its overall vision and strategic goals, increase the added value of the tourism sector, improve and diversify its market components and optimize its attractiveness and benefits both for visitors and the local community in a sustainable perspective.

Consistency : Logical and numerical coherence.

Country of reference : The country of reference refers to the country for which the measurement is done. ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Country of residence : The country of residence of a household is determined according to the centre of predominant economic interest of its members. If a person resides (or intends to reside) for more than one year in a given country and has there his/her centre of economic interest (for example, where the predominant amount of time is spent), he/she is considered as a resident of this country.

Country-specific tourism characteristic products and activities : To be determined by each country by applying the criteria of IRTS 2008, 5.10 in their own context; for these products, the activities producing them will be considered as tourism characteristic, and the industries in which the principal activity is tourism-characteristic will be called tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 5.16 ).

Cultural tourism : Cultural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions.

Data checking : Activity whereby the correctness conditions of the data are verified. It also includes the specification of the type of error or of the condition not met, and the qualification of the data and their division into "error-free data" and "erroneous data".

Data collection : Systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.

Data compilation : Operations performed on data to derive new information according to a given set of rules.

Data confrontation : The process of comparing data that has generally been derived from different surveys or other sources, especially those of different frequencies, in order to assess and possibly improve their coherency, and identify the reasons for any differences.

Data processing : Data processing is the operation performed on data by the organization, institute, agency, etc., responsible for undertaking the collection, tabulation, manipulation and preparation of data and metadata output.

Data reconciliation : The process of adjusting data derived from two different sources to remove, or at least reduce, the impact of differences identified.

Destination (main destination of a trip): The main destination of a tourism trip is defined as the place visited that is central to the decision to take the trip. See also purpose of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.31 ).

Destination management / marketing organization (DMO) : A destination management/marketing organization (DMO) is the leading organizational entity which may encompass the various authorities, stakeholders and professionals and facilitates tourism sector partnerships towards a collective destination vision. The governance structures of DMOs vary from a single public authority to a public/ private partnership model with the key role of initiating, coordinating and managing certain activities such as implementation of tourism policies, strategic planning, product development, promotion and marketing and convention bureau activities. The functions of the DMOs may vary from national to regional and local levels depending on the current and potential needs as well as on the decentralization level of public administration. Not every tourism destination has a DMO.

Documentation: Processes and procedures for imputation,  weighting,  confidentiality  and suppression rules, outlier treatment and data capture should be fully documented by the  survey provider.  Such documentation should be made available to at least  the body financing the survey.

Domestic tourism : Domestic tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor within the country of reference, either as part of a domestic tourism trip or part of an outbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Domestic tourism consumption : Domestic tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Domestic tourism expenditure : Domestic tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor within the economy of reference, (IRTS 2008, 4.15(a)).

Domestic tourism trip : A domestic tourism trip is one with a main destination within the country of residence of the visitor (IRTS 2008, 2.32).

Domestic visitor : As a visitor travels within his/her country of residence, he/she is a domestic visitor and his/her activities are part of domestic tourism.

Durable consumer goods : Durable consumer goods are goods that may be used repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more, assuming a normal or average rate of physical usage. When acquired by producers, these are considered to be capital goods used for production processes, as is the case of vehicles, computers, etc. When acquired by households, they are considered to be consumer durable goods ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.39 ). This definition is identical to the definition of SNA 2008, 9.42 : A consumer durable is a goodthat may be used for purposes of consumption repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more.

Dwellings : Each household has a principal dwelling (sometimes also designated as main or primary home), usually defined with reference to time spent there, whose location defines the country of residence and place of usual residence of this household and of all its members. All other dwellings (owned or leased by the household) are considered secondary dwellings ( IRTS 2008, 2.26 ).

Ecotourism : Ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to observe, learn, discover, experience and appreciate biological and cultural diversity with a responsible attitude to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the local community. Ecotourism increases awareness towards the conservation of biodiversity, natural environment and cultural assets both among locals and the visitors and requires special management processes to minimize the negative impact on the ecosystem.

Economic analysis : Tourism generates directly and indirectly an increase in economic activity in the places visited (and beyond), mainly due to demand for goods and services thatneed to be produced and provided. In the economic analysis of tourism, one may distinguish between tourism's 'economic contribution' which refers to the direct effect of tourism and is measurable by means of the TSA, and tourism's 'economic impact' which is a much broader concept encapsulating the direct, indirect and induced effects of tourism and which must be estimated by applying models. Economic impact studies aim to quantify economic benefits, that is, the net increase in the wealth of residents resulting from tourism, measured in monetary terms, over and above the levels that would prevail in its absence.

Economic territory : The term "economic territory" is a geographical reference and points to the country for which the measurement is done (country of reference) ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Economically active population : The economically active population or labour force comprises all persons of either sex who furnish the supply of labour for the production of goods and services as defined by the system of national accounts during a specified time-reference period (ILO, Thirteenth ICLS, 6.18).

Economy (of reference): "Economy" (or "economy of reference") is an economic reference defined in the same way as in the balance of payments and in the system of national accounts: it refers to the economic agents that are resident in the country of reference ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Education tourism : Education tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation the tourist's engagement and experience in learning, self-improvement, intellectual growth and skills development. Education Tourism represents a broad range of products and services related to academic studies, skill enhancement holidays, school trips, sports training, career development courses and language courses, among others.

Employees : Employees are all those workers who hold the type of job defined as "paid employment" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employer-employee relationship : An employer-employee relationship exists when there is an agreement, which may be formal or informal, between an entity and an individual, normally entered into voluntarily by both parties, whereby the individual works for the entity in return for remuneration in cash or in kind ( BPM6, 11.11 ).

Employers : Employers are those workers who, working on their own account with one or more partners, hold the type of job defined as a "self-employment job" and, in this capacity, on a continuous basis (including the reference period) have engaged one or more persons to work for them in their business as "employee(s)" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employment : Persons in employment are all persons above a specified age who, during a specified brief period, either one week or one day, were in paid employment or self-employment (OECD GST, p. 170).

Employment in tourism industries : Employment in tourism industries may be measured as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in any of their jobs, as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in their main job, or as a count of the jobs in tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 7.9 ).

Enterprise : An enterprise is an institutional unit engaged in production of goods and/or services. It may be a corporation, a non-profit institution, or an unincorporated enterprise. Corporate enterprises and non-profit institutions are complete institutional units. An unincorporated enterprise, however, refers to an institutional unit —a household or government unit —only in its capacity as a producer of goods and services (OECD BD4, p. 232)

Establishment : An establishment is an enterprise, or part of an enterprise, that is situated in a single location and in which only a single productive activity is carried out or in which the principal productive activity accounts for most of the value added ( SNA 2008, 5.14 ).

Estimation : Estimation is concerned with inference about the numerical value of unknown population values from incomplete data such as a sample. If a single figure is calculated for each unknown parameter the process is called "point estimation". If an interval is calculated within which the parameter is likely, in some sense, to lie, the process is called "interval estimation".

Exports of goods and services : Exports of goods and services consist of sales, barter, or gifts or grants, of goods and services from residents to non-residents (OECD GST, p. 194)

Frame : A list, map or other specification of the units which define a population to be completely enumerated or sampled.

Forms of tourism : There are three basic forms of tourism: domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism. These can be combined in various ways to derive the following additional forms of tourism: internal tourism, national tourism and international tourism.

Gastronomy tourism :  Gastronomy tourism is a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor's experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling. Along with authentic, traditional, and/or innovative culinary experiences, Gastronomy Tourism may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes. Eno-tourism (wine tourism), as a sub-type of gastronomy tourism, refers to tourism whose purpose is visiting vineyards, wineries, tasting, consuming and/or purchasing wine, often at or near the source.

Goods : Goods are physical, produced objects for which a demand exists, over which ownership rights can be established and whose ownership can be transferred from one institutional unit to another by engaging in transactions on markets ( SNA 2008, p. 623 ).

Gross fixed capital formation : Gross fixed capital formation is defined as the value of institutional units' acquisitions less disposals of fixed assets. Fixed assets are produced assets (such as machinery, equipment, buildings or other structures) that are used repeatedly or continuously in production over several accounting periods (more than one year) ( SNA 2008, 1.52 ).

Gross margin : The gross margin of a provider of reservation services is the difference between the value at which the intermediated service is sold and the value accrued to the provider of reservation services for this intermediated service.

Gross value added : Gross value added is the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 3.32 ).

Gross value added of tourism industries : Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI) is the total gross value added of all establishments belonging to tourism industries, regardless of whether all their output is provided to visitors and the degree of specialization of their production process ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.86 ).

Grossing up : Activity aimed at transforming, based on statistical methodology, micro-data from samples into aggregate-level information representative of the target population.

Health tourism : Health tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation, the contribution to physical, mental and/or spiritual health through medical and wellness-based activities which increase the capacity of individuals to satisfy their own needs and function better as individuals in their environment and society. Health tourism is the umbrella term for the subtypes wellness tourism and medical tourism.

Imputation : Procedure for entering a value for a specific data item where the response is missing or unusable.

Inbound tourism : Inbound tourism comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor within the country of reference on an inbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Inbound tourism consumption : Inbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Inbound tourism expenditure : Inbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(b) ).

Innovation in tourism : Innovation in tourism is the introduction of a new or improved component which intends to bring tangible and intangible benefits to tourism stakeholders and the local community, improve the value of the tourism experience and the core competencies of the tourism sector and hence enhance tourism competitiveness and /or sustainability. Innovation in tourism may cover potential areas, such as tourism destinations, tourism products, technology, processes, organizations and business models, skills, architecture, services, tools and/or practices for management, marketing, communication, operation, quality assurance and pricing.

Institutional sector : An aggregation of institutional units on the basis of the type of producer and depending on their principal activity and function, which are considered to be indicative of their economic behaviour.

Institutional unit : The elementary economic decision-making centre characterised by uniformity of behaviour and decision-making autonomy in the exercise of its principal function.

Intermediate consumption : Intermediate consumption consists of the value of the goods and services consumed as inputs by a process of production, excluding fixed assets whose consumption is recorded as consumption of fixed capital ( SNA 2008, 6.213 ).

Internal tourism : Internal tourism comprises domestic tourism and inbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident and non-resident visitors within the country of reference as part of domestic or international tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(a) ).

Internal tourism consumption : Internal tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of both resident and non-resident visitors within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and inbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Internal tourism expenditure : Internal tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of visitors, both resident and non-resident, within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and inbound tourism expenditure. It includes acquisition of goods and services imported into the country of reference and sold to visitors. This indicator provides the most comprehensive measurement of tourism expenditure in the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(a) ).

International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities : The International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) consists of a coherent and consistent classification structure of economic activities based on a set of internationally agreed concepts, definitions, principles and classification rules. It provides a comprehensive framework within which economic data can be collected and reported in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking. The classification structure represents a standard format to organize detailed information about the state of an economy according to economic principles and perceptions (ISIC, Rev.4, 1).

International tourism : International tourism comprises inbound tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips and the activities of non-resident visitors within the country of reference on inbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(c) ).

International visitor : An international traveller qualifies as an international visitor with respect to the country of reference if: (a) he/she is on a tourism trip and (b) he/she is a non-resident travelling in the country of reference or a resident travelling outside of it ( IRTS 2008, 2.42 ).

Job : The agreement between an employee and the employer defines a job and each self-employed person has a job ( SNA 2008, 19.30 ).

Measurement error : Error in reading, calculating or recording numerical value.

Medical tourism : Medical tourism is a type of tourism activity which involves the use of evidence-based medical healing resources and services (both invasive and non-invasive). This may include diagnosis, treatment, cure, prevention and rehabilitation.

Meetings industry : To highlight purposes relevant to the meetings industry, if a trip's main purpose is business/professional, it can be further subdivided into "attending meetings, conferences or congresses, trade fairs and exhibitions" and "other business and professional purposes". The term meetings industry is preferred by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Reed Travel over the acronym MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) which does not recognize the industrial nature of such activities.

Metadata : Data that defines and describes other data and processes.

MICE : See meetings industry.

Microdata : Non-aggregated observations, or measurements of characteristics of individual units.

Mirror statistics : Mirror statistics are used to conduct bilateral comparisons of two basic measures of a trade flow and are a traditional tool for detecting the causes of asymmetries in statistics (OECD GST, p. 335).

Mountain tourism : Mountain tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community. It encompasses a broad range of outdoor leisure and sports activities.

National tourism : National tourism comprises domestic tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors within and outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(b) ).

National tourism consumption : National tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of resident visitors, within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and outbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

National tourism expenditure : National tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of resident visitors within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and outbound tourism expenditure ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(b) ).

Nationality : The concept of "country of residence" of a traveller is different from that of his/her nationality or citizenship ( IRTS 2008, 2.19 ).

Non-monetary indicators : Data measured in physical or other non-monetary units should not be considered a secondary part of a satellite account. They are essential components, both for the information they provide directly and in order to analyse the monetary data adequately ( SNA 2008, 29.84 ).

Observation unit : entity on which information is received and statistics are compiled.

Outbound tourism : Outbound tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor outside the country of reference, either as part of an outbound tourism trip or as part of a domestic tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39(c) ).

Outbound tourism consumption : Outbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Outbound tourism expenditure : Outbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(c) ).

Output : Output is defined as the goods and services produced by an establishment, a) excluding the value of any goods and services used in an activity for which the establishment does not assume the risk of using the products in production, and b) excluding the value of goods and services consumed by the same establishment except for goods and services used for capital formation (fixed capital or changes in inventories) or own final consumption ( SNA 2008, 6.89 ).

Output (main): The main output of a (productive) activity should be determined by reference to the value added of the goods sold or services rendered (ISIC rev.4, 114).

Pilot survey : The aim of a pilot survey is to test the questionnaire (pertinence of the questions, understanding of questions by those being interviewed, duration of the interview) and to check various potential sources for sampling and non-sampling errors: for instance, the place in which the surveys are carried out and the method used, the identification of any omitted answers and the reason for the omission, problems of communicating in various languages, translation, the mechanics of data collection, the organization of field work, etc.

Place of usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides, and is defined by the location of his/her principal dwelling (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.20 to 2.24).

Probability sample : A sample selected by a method based on the theory of probability (random process), that is, by a method involving knowledge of the likelihood of any unit being selected.

Production account : The production account records the activity of producing goods and services as defined within the SNA. Its balancing item, gross value added, is defined as the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption and is a measure of the contribution to GDP made by an individual producer, industry or sector. Gross value added is the source from which the primary incomes of the SNA are generated and is therefore carried forward into the primary distribution of income account. Value added and GDP may also be measured net by deducting consumption of fixed capital, a figure representing the decline in value during the period of the fixed capital used in a production process ( SNA 2008, 1.17 ).

Production : Economic production may be defined as an activity carried out under the control and responsibility of an institutional unit that uses inputs of labour, capital, and goods and services to produce outputs of goods or services ( SNA 2008, 6.24. ).

Purpose of a tourism trip (main): The main purpose of a tourism trip is defined as the purpose in the absence of which the trip would not have taken place ( IRTS 2008, 3.10. ). Classification of tourism trips according to the main purpose refers to nine categories: this typology allows the identification of different subsets of visitors (business visitors, transit visitors, etc.) See also destination of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 3.14 ).

Quality of a tourism destination : Quality of a tourism destination is the result of a process which implies the satisfaction of all tourism product and service needs, requirements and expectations of the consumer at an acceptable price, in conformity with mutually accepted contractual conditions and the implicit underlying factors such as safety and security, hygiene, accessibility, communication, infrastructure and public amenities and services. It also involves aspects of ethics, transparency and respect towards the human, natural and cultural environment. Quality, as one of the key drivers of tourism competitiveness, is also a professional tool for organizational, operational and perception purposes for tourism suppliers.

Questionnaire and Questionnaire design : Questionnaire is a group or sequence of questions designed to elicit information on a subject, or sequence of subjects, from a reporting unit or from another producer of official statistics. Questionnaire design is the design (text, order, and conditions for skipping) of the questions used to obtain the data needed for the survey.

Reference period : The period of time or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.

Relevance : The degree to which statistics meet current and potential users' needs.

Reliability : Closeness of the initial estimated value to the subsequent estimated value.

Reporting unit : Unit that supplies the data for a given survey instance, like a questionnaire or interview. Reporting units may, or may not, be the same as the observation unit.

Residents/non-residents : The residents of a country are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located in its economic territory. For a country, the non-residents are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located outside its economic territory.

Response and non-response : Response and non-response to various elements of a survey entail potential errors.

Response error : Response errors may be defined as those arising from the interviewing process. Such errors may be due to a number of circumstances, such as inadequate concepts or questions; inadequate training; interviewer failures; respondent failures.

Rural tourism : Rural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle / culture, angling and sightseeing. Rural tourism activities take place in non-urban (rural) areas with the following characteristics:

• Low population density;
• Landscape and land-use dominated by agriculture and forestry; and
• Traditional social structure and lifestyle

Same-day visitor (or excursionist): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Sample : A subset of a frame where elements are selected based on a process with a known probability of selection.

Sample survey : A survey which is carried out using a sampling method.

Sampling error : That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.

Satellite accounts : There are two types of satellite accounts, serving two different functions. The first type, sometimes called an internal satellite, takes the full set of accounting rules and conventions of the SNA but focuses on a particular aspect of interest by moving away from the standard classifications and hierarchies. Examples are tourism, coffee production and environmental protection expenditure. The second type, called an external satellite, may add non-economic data or vary some of the accounting conventions or both. It is a particularly suitable way to explore new areas in a research context. An example may be the role of volunteer labour in the economy ( SNA 2008, 29.85 ).

SDMX, Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange : Set of technical standards and content-oriented guidelines, together with an IT architecture and tools, to be used for the efficient exchange and sharing of statistical data and metadata (SDMX).

Seasonal adjustment : Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique to remove the effects of seasonal calendar influences on a series. Seasonal effects usually reflect the influence of the seasons themselves, either directly or through production series related to them, or social conventions. Other types of calendar variation occur as a result of influences such as number of days in the calendar period, the accounting or recording practices adopted or the incidence of moving holidays.

Self-employment job : Self-employment jobs are those jobs where remuneration is directly dependent upon the profits (or the potential of profits) derived from the goods or services produced.

Self-employed with paid employees : Self-employed with paid employees are classified as employers.

Self-employed without employees : Self-employed without employees are classified as own-account workers.

Services : Services are the result of a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units, or facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets. They cannot be traded separately from their production. By the time their production is completed, they must have been provided to the consumers ( SNA 2008, 6.17 ).

Social transfers in kind : A special case of transfers in kind is that of social transfers in kind. These consist of goods and services provided by general government and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs) that are delivered to individual households. Health and education services are the prime examples. Rather than provide a specified amount of money to be used to purchase medical and educational services, the services are often provided in kind to make sure that the need for the services is met. (Sometimes the recipient purchases the service and is reimbursed by the insurance or assistance scheme. Such a transaction is still treated as being in kind because the recipient is merely acting as the agent of the insurance scheme) (SNA 2008, 3.83).

Sports tourism : Sports tourism is a type of tourism activity which refers to the travel experience of the tourist who either observes as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event generally involving commercial and non-commercial activities of a competitive nature.

Standard classification : Classifications that follow prescribed rules and are generally recommended and accepted.

Statistical error : The unknown difference between the retained value and the true value.

Statistical indicator : A data element that represents statistical data for a specified time, place, and other characteristics, and is corrected for at least one dimension (usually size) to allow for meaningful comparisons.

Statistical metadata : Data about statistical data.

Statistical unit : Entity about which information is sought and about which statistics are compiled. Statistical units may be identifiable legal or physical entities or statistical constructs.

Survey : An investigation about the characteristics of a given population by means of collecting data from a sample of that population and estimating their characteristics through the systematic use of statistical methodology.

System of National Accounts : The System of National Accounts (SNA) is the internationally agreed standard set of recommendations on how to compile measures of economic activity in accordance with strict accounting conventions based on economic principles. The recommendations are expressed in terms of a set of concepts, definitions, classifications and accounting rules that comprise the internationally agreed standard for measuring indicators of economic performance. The accounting framework of the SNA allows economic data to be compiled and presented in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking ( SNA 2008, 1.1 ).

Total tourism internal demand : Total tourism internal demand, is the sum of internal tourism consumption, tourism gross fixed capital formation and tourism collective consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.114 ). It does not include outbound tourism consumption.

Tourism : Tourism refers to the activity of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ).

Tourism characteristic activities : Tourism characteristic activities are the activities that typically produce tourism characteristic products. As the industrial origin of a product (the ISIC industry that produces it) is not a criterion for the aggregation of products within a similar CPC category, there is no strict one-to-one relationship between products and the industries producing them as their principal outputs ( IRTS 2008, 5.11 ).

Tourism characteristic products : Tourism characteristic products are those that satisfy one or both of the following criteria: a) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share total tourism expenditure (share-of-expenditure/demand condition); b) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share of the supply of the product in the economy (share-of-supply condition). This criterion implies that the supply of a tourism characteristic product would cease to exist in meaningful quantity in the absence of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 5.10 ).

Tourism connected products : Their significance within tourism analysis for the economy of reference is recognized although their link to tourism is very limited worldwide. Consequently, lists of such products will be country-specific ( IRTS 2008, 5.12 ).

Tourism consumption : Tourism consumption has the same formal definition as tourism expenditure. Nevertheless, the concept of tourism consumption used in the Tourism Satellite Account goes beyond that of tourism expenditure. Besides the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips, which corresponds to monetary transactions (the focus of tourism expenditure), it also includes services associated with vacation accommodation on own account, tourism social transfers in kind and other imputed consumption. These transactions need to be estimated using sources different from information collected directly from the visitors, such as reports on home exchanges, estimations of rents associated with vacation homes, calculations of financial intermediation services indirectly measured (FISIM), etc. ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.25 ).

Tourism destination : A tourism destination is a physical space with or without administrative and/or analytical boundaries in which a visitor can spend an overnight. It is the cluster (co-location) of products and services, and of activities and experiences along the tourism value chain and a basic unit of analysis of tourism. A destination incorporates various stakeholders and can network to form larger destinations. It is also intangible with its image and identity which may influence its market competitiveness.

Tourism direct gross domestic product : Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) is the sum of the part of gross value added (at basic prices) generated by all industries in response to internal tourism consumption plus the amount of net taxes on products and imports included within the value of this expenditure at purchasers' prices ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.96 ).

Tourism direct gross value added : Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) is the part of gross value added generated by tourism industries and other industries of the economy that directly serve visitors in response to internal tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.88 ).

Tourism expenditure : Tourism expenditure refers to the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables, for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips. It includes expenditures by visitors themselves, as well as expenses that are paid for or reimbursed by others ( IRTS 2008, 4.2 ).

Tourism industries : The tourism industries comprise all establishments for which the principal activity is a tourism characteristic activity. Tourism industries (also referred to as tourism activities) are the activities that typically producetourism characteristic products. The term tourism industries is equivalent to tourism characteristic activities and the two terms are sometimes used synonymously in the IRTS 2008, 5.10, 5.11 and figure 5.1 .

Tourism product : A tourism product is a combination of tangible and intangible elements, such as natural, cultural and man-made resources, attractions, facilities, services and activities around a specific center of interest which represents the core of the destination marketing mix and creates an overall visitor experience including emotional aspects for the potential customers. A tourism product is priced and sold through distribution channels and it has a life-cycle.

Tourism ratio : For each variable of supply in the Tourism Satellite Account, the tourism ratiois the ratio between the total value of tourism share and total value of the corresponding variable in the Tourism Satellite Account expressed in percentage form ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.56 ). (See also Tourism share).

Tourism Satellite Account : The Tourism Satellite Account is the second international standard on tourism statistics (Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008 –TSA:RMF 2008) that has been developed in order to present economic data relative to tourism within a framework of internal and external consistency with the rest of the statistical system through its link to the System of National Accounts. It is the basic reconciliation framework of tourism statistics. As a statistical tool for the economic accounting of tourism, the TSA can be seen as a set of 10 summary tables, each with their underlying data and representing a different aspect of the economic data relative to tourism: inbound, domestic tourism and outbound tourism expenditure, internal tourism expenditure, production accounts of tourism industries, the Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) attributable to tourism demand, employment, investment, government consumption, and non-monetary indicators.

Tourism Satellite Account aggregates : The compilation of the following aggregates, which represent a set of relevant indicators of the size of tourism in an economy is recommended ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.81 ):

• Internal tourism expenditure;
• Internal tourism consumption;
• Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI);
• Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA);
• Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP).

Tourism sector : The tourism sector, as contemplated in the TSA, is the cluster of production units in different industries that provide consumption goods and services demanded by visitors. Such industries are called tourism industries because visitor acquisition represents such a significant share of their supply that, in the absence of visitors, their production of these would cease to exist in meaningful quantity.

Tourism share : Tourism share is the share of the corresponding fraction of internal tourism consumption in each component of supply ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.51 ). For each industry, the tourism share of output (in value), is the sum of the tourism share corresponding to each product component of its output ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.55 ). (See also Tourism ratio ).

Tourism single-purpose consumer durable goods : Tourism single-purpose consumer durables is a specific category of consumer durable goods that include durable goods that are used exclusively, or almost exclusively, by individuals while on tourism trips ( TSA:RMF 2008 , 2.41 and Annex 5 ).

Tourism trip : Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.29 ).

Tourist (or overnight visitor): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Tourism value chain : The tourism value chain is the sequence of primary and support activities which are strategically fundamental for the performance of the tourism sector. Linked processes such as policy making and integrated planning, product development and packaging, promotion and marketing, distribution and sales and destination operations and services are the key primary activities of the tourism value chain. Support activities involve transport and infrastructure, human resource development, technology and systems development and other complementary goods and services which may not be related to core tourism businesses but have a high impact on the value of tourism.

Travel / traveller : Travel refers to the activity of travellers. A traveller is someone who moves between different geographic locations, for any purpose and any duration ( IRTS 2008, 2.4 ). The visitor is a particular type of traveller and consequently tourism is a subset of travel.

Travel group : A travel group is made up of individuals or travel parties travelling together: examples are people travelling on the same package tour or youngsters attending a summer camp ( IRTS 2008, 3.5 ).

Travel item (in balance of payments): Travel is an item of the goods and services account of the balance of payments: travel credits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from an economy by non-residents during visits to that economy. Travel debits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from other economies by residents during visits to other economies ( BPM6, 10.86 ).

Travel party : A travel party is defined as visitors travelling together on a trip and whose expenditures are pooled ( IRTS 2008, 3.2 ).

Trip : A trip refers to the travel by a person from the time of departure from his/her usual residence until he/she returns: it thus refers to a round trip. Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips.

Urban/city tourism : Urban/city tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration, manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. Urban/city destinations offer a broad and heterogeneous range of cultural, architectural, technological, social and natural experiences and products for leisure and business.

Usual environment: The usual environment of an individual, a key concept in tourism, is defined as the geographical area (though not necessarily a contiguous one) within which an individual conducts his/her regular life routines ( IRTS 2008, 2.21 ).

Usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.16 to 2.18).

Vacation home : A vacation home (sometimes also designated as a holiday home) is a secondary dwelling that is visited by the members of the household mostly for purposes of recreation, vacation or any other form of leisure ( IRTS 2008, 2.27 ).

Valuables : Valuables are produced goods of considerable value that are not used primarily for purposes of production or consumption but are held as stores of value over time ( SNA 2008, 10.13 ).

Visit : A trip is made up of visits to different places.The term "tourism visit" refers to a stay in a place visited during a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.7 and 2.33 ).

Visitor : A visitor is a traveller taking a trip to a main destination outside his/her usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose (business, leisure or other personal purpose) other than to be employed by a resident entity in the country or place visited ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ). A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Wellness tourism : Wellness tourism is a type of tourism activity which aims to improve and balance all of the main domains of human life including physical, mental, emotional, occupational, intellectual and spiritual. The primary motivation for the wellness tourist is to engage in preventive, proactive, lifestyle-enhancing activities such as fitness, healthy eating, relaxation, pampering and healing treatments.

Facilities Management in Tourism

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Law, R., B. Bai, C. Ip, and R. Leung. 2011. Progress and development of information and communication technologies in hospitality. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 23 (4): 533–551.

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What is tourism? A definition of tourism

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Whilst most of us have been tourists at some point during our lives, you might find yourself asking ‘what is tourism?’ or ‘what is the definition of tourism’?

Having studied, worked in and taught tourism management for many years, I can tell you that there is no straight-cut answer to this question! In fact, I do tell you- in this YouTube video below!

The tourism industry is argued to be the largest industry in the world, providing more employment than any other industry. Note, however, the use of the word ‘argued’. You see, the tourism industry is somewhat grey in nature. Elements that some may consider ‘tourism’, others may not. Some people believe they are ‘ tourists ‘, when others do not. Some things are black and white, and others are not.

In this post I will explain why there is no simple explanation in answer to the question ‘what is tourism?’. I will explain the diversity of the tourism industry and provide a range of definitions of tourism that have been developed by academics and practitioners.

What is tourism?

Tourism is the generic term used to cover both demand and supply that has been adopted in a variety of forms and used throughout the world. 

Tourism essentially refers to the activities undertaken by visitors, also known as the visitor economy. The tourism industry encompasses all activity that takes place within the visitor economy.

This includes activities that are directly related to the tourist, such as staying in a hotel, ordering a meal or visiting a tourist attraction. It also includes indirect activities, such as the transport company which delivers the food to the restaurant in which the tourist eats or the laundry company that has a contract with the hotel for cleaning bed sheets.

It is largely due to the indirect contributions to tourism, that defining and measuring the tourism industry is so difficult!

Tourism comes in many different shapes and sizes and there are many different types of tourism . There is mass tourism , niche tourism and special interest tourism. There is domestic tourism and international tourism . There is inbound tourism and outbound tourism .

Whilst there is a range of different forms of tourism, they all come under the broad tourism umbrella, nonetheless. This is because they all revolve around visitors and they all feed the visitor economy in one way or another.

A definition of tourism

Tourism is a phenomenon with no universally accepted definition, owing to the complexity and individualism of the travellers themselves and the activities that they choose to undertake.

The most widely utilised definition of tourism, proposed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United States (UN) Nations Statistics Division (1994), prescribes that in order to qualify as a tourist one must travel and remain in a place outside of their usual residential environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.

Matheison and Wall (1982) on the other hand, do not impose a timeframe, simply stating that one must travel to a destination temporarily.

Leiper (1979) believed that defining tourism is more complex than this, proposing that there are three approaches that can be taken. The economic stance focuses on tourism as a business, the technical stance focusses on the tourist in order to provide a common basis by which to collect data and the holistic stance attempts to include the entire essence of the subject.

The Cambridge Dictionary define tourism quite simply as; ‘the business of providing services such as transport, places to stay or entertainment for people who are on holiday’.

Read also: – The importance of tourism – Types of tourism: A glossary – Outbound tourism | Understanding the basics – The structure of the tourism industry – Domestic tourism tourism explained – The history of tourism

Whilst such attempts to define the concept of tourism may be useful from a generic perspective, the practical application of such definitions is difficult when applied to specific tourism types, such as those outlined in this post outlining the different types of tourism.

In fact, Robinson and Novelli (2007), in their introduction to the niche tourism phenomena, postulate that tourists have developed as consumers, becoming increasingly sophisticated in their needs and preferences as a result of an emergent culture of tourism.

Despite such acknowledgements of the progressive and adaptive nature of tourism, particularly evident through the limitless introduction of new and niche tourism forms, there appear to have been no attempts to develop the commonly accepted definitions of tourism in parallel.

As such, I would argue that there is a need the definition of tourism to be revisited by academics and industry practitioner, to ensure that it is representative of the tourism industry that operates today.

How would you define the term tourism?

For more information on what makes up the tourism industry, I recommend the key text Tourism: Principles and Practice by John Fletcher, available from Amazon here .

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Definition of tourist noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• busloads of foreign tourists
• a popular tourist attraction/destination/resort
• the tourist industry/sector
• The tourist season here peaks in spring.
• The island attracts tourists from all over the world.
• The tourist information centre is right next to the mosque.
• The changing of the guard is popular with the tourists.
• package tour
• self-catering
• have/​take (British English) a holiday/ (North American English) a vacation/​a break/​a day off/ (British English) a gap year
• go on/​be on holiday/​vacation/​leave/​honeymoon/​safari/​a trip/​a tour/​a cruise/​a pilgrimage
• go backpacking/​camping/​hitchhiking/​sightseeing
• plan a trip/​a holiday/​a vacation/​your itinerary
• book accommodation/​a hotel room/​a flight/​tickets
• have/​make/​cancel a reservation/ (especially British English) booking
• rent a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a holiday cottage
• (especially British English) hire/ (especially North American English) rent a car/​bicycle/​moped
• stay in a hotel/​a bed and breakfast/​a youth hostel/​a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a caravan
• cost/​charge $100 a/​per night for a single/​double/​twin/​standard/ (British English) en suite room
• check into/​out of a hotel/​a motel/​your room
• pack/​unpack your suitcase/​bags
• call/​order room service
• cancel/​cut short a trip/​holiday/​vacation
• apply for/​get/​renew a/​your passport
• take out/​buy/​get travel insurance
• catch/​miss your plane/​train/​ferry/​connecting flight
• fly (in)/travel in business/​economy class
• make/​have a brief/​two-day/​twelve-hour stopover/ (North American English also) layover in Hong Kong
• experience/​cause/​lead to delays
• check (in)/collect/​get/​lose (your) (especially British English) luggage/ (especially North American English) baggage
• be charged for/​pay excess baggage
• board/​get on/​leave/​get off the aircraft/​plane/​ship/​ferry
• taxi down/​leave/​approach/​hit/​overshoot the runway
• experience/​hit/​encounter severe turbulence
• suffer from/​recover from/​get over your jet lag/​travel sickness
• attract/​draw/​bring tourists/​visitors
• encourage/​promote/​hurt tourism
• promote/​develop ecotourism
• build/​develop/​visit a tourist/​holiday/ (especially British English) seaside/​beach/​ski resort
• work for/​be operated by a major hotel chain
• be served by/​compete with low-cost/ (especially North American English) low-fare/​budget airlines
• book something through/​make a booking through/​use a travel agent
• contact/​check with your travel agent/​tour operator
• book/​be on/​go on a package deal/​holiday/​tour
• buy/​bring back (tacky/​overpriced) souvenirs
• sightseeing
• Recently Edinburgh has become a popular tourist centre.
• The Story of the Loch Ness Monster has attracted many tourists to the area.
• The city has unrealized tourist potential.
• The festival is accompanied by a huge influx of tourists.
• The theme park is the region's most popular tourist facility.
• The town is off the usual tourist route.
• Their economy is dependent on tourist dollars.
• the part of town most frequented by tourists
• He entered the country on a tourist visa.
• It was the beginning of the tourist season.
• Local roads cannot cope with the increase in tourist traffic.
• The Taj Mahal is one of the most important tourist sights in India.
• We have a large influx of tourists in the summer.
• We travelled on minor roads and tracks, away from the tourist trail.
• We visited all the usual tourist spots.
• come to something
• flock to something
• frequent something
• centre/​center
• destination
• influx of tourists

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of travel and exploration! As humans, we have an innate desire to discover new places, experience different cultures, and create lifelong memories. And what better way to satisfy this wanderlust than by visiting tourist destinations around the world?

A tourist destination can be defined as a location that attracts visitors from near and far due to its unique features, cultural heritage, natural beauty, or recreational opportunities. These destinations play a significant role in the tourism industry, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.

One of the defining characteristics of a tourist destination is its ability to offer a wide range of activities and attractions to cater to various interests and preferences. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping adventures, serene nature escapes, historical landmarks, or vibrant cultural experiences, there is a destination out there that can fulfill your desires.

Another essential aspect of a tourist destination is its accessibility. It needs to have proper infrastructure, transportation options, accommodation facilities, and amenities to ensure that travelers can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Whether it’s exploring a bustling metropolis, relaxing on a pristine beach, or embarking on a wilderness adventure, accessibility is key to attracting and satisfying visitors.

Furthermore, a tourist destination is often characterized by its cultural and historical significance. It may be home to ancient ruins, architectural marvels, traditional festivals, or museums that offer insights into the local heritage and traditions. These cultural attractions not only educate and entertain travelers but also play a vital role in preserving and promoting the destination’s identity.

Moreover, a tourist destination is not just about the physical attractions; it’s also about the overall experience. The hospitality and friendliness of the local people, the quality of services, and the availability of dining, shopping, and entertainment options all contribute to creating a memorable stay for tourists.

Definition and Characteristics of a Tourist Destination

A tourist destination can be described as a place that attracts tourists and visitors due to its unique features, attractions, and offerings. It is a location that people intentionally travel to, seeking experiences, relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment.

There are several key characteristics that distinguish a tourist destination:

• Attractions and Points of Interest: A tourist destination is known for its attractions and points of interest that appeal to a wide range of travelers. These can include natural wonders, historical landmarks, museums, theme parks, iconic landmarks, and cultural sites. These attractions are often the primary reason why people choose to visit a specific destination.
• Access and Infrastructure: A tourist destination must have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate visitors. This includes transportation options such as airports, railways, highways, and public transportation, as well as a range of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Accessible and well-maintained infrastructure is crucial in ensuring that visitors can easily travel to and within the destination.
• Hospitality and Services: A memorable tourist destination is known for its hospitality and high-quality services. Friendly and welcoming locals, knowledgeable tour guides, and a range of services such as restaurants, cafes, and shops all contribute to creating a positive experience for tourists.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: Many tourist destinations have a rich cultural and historical heritage that attracts visitors. These destinations may showcase local traditions, festivals, traditional arts and crafts, architecture, and archaeological sites. Visitors are often interested in immersing themselves in the local culture, learning about the history of the place, and experiencing unique traditions.
• Recreational and Leisure Activities: Tourist destinations often offer a variety of recreational and leisure activities to cater to visitors of all preferences. These can include adventure sports, water activities, hiking and trekking trails, wildlife spotting, spa and wellness options, and shopping experiences. This ensures that tourists have ample opportunities to relax, have fun, and make the most of their time in the destination.

It is important to note that a tourist destination is not solely defined by its physical attributes, but also by the experiences and memories it provides to its visitors. The combination of attractions, accessibility, hospitality, cultural significance, and recreational offerings makes a destination desirable and memorable for tourists.

Factors Influencing the Choice of a Tourist Destination

The decision to choose a specific tourist destination is influenced by a variety of factors that differ from one individual to another. People have unique preferences, interests, and motivations when it comes to travel. Let’s explore some of the key factors that shape the choice of a tourist destination:

• Personal Interests and Hobbies: Individuals are drawn to destinations that align with their personal interests and hobbies. Some may be nature enthusiasts and seek destinations that offer hiking trails and wildlife encounters, while others may have a preference for historical sites, art galleries, or culinary experiences. Factors such as outdoor activities, cultural offerings, or opportunities for relaxation influence the destination choice.
• Recommendations and Word-of-Mouth: Personal recommendations from friends, family, or trusted sources play a significant role in destination selection. Positive reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, or seeing enticing photos and experiences shared by others on social media can inspire individuals to choose a particular destination. The power of storytelling and firsthand experiences can greatly impact the decision-making process.
• Budget and Affordability: Financial considerations are crucial when choosing a tourist destination. The cost of travel, accommodation, meals, and activities all factor into the decision. Some individuals may opt for budget-friendly destinations, while others may be willing to splurge on a luxury experience. The availability of affordable flights, deals on accommodations, and a range of cost-effective activities can sway someone’s choice.
• Accessibility: The ease of reaching a destination is another vital factor. The proximity of a place, availability of direct flights, accessibility of transportation within the destination, and the overall travel time influence the decision. Some individuals may prioritize quick and convenient travel, while others may be willing to embark on long-haul journeys for a more unique and exotic experience.
• Season and Weather: The time of year and climate can have a significant impact on destination selection. Some prefer warm beach destinations during winter, while others seek cooler destinations for outdoor activities during summer. Weather considerations, such as avoiding hurricane seasons or extreme temperatures, play a role in decision-making.
• Safety and Security: The safety and security of a destination are of utmost importance to travelers. Political stability, crime rates, health risks, and natural disasters all influence the perceived safety of a place. Individuals are more likely to choose destinations that are perceived as safe and secure.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: Many individuals are drawn to destinations that offer rich cultural and historical experiences. The opportunity to explore ancient ruins, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learn about local traditions, and immerse oneself in the local culture can be a compelling factor in destination selection.
• Special Events and Festivals: The presence of special events, festivals, or celebrations can greatly influence the choice of a destination. People may specifically plan their travel to coincide with popular events, cultural festivals, or sporting activities to get a unique and immersive experience.

It is important to note that each individual’s motivations and priorities may vary, and a combination of these factors ultimately determines the choice of a tourist destination. Understanding these influencing factors can help tourism operators and destination marketers tailor their offerings to attract and cater to the preferences and interests of potential visitors.

Popular Tourist Destinations Around the World

When it comes to popular tourist destinations, the world is filled with an incredible array of breathtaking and culturally-rich places that attract millions of visitors each year. Let’s explore some of the most renowned and sought-after destinations around the globe:

• Paris, France: Known as the “City of Love,” Paris captivates travelers with its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, charming streets, and world-class cuisine.
• Barcelona, Spain: This vibrant city on the Mediterranean coast boasts a unique blend of Gothic and modernist architecture, stunning beaches, a dynamic food scene, and a pulsating nightlife.
• Bali, Indonesia: With its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rice terraces, vibrant Hindu culture, and warm hospitality, Bali offers a tropical paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and spiritual seekers.
• New York City, USA: The Big Apple is a melting pot of cultures, famous for its skyscrapers, iconic landmarks such as Times Square and Central Park, Broadway shows, world-class museums, and diverse culinary scene.
• Tokyo, Japan: This bustling metropolis seamlessly blends ultra-modern technology, ancient traditions, and a unique cultural experience. Visitors can explore historic shrines, enjoy vibrant street markets, and indulge in delicious sushi.
• Rome, Italy: As the eternal city, Rome showcases ancient history through its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine and vibrant piazzas.
• Cape Town, South Africa: Nestled between mountains and the sea, Cape Town offers stunning natural beauty, including Table Mountain and nearby vineyards, as well as cultural diversity, wildlife encounters, and beautiful beaches.
• Sydney, Australia: With its iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and beautiful coastline, Sydney is a vibrant city known for its outdoor lifestyle, stunning beaches, and thriving arts scene.
• Machu Picchu, Peru: This ancient Incan city perched high in the Andes mountains is a bucket-list destination. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail to witness the breathtaking ruins and panoramic views.
• Santorini, Greece: The mesmerizing beauty of Santorini’s white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets make it a top destination for romance-seekers, photographers, and those in search of relaxation.

These are just a few examples of the countless popular tourist destinations around the world. Each destination offers unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, food lover, or adventure seeker, there’s a perfect destination waiting to be explored.

Sustainable Tourism and Its Implications for Tourist Destinations

In recent years, sustainable tourism has gained significant attention as an important aspect of travel. It focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, culture, and local communities, while maximizing the positive contributions to the destination. Let’s explore the implications of sustainable tourism for tourist destinations:

1. Environmental Conservation: Sustainable tourism promotes the preservation and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems. It encourages responsible practices such as minimizing waste, conserving energy, reducing carbon emissions, protecting wildlife, and promoting sustainable transportation options. By preserving the environment, tourist destinations can maintain their natural beauty and appeal for future generations.

2. Community Engagement and Support: Sustainable tourism fosters community involvement and benefits local residents. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with local communities, respecting their culture and traditions, and supporting local businesses. This can lead to economic development, job creation, and a stronger sense of pride and ownership among the residents. By involving the community, tourist destinations can ensure that tourism becomes a positive force for the local population.

3. Cultural Preservation and Respect: Sustainable tourism values and respects the cultural heritage of a destination. It encourages visitors to learn about and appreciate local customs, traditions, and practices. This can result in the preservation of cultural identities, the appreciation of diverse cultures, and the protection of historical landmarks and artifacts. By maintaining and celebrating their cultural heritage, destinations can provide unique and authentic experiences for tourists.

4. Economic Stability: Sustainable tourism aims to distribute economic benefits more evenly and reduce dependence on a single industry. It promotes tourism that benefits local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs. By supporting a diverse range of enterprises, tourist destinations can create a more resilient and stable economy that is less susceptible to economic downturns or fluctuations in visitor numbers.

5. Responsible Tourism Practices: Sustainable tourism encourages responsible behavior from both tourists and industry operators. It promotes mindful travel choices, such as choosing eco-friendly accommodations, respecting local customs, supporting ethical wildlife encounters, and engaging in sustainable activities. By adopting responsible practices, tourist destinations can mitigate negative impacts, minimize over-tourism, and create a more sustainable and balanced tourism model.

Overall, embracing sustainable tourism practices can have profound implications for tourist destinations. It can ensure the long-term viability and attractiveness of a destination, protect its natural and cultural resources, empower local communities, and provide a more enriching and authentic travel experience for visitors. By prioritizing sustainability, tourist destinations can lay the foundation for a more responsible and resilient tourism industry.

Challenges Faced by Tourist Destinations

While tourist destinations offer unique experiences and opportunities, they also face numerous challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable growth and development. Let’s explore some of the key challenges faced by tourist destinations:

1. Overcrowding and Overtourism: One of the biggest challenges faced by popular tourist destinations is the issue of overcrowding and overtourism. When a destination becomes too popular, it can lead to overcrowded attractions, strain on infrastructure, increased waste generation, and a degradation of the natural and cultural resources. This can have negative consequences for both the destination and the visitor experience.

2. Environmental Degradation: The influx of tourists can put significant pressure on the environment. This can manifest in various forms, including increased pollution, damage to ecosystems, habitat destruction, and the loss of biodiversity. The uncontrolled development of hotels, resorts, and other tourist facilities can also contribute to the degradation of natural landscapes and sensitive ecosystems.

3. Cultural Dilution and Authenticity: As tourism grows, there is a risk of cultural dilution and the loss of authenticity in tourist destinations. The commodification of traditions, the proliferation of souvenir shops selling mass-produced goods, and the homogenization of local cuisines can erode the uniqueness and authenticity that attracted visitors in the first place. Preserving and promoting local cultures and traditions in the face of tourism development is a constant challenge.

4. Seasonality and Economic Vulnerability: Many tourist destinations are highly dependent on seasonal tourism, which can lead to economic vulnerability during the offseason. Businesses and local communities may struggle to maintain a steady income and face financial hardships during periods of low visitor numbers. Diversifying the tourism product and promoting year-round attractions and activities can help mitigate this challenge.

5. Infrastructure and Resource Management: Inadequate infrastructure and resource management can hinder the development of tourist destinations. Insufficient transportation systems, a lack of waste management infrastructure, inadequate water and energy resources, and limited healthcare facilities can impact the overall visitor experience and the destination’s ability to accommodate increasing tourist numbers sustainably.

6. Balancing Tourism and Local Life: Balancing the needs and interests of both tourists and local residents is a constant challenge for tourist destinations. Tourism can bring economic benefits, but it can also disrupt the daily life and social fabric of communities. Striking a balance between preserving local traditions, maintaining a high quality of life for residents, and providing satisfying experiences for tourists is a complex challenge that requires careful planning and stakeholder involvement.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of tourist destinations. Implementing effective policies, involving local communities, promoting responsible tourism practices, and adopting sustainable development strategies can help overcome these challenges and create a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between tourism and destinations.

Future Trends in Tourist Destinations

The tourism industry is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences, advancements in technology, and global trends. Let’s explore some of the future trends that are expected to shape tourist destinations:

1. Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: The focus on sustainability and responsible tourism will continue to grow. Travelers are becoming more conscious of their environmental and social impact, and they seek destinations that prioritize sustainable practices, eco-friendly accommodations, and authentic cultural experiences. In response, tourist destinations will increasingly adopt sustainable policies, reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources, engage with local communities, and promote responsible tourism practices.

2. Technology Integration: Technology will play a significant role in shaping future tourist destinations. Advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mobile applications will enhance the visitor experience. Travelers can expect personalized recommendations, immersive virtual tours, real-time translations, and seamless online booking systems. Destinations will also utilize data analytics to better understand tourist behavior and preferences, allowing for targeted marketing and tailored experiences.

3. Wellness Tourism: With increasing awareness of mental and physical well-being, wellness tourism is expected to grow significantly. Tourist destinations will respond by providing a range of wellness offerings, including spa retreats, meditation centers, yoga classes, and eco-friendly wellness resorts. Nature-based activities such as forest bathing, hiking, and wildlife encounters will also be integrated into wellness tourism experiences.

4. Cultural Experiences and Immersion: Authentic cultural experiences will continue to be in high demand. Tourist destinations will focus on preserving and promoting their cultural heritage, offering visitors opportunities to engage with local traditions, customs, and arts. This can include immersive workshops, cultural festivals, culinary trails, and interactions with local artisans. Destinations will work towards maintaining the authenticity of their cultural experiences while ensuring respect and fair representation of local communities.

4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: Travelers are increasingly seeking unique and less-visited destinations, moving away from traditional tourist hotspots. They crave authentic experiences and the opportunity to explore lesser-known destinations, supporting local economies and reducing overcrowding in popular tourist areas. As a result, off-the-beaten-path destinations will gain attention and investment, offering distinct attractions, hidden gems, and immersive cultural encounters.

5. Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Building sustainable infrastructure will be a priority for future tourist destinations. Improving transportation networks, enhancing waste management systems, developing eco-friendly accommodation options, and investing in renewable energy sources will be key. Sustainable infrastructure development will not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for local residents and create a more attractive destination for visitors.

As the tourism industry continues to evolve, adapting to these future trends will be crucial for the success and sustainability of tourist destinations. Embracing sustainable practices, leveraging technology, promoting cultural immersion, and catering to the evolving needs of tourists will shape the future of tourism, creating unforgettable experiences while preserving the authenticity and natural beauty of our world’s destinations.

Tourist destinations play a vital role in satisfying our innate curiosity to explore and discover the world. These destinations offer unique attractions, cultural experiences, and opportunities for relaxation and adventure. However, they also face challenges that require careful management and planning for sustainable growth.

Understanding the characteristics of a tourist destination, as well as the factors influencing its choice, allows us to design experiences that cater to diverse interests and preferences. By embracing sustainability, destinations can protect their natural and cultural resources, engage with local communities, and create a positive and authentic experience for visitors.

As we look ahead, future trends in tourist destinations will revolve around sustainability, responsible practices, and technological integration. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that prioritize environmental conservation, support local communities, offer wellness experiences, and provide authentic cultural immersion.

It is also important to acknowledge the challenges faced by tourist destinations, such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and maintaining a balance between tourism and local life. By addressing these challenges through proper planning, infrastructure development, and stakeholder involvement, destinations can ensure a harmonious relationship between tourism and the well-being of its communities.

Ultimately, the future of tourist destinations lies in their ability to adapt and innovate. By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging technology, and focusing on diverse and unique experiences, these destinations can create memorable and meaningful experiences for travelers while preserving their natural and cultural heritage.

So, whether you dream of strolling through the romantic streets of Paris, exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Tokyo, there is a tourist destination waiting to captivate your senses and leave you with lifelong memories.

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of tourist in English

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• I must look like the typical tourist with my shorts and my camera .
• My dad has a cottage which he rents out to tourists.
• The Caribbean is a popular tourist destination .
• Bus-loads of tourists pour into this place in the summer .
• A year after the hurricane , tourists are gradually beginning to come back to the region .
• air corridor
• amenity kit
• high season
• phrase book
• post-holiday
• put something up
• ranger station
• tourist trap
• trailer park
• youth hostel

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