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What are the Different Types of Tourism?
Written by Veronic Santapa on October 13, 2022 . Posted in Blog , Uncategorized .
As one of the most powerful industries in the world, tourism has a great potential to become a force for good when driving economic and social development. However, this can only be achieved by appropriate planning – and with so many different types of tourism, it can sometimes be hard to accomplish. This article is about the main types of tourism that Solimar supports – sustainable, regenerative, geo- and ecotourism. While their definitions may overlap, here are their definitions and reasons that make them significant to the industry.

1. Sustainable tourism
What is sustainable tourism.
Many definitions of sustainable tourism exist, but at its simplest – it is an umbrella term describing tourism that aims to minimize the negative impacts of the industry’s activities. According to the World Tourism Organization , “sustainable tourism takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental aspects, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.
Tourism can take a great toll on the environment, especially in fragile places such as marine ecosystems or coasts. However, the lives of local people can be disturbed too, with over tourism and gentrification becoming growing phenomena. Moreover, sustainable tourism is also about the economic development of destinations. This can be, unfortunately, suppressed by economic leakages, which means that revenues generated by tourism are not used for the destination improvement; instead, the international multi-chain companies use them solely to gain profit. Sustainable tourism aims to ensure the aforementioned aspects are prevented, so that tourism can become an actual force for good.
Is sustainable tourism even possible?
Despite some challenges, tourism has the power to be sustainable – and this can be achieved by so many different initiatives!
First of all, community-based tourism can be implemented to limit the negative impacts of tourism on the livelihoods of local communities. This type of tourism falls under the term of “sustainable tourism” and aims to highlight the importance of host communities in tourism planning by using a bottom-up approach. Tourism can also be used as a tool to support conservation , which covers wildlife, cultural and environmental types of preservation. As tourists, we can have a great influence on conservation efforts by choosing and supporting the right organizations.
Sustainable tourism is about making decisions that have a positive influence on destinations, and it is a responsibility of all the industry’s stakeholders, including visitors, hotel managers, supply chains, local or national governments. Therefore, collaborating is crucial to maintain the sustainable tourism development.

2. Regenerative tourism
What is regenerative tourism.
While sustainable tourism ensures that visited places are preserved for the future generations, regenerative tourism takes a step further. This newly emerging approach seeks to go beyond not causing harm when traveling, but rather strives for a “leave it better than you found it” approach. This requires a more holistic mindset that makes travel experiences connected with nature and local communities. Regenerative travel is travel that actually contributes to restoration and revitalization.
Regenerative tourism builds its foundation on nature-based solutions , which are actions that “manage, protect, and restore nature” . These practical solutions need to be implemented to protect and rebuild ecosystems and communities. Regenerative models emphasize creating value for the communities, which can only be achieved when tourism is recognized as an interrelated living system in which local knowledge is integrated.
Why is regenerative tourism important? Is it an effective type of tourism?
Given the rapidly growing climate crisis, there is a need for more resilient frameworks and systems that result in the actual regeneration of communities and ecosystems. Many adverse changes stemming from global warming are irreversible – therefore, sustaining the environment is no longer enough. Climate change should be addressed by action and regeneration. Regenerative tourism is often referred to as a paradigm shift that should become the only way forward.
What are the examples of regenerative tourism?
Regenerative Travel is a cutting-edge example of how tourism can support regeneration. It is a platform and community for boutique eco-hotels that share a common vision of creating positive social and environmental impacts for local people and their surroundings. Regenerative Travel supports its members with continual evaluation and provides knowledge of the best sustainable practices to ensure greenwashing is avoided at all times.
Regenerative tourism already exists in many indigenous-owned companies. Seeking regeneration is already rooted in their way of thinking, as they deeply care about the environment and possess the essential knowledge that positively impacts the land and local communities. There is so much to learn from the Native tribes, as they are the ones that live in a deep connection with our planet.
To learn more about the practical examples of regenerative tourism, read the latest white paper published by our Director of Conservation & Community Development – Chloe King, who worked alongside Regenerative Travel and The Long Run on this outstanding research project.

3. Geotourism
What is the definition of geotourism.
The definition of Geotourism was coined by National Geographic and it describes tourism as a force capable of enhancing and sustaining the geographical character of a place including its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and locals’ well-being. . It clearly shares few of the aspects of sustainable tourism, but differently from it, Geotourism is not considered a niche market. In fact, according to a study published by the Travel Industry Association of America in 2003, American travelers had already embraced geotourism before the concept and practice of sustainable tourism became of global importance.
Geotourism principles
As we mentioned, geotourism includes some elements of sustainable tourism, but how is it possible to identify one type of tourism from another? National Geographic thought of that and established the three key principles of geotourism.
- Principle 1: Environmental responsibility – Geotourism focuses on appreciating, protecting and maintaining natural resources and biodiversity.
- Principle 2: Cultural responsibility – Geotourism aims to preserve and enhance the local communities’ heritage, traditions and culture.
- Principle 3: Synergy
The third principle determines how geotourism can be achievable: with synergy. In other words, it is vital that all the geographical characteristics of a place are combined to create a diverse, rich and fulfilling travel experience for different types of travelers.
Geotourism destination example: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (USA)
A great example of geotourism is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail linked to the historic expedition of Lewis and Clark. The route of the trail is a part of the National Trails System of the United States. It extends for 7,900 km crossing 16 states- from Pennsylvania to Oregon. The Lewis and Clark trail offers travelers the opportunity to retrace the explorers’ steps through spectacular landscapes and to learn about interesting history and the unique culture of each town that is along the route.
Solimar International has been working on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail project since 2016 to improve the connection among the services and tourists’ products available along the route and to make them easily accessible to visitors. Solimar helped to launch the website Lewis and Clark Travel , where the local stakeholders can advertise their business to visitors. Navigating through the website is simple and there is an interactive map which facilitates the visitors’ search through areas of interest on the trail!

4. Ecotourism
What is ecotourism.
Ecotourism aims to reduce the negative impacts of tourism and it is in line with the environmental concerns of the sustainable tourism practice. This niche market is becoming more and more popular among travelers as a sustainable substitute to mass tourism.
Type of tourism definition: ecotourism
The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as the responsible way to travel to natural areas. Ecotourism is important as it involves conservation, interpretation and education of such environments, as well as aiming to sustain the well-being of the local people. Ecotourism is a nature-based form of tourism practiced by tourists interested in experiencing nature and appreciating the traditional cultures established in those natural areas.

Why is ecotourism important?
To better understand what ecotourism is , what it offers and why it is important, we will briefly go through the main benefits of this practice.
- Increase environmental awareness: Tourists and local communities engaging in ecotourism activities become more aware of a range of environmental issues such as global warming, loss of natural resources and endangerment of wild species.
- Preservation of the environment for future generations: As a result of the positive implications of ecotourism activities in certain areas, many environments can be protected and preserved for future generations.
- Boost cross-cultural knowledge: Tourists participating in ecotourism have the opportunity to experience native communities closely, learn more about their culture and appreciate their traditions.
- Support the local economy: In most cases, ecotourism is practiced in remote areas, where the local population does not have many job opportunities. This form of tourism can contribute to reducing poverty by creating job opportunities for the locals and generating revenues to re-invest and to improve the locals’ quality of life.

Ecotourism destination example: Liberia
Liberia is home to the Upper Guinean Rainforest, and its ecosystems contain the highest levels of biodiversity in the region. Ecotourism practices would preserve the environment and the endangered species of this area and reduce the threats such as poaching and deforestation. Additionally, ecotourism would create opportunities for sustainable local economic growth. Solimar has been working on a 5-year conservation project in the country to assist all the local activities in order to establish ecotourism. Solimar aims to develop an inclusive, multi-sectoral approach that engages communities in the management of protected areas, enabling them to be capable of conserving Liberia’s rich biodiversity and ensuring sustainable long-term economic growth.
So, w hat is the best type of tourism?
While there is no definite answer on which type of tourism is the best one, there’s one thing we know for sure: tourism is best when it uses its power to generate positive impacts on the environment, local people, and the local economy of the destinations.
Interested in learning more about these types of tourism? Keep up with Solimar and our new projects- don’t forget to like us on Facebook and LinkedIn !
Blog by Veronica Santapa and Izabela Soja
Tags: community tourism , ecotourism , geotourism , regenerative tourism , sustainable tourism , tourism for conservatin , tourism for good , what is tourism


The different types of Tourism according to Cohen, UNWTO, motivation and type
Home » Travel Industry » The different types of Tourism according to Cohen, UNWTO, motivation and type

The Tourism industry has a direct impact on the global economy. In 2019 alone, 1.4 billion international arrivals were recorded, which is equivalent to one-fifth of the world’s population .
Due to the number of components that play an active role in tourism, there are an infinite number of criteria that can be used to classify it. In this article we will share what we consider to be the most significant of these criteria.
Types of Tourism according to the UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization defines three basic types of tourism in its glossary :
- Domestic Tourism : these are the activities carried out by a person within their country of residence as part of a touristic trip.
- Inbound Tourism : carried out by a non-resident tourist in the destination as part of a touristic trip.
- Outbound Tourism : tourism activities undertaken outside the country of residence.
These types can be combined with each other to give rise to other categories:
- Internal Tourism : combines domestic and inbound tourism, as it encompasses the activities that both foreigners and nationals undertake within the borders of a country.
- National Tourism : Combines domestic and outbound tourism, as it involves trips made by residents of the same country both within and outside its borders.
- International Tourism : carried out both by residents outside their country of residence (outbound) and by foreigners within the borders (inbound).
Beyond this categorization, there is a sociological approach, in which Erik Cohen, sociologist and winner of the UNWTO Ulysses Prize for his contribution to the knowledge of tourism, defines different types of tourism associated with the organization of the trip, as well as the nature of the interaction with the destinations.
Types of tourism according to Cohen:
Institutionalized.
- Individual mass : this is the tourist who goes to an agency in search of a tourist package. They make individual trips, taking advantage of the destination’s infrastructure established for mass tourism.
- Organized mass : these travelers take organized tours where all the details are covered and there are no surprises of any kind. It is usually family tourism without any major variations.
Non-institutionalized
- Drifter : this is the independent tourist who backpacks. They do not depend on the infrastructure and have little influence on the destination, as they interact with the environment and usually integrate with it.
- Explorer : This is the tourist who seeks new experiences, often extreme. The definition they use is “off the beaten track.” They prioritize the experience and can sacrifice comforts.
Cohen also proposes a division based on the importance of travel in people’s lives . There are five types of experience:
- Fun or recreational tourism
- Distraction tourism
- Experiential tourism
- Experimental tourism
- Existential tourism
Types of tourism according to motivation
Valene Smith, a key figure in the Anthropology of Tourism, defines in her introduction to “Host and Guest” the following types of tourism, according to the motivation of the trip:
- Recreational
- Environmental
And later she expands the classification according to Tourist types , where she describes:
They engage with the destination environment and are willing to adapt their behavior to the environment. They choose to visit less-traveled places and do not want to be seen as tourists.
Elite tourists
They also travel in small groups and adapt to local life, but for a limited time. They demand more amenities.
Off-beat tourists
These are independent tourists who break away from traditional itineraries and are looking to see new places. They use guidebooks for tips.
Unusual tourists
They travel on package tours or tours to visit indigenous communities. Their interest in local cultures is contemplative, and they demand the comforts of modern life so as not to take risks in the exchange.
Incipient mass tourists
Although not large in volume, these groups are beginning to demand infrastructure in the destinations they visit.
Mass tourists
They do not forgo the comforts of their country of origin and expect to be served in their own language.
Charter tourists
They purchase tours for short periods of time, demand high-quality services and have almost no interaction with the local environment.
There are infinite approaches and classifications for tourism around the world. A study by the Inter-American University for Development (UNID) makes an interesting distinction between “Classification” and “Typology” in which it defines eight kinds of tourism according to their form, which can, in turn, be subdivided into types.
Types of tourism according to type and purpose of the trip
Beyond these broad approaches, there is a series of categories approved by the UNWTO that is defined by the destination and purpose of the trip , and can be summarized as follows:
Rural Tourism
This takes place in destinations with low population density where agriculture and forestry are prevalent. The main objective is to experience nature, culture and productive activities.
- Angling tourism
- Observation tourism
The core element is responsible contact with the natural environment, where the tourist observes and carries out activities in the open air.
- Bird watching
- Observation of autochthonous species
Adventure tourism
Tourism in contact with nature, involving physical dexterity to undertake activities that are generally carried out in the open air.
- Scuba diving
- Sport fishing
Cultural Tourism
This takes place in destinations that have a remarkable cultural heritage and preserve its value. The objective is to discover and enjoy these values and traditions.
- Field trips
- Artistic performances
- Festivals or other cultural events
- Visits to sites and monuments
- Folklore
- Art
Business Tourism
Regardless of the destination, the reason for the trip is business or professionally motivated. This type of tourism entails a specific approach, as it is carried out by demanding travelers, with little time and particular needs.
- Attending conferences and congresses
- Attending Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
- Other professional and business reasons
Gastronomic Tourism
The trip must involve culinary experiences in the destination, which can range from enjoying a meal to learning how to cook.
UNWTO notes the high potential of this category as a sustainable activity to boost the development of local economies and promote inclusiveness.
A growing trend worth highlighting is Wine Tourism.
Coastal, Maritime and Inland Water Tourism
Includes all water-related activities. The most prominent category is Sun and Beach Tourism . However, the following should not be overlooked:
- Inland river navigation
Urban Tourism
This tourism takes place in a non-agricultural economic environment. Urban destinations offer a wealth of experiences related to art, architecture, commerce, social activities and good transport connectivity
Health tourism
Relates to the physical, mental or spiritual health benefit that travel can offer, provided by specific activities.
- Medical tourism
- Wellness tourism
- Spiritual tourism
Mountain Tourism
The nature of the trip is determined by the relief of the destination. It is not related to adventure sports, but to enjoying the attributes of the environment.
Educational Tourism
The objective is focused on acquiring new skills and knowledge.
- Exchange trips
- Language courses
- Tours for school groups
Sports Tourism
This is aimed at those who are going to enjoy or watch a sporting activity.
- Attending the Football World Cup
- Attending the Olympic Games
- Sports Delegation Trips
Each category will also be defined according to the needs and possibilities offered by the tourist destination, but in principle it is important to be able to sustain a basic classification in order to guide the statistics and to be able to work on comparisons and equivalences, depending on the focus we are addressing.
Bibliography
Erik Cohen , Major trends in contemporary tourism . Department of Sociology and Anthropology. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2004
Erik Cohen , The sociology of tourism: Approaches, issues and findings. in Annual Review of Sociology, 10,373-392., 1984
Smith, Valene , Hosts and guests. The anthropology of tourism . Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1989.

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Types of tourism

There are many different types of tourism, and each offers its own unique benefits. Here are just a few of the most popular types of tourism:
1. Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism is all about getting outside your comfort zone and pushing yourself to new limits. If you’re the type of person who loves a good challenge, then adventure tourism is definitely for you. Popular adventure tourism activities include hiking, climbing, bungee jumping, and skydiving.
2. Educational Tourism
Educational tourism is a great way to learn about new cultures and histories. If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, then educational tourism is a great option for you. Popular educational tourism activities include visits to museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals.
3. Eco Tourism
Eco tourism is all about responsible travel that has a minimal impact on the environment. If you’re concerned about the impact of tourism on the environment, then eco tourism is a great option for you. Popular eco tourism activities include hiking, biking, and camping.
4. Medical Tourism
Medical tourism is a growing industry that allows people to receive medical treatment in another country. If you’re in need of medical treatment that is not available in your home country, then medical tourism is a great option for you. Popular medical tourism destinations include Thailand, India, and Mexico.
5. Sports Tourism
Sports tourism is a great way to combine your love of sports with your love of travel. If you’re a sports fan, then sports tourism is a great option for you. Popular sports tourism activities include attending sporting events, participating in sports camps, and taking part in sporting competitions.
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40 Different Types of Tourists [2021 Tourism Types Guide]

Trying to find out about the different types of tourists? I hope this post helps!
News just in:
Not all tourists are made equal!
Sure, we’re all going from place to place to enjoy the various attractions on offer in our chosen destinations.
But everything from our reasons for travelling to our style of travel can vary, right?
So it turns out tourism’s actually this big umbrella term, under which sit all sorts of different types of tourists .
In fact, it can actually get a bit confusing…
From what I can tell, there’s no actual consensus on how many tourism types exist!
Some articles list 3 main types of tourism, others 10, a few make up their own ones for a bit of fun, and I’ve even seen some that detail 60+ !
To satisfy my own curiosity and help anyone else who might be looking into this topic, I thought I’d do some digging and put together a post about the main categories of tourism that seem to crop up again and again.
Sound good? Keep reading for a detailed look at 40 different types of tourist and tourism!

Here we go then: 40 different tourism types worth knowing about!
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3 Main Types of Tourism
Some sources, like this one , divide the overarching category of “tourism” into three primary forms: domestic, inbound, and outbound tourism.
Let’s go through each one in turn!
First, though, here’s a fun fact: to be classed as any type of tourist, it’s generally accepted that you’re not leaving home to stay in a chosen country for more than a year . Extend your stay beyond 12 months and I’m not exactly sure what you become (a resident, maybe?). Yet, by all accounts, you’re no longer a tourist !
1. Domestic
Domestic tourism’s basically when you visit somewhere within your own country but outside the specific place you live.
Imagine a Brit who lives in London. They’d be classed as a domestic tourist if they left London to explore another part of the UK.
Inbound tourism’s the opposite.
This, according to the source above, is “the activities of a visitor from outside [their] country of residence”.
So, if that same Brit left the UK to travel around France, or Spain, or anywhere that isn’t England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, they’d be classed by their chosen destination as an inbound tourist.
3. Outbound
And, finally, outbound tourism is when you leave your home country to explore somewhere else.
So, technically, you can be an inbound and outbound tourist at the same time!
For instance, the Brit who leaves the UK to go on holiday in France is an outbound tourist from the UK’s perspective and an inbound tourist from France’s.

Which type of tourism most appeals to you? And what type of tourist do you think you are?! Find out in the next section…
4 Types of Tourist?
In some pieces of tourist-related literature ( like this one ), those 3 official tourism types give way to 4 different types of tourists .
I find these ones far more interesting to think about!
They’re essentially different types of travellers . Learn the definitions and you can start working out which category you (and the people you meet on the road) fit into.
FYI, I’ve taken the following definitions from the source I’ve linked to above.
4. The Drifter
Drifters are tourists who pick novelty over familiarity every single time.
They revel in adventure, immerse themselves in the local community, and, whether they’re alone or in a group, tend to move without a plan or set itinerary.
5. The Explorer
Explorers favour novelty over familiarity too, just not to the same extent as drifters!
Preferring to travel solo , they also enjoy a semblance of comfort, structure, and certainty on the road. If they can see fascinating places with a reliable form of transport, then they’re happy bunnies.
6. The Individual Mass Tourist
The tables turn with individual mass tourists, who prefer familiarity over novelty.
However, they do choose to go it alone, opting for solo travel over group exploration whenever possible. They’ll follow a relatively structured itinerary and stick to certain times in particular parts of town.
7. The Organized Mass Tourist
Finally, there’s the organized mass tourist.
These guys are on the other end of the spectrum to drifters, picking familiarity over novelty every time. They’re the tourists who follow a tour guide whenever possible, try to create and stick to an itinerary, and leave nothing up to chance.

According to the literature, different types of travellers seem to fit into two distinct categories. More on these next…
2 Personality Tourist Types
To confuse things further, you see some sources (like this one ) discuss just two main tourist types!
This time, though, the definitions revolve around tourist personalities .
8. Allocentric (AKA “Venturers”)
Allocentric tourists are, according to the above source, “outgoing, self-confident, and adventurous”.
They tend to fly to their country of choice and will pick off-the-beaten-path destinations over more crowded/touristic ones.
From that description, allocentric travellers seem to resemble the drifters and explorers in the previous section. However, that’s very much my own interpretation! Experts in the field of tourism may disagree entirely.
9. Psychocentric (AKA “Dependables”)
As “self-inhibiting, nervous, and non-adventurous”, psychocentric tourists are basically the polar opposite of allocentric ones.
They “often refuse to travel by air for psychological reasons rather than financial of other practical concerns”, preferring familiar destinations to which they can travel by car and that have a solid tourist infrastructure.
Enjoying tour packages and well-organized itineraries, the psychocentric tourist sounds very much like the organized mass and individual mass tourists above.

Time to move onto a long list of the main categories of tourism talked about in tourist circles!
General Subcategories of Tourism
With the technical and official forms of tourism down, let’s move onto the many different categories that tourism boards talk about online!
In alphabetical order, these ones usually revolve around peoples’ reasons for travelling versus their specific personality or style of exploration.
10. Art Tourism
Love going to new places to get involved in the art scene? Maybe you go to art festivals, explore art galleries, or attend specific artistic events.
Whatever the case, you’re officially an “art tourist”.
Even things like going to famous museums and wine tasting events supposedly fall under the bracket of art tourism.
11. Backpacking/Youth Tourism
Sometimes referred to as “youth tourism” because of its typical demographic, backpacking (or backpacker) tourism is basically when you slap your stuff into a backpack and hit the road!
From what I can tell, it’s usually associated with a younger generation and often associated with gap year travel.
12. Budget Tourism
Quick heads up: I’m not sure this is an official type of tourism or one that’s been invented by the international travelling community!
Nevertheless, as someone who travels on a budget all the time, I can vouch for its legitimacy! Budget travel/tourism is the act of exploring on a shoestring. With close ties to backpacking tourism, you try to see and do what you can without having access to huge sums of cash.

Business tourism may be one of the better-known forms of tourism on this list.
13. Business Tourism
Business tourism seems to be one of the largest, most accepted, and most talked about tourism types out there.
It’s essentially when you have to travel for work!
A business traveller might attend meetings, go to trade shows, pitch ideas to international companies, and so on.
14. Cultural Tourism
In contrast to business tourism, the definition of cultural tourism seems to be far more slippery and less agreed upon in the literature.
I guess that makes sense though. After all, defining “culture” itself isn’t easy.
Regardless, the basic principle behind cultural tourism is that you travel somewhere to experience its cultural traditions/activities (whether you’re just watching or actively partaking in them). This might involve going to a religious festival in India or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for example.
15. Dark Tourism
Anyone who’s watched the “Dark Tourist” TV show will have a solid grasp of dark tourism already!
For anyone who’s new to the whole shebang, though, this is the slightly shady act of exploring places associated with death and/or tragedy.
Two examples would be:
Going to Cambodia to see the Killing Fields, or to
Mexico for El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead).
…As an aside, attending Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations would probably constitute cultural tourism as well.

Dental tourism is one type of tourism that fewer people know about, but that’s becoming increasingly popular.
16. Dental Tourism
Dental tourists are people who travel to a foreign country to receive dental treatment.
Sounds crazy, right?
However, it starts making far more sense when you realize you can get really high-quality dental care at a fraction of the cost overseas!
17. Disaster Tourism
Disaster tourism reminds me a bit of dark tourism. This time, though, it involves visiting places that have suffered some sort of environmental disaster.
Whether the disaster’s man-made or natural, people decide to take a look at the aftermath and it isn’t long before businesses start cropping up to cater to them.
18. Ecotourism
Ecotourism’s talked about a lot these days- especially among avid travellers who can’t imagine life without adventure, yet wish to preserve and protect the incredible places they’re lucky enough to visit.
Alas, with jet fuel often required to get efficiently from one place to another, living by these ideals is easier said than done!
Ethical dilemmas aside, ecotourism’s when you visit natural areas responsibly.
In other words, you travel in a way that both conserves the environment and benefits (instead of hinders) the local population.

Want to teach overseas? You’ll be partaking in educational tourism!
19. Educational Tourism
Often shortened to “edu-tourism”, this type of tourism involves travelling to a foreign country for educational purposes .
The education itself may involve learning a language or learning information on the country’s history, culture, or social practices. Specific examples include going on a school trip or going to study abroad.
20. Ethnic Tourism
An ethnic tourist is someone who chooses to experience with their own two eyes the lifestyle, customs, and practices of another culture.
Sounds similar to cultural tourism, right?
However, according to this source , ethnic tourism involves a closer, more direct, and “intimate” glimpse into another culture, whereas cultural tourism involves a more indirect manner.
21. Event Tourism
As far as I can tell, event tourism involves hosting and marketing events of one form or another that function as specific tourist attractions.
In other words, you hold an event to:
Encourage people to visit your country and
Shed your country in a positive light.
An event tourist is someone who’s left their country of origin to visit that destination for that event (be it for business or pleasure) and stayed overnight . If they don’t stay, then they’re deemed an “event visitor”.
You can find more information here .

Family tourism’s another commonplace type of tourism worth knowing about.
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22. Family Tourism
Family tourism seems like a fairly vague and overarching term that involves all forms of tourist activity done as a family unit .
For example, you might travel somewhere with your family and go to a theme park, or try any other kid-friendly attractions in the area.
Family tourism would also include paying a visit to your friends and relatives overseas.
23. Festival Tourism
This type of tourist is nice and simple:
A festival tourist’s someone who travels somewhere specifically to attend a festival!
Whether it’s Glastonbury, Burning Man, Tomorrowland, or any of the other countless festivals happening around the world, attending them all constitutes festival tourism.
24. Food/Gastronomy Tourism
Travelling somewhere to sample its gastronomical delights and learning a thing or two about the culture as a result?
Well, you’re officially a food tourist!
Food tourism is the arena in which you’ll operate. You could be taking a cooking class, visiting local producers, sampling the street food, or taking a local wine tour.

Of all the tourism types on this list, heritage/historical tourism is one of my personal favourites.
25. Health/Medical Tourism
Medical tourism’s similar to dental tourism. This time, though, you’re travelling abroad to get treatment of the medical instead of the dental variety!
It can work in two ways.
First, someone from a less-developed country may travel to a more developed one in order to access treatment that’s unavailable at home.
Second, someone from a more developed country may travel to a less developed one to benefit from cheaper treatment.
26. Historical/Heritage Tourism
In a nutshell, historical tourism (otherwise known as heritage tourism) involves going overseas to enjoy its historical sites, sights, and attractions!
It’s the person who visits Rome to explore the Colosseum, Egypt to see the Sphinx, or Peru to visit Machu Picchu. Sure, you enjoy the other tourism attractions in these places as well, but your primary focus is on the history.
Read more about historical tourism here .
27. Hobby Tourism
As you’d expect, hobby tourism is when you travel alone or in a group to watch or partake in your particular hobby of choice.
Things like “football tourism” (e.g. going somewhere to watch your favourite football team play) and “music tourism” (e.g. going somewhere to see your favourite artist perform live) are two popular examples that fit within this overarching category.

International tourism is one of the main types that crop up again and again.
28. International Tourism
Another wide, general, and overarching category of travel, international tourism is the opposite of domestic tourism (discussed above):
You cross national borders to visit and explore your given destination.
29. Leisure Tourism
To borrow a definition from USA Today , leisure travel involves:
“Travel in which the primary motivation is to take a vacation from everyday life.”
So, the leisure tourist might be staying in resorts, dining out, lazing on beaches, going on guided tours, and doing whatever they can to take a much-needed break from the norm.
30. Local Tourism
Local tourism basically involves spending your time and money in foreign destinations as one of the locals would!
You’re shopping in local markets, paying a local taxi driver for a ride instead of a big international company like Uber, dining in local establishments and partying where the locals go.
The goal? To:
Experience what life in this destination’s really like, and
Spend your cash in a way that supports the local population.
Want to learn more about a similar topic? Here’s my guide to local travel .

Leisure tourists look for an escape from everyday life and see travel as the perfect solution.
31. National Tourism
Remember the definitions of domestic and outbound tourism I talked about before?
Well, according to the World Tourism Organization , national tourism is a category of tourism that encapsulates them both.
In their words:
“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”.
32. Nature Tourism
Nature tourism’s another straight-forward form of tourism to wrap your head around:
You simply travel somewhere to revel in its natural, undeveloped areas and/or to enjoy the native wildlife on offer there!
33. Recreational Tourism
I’ve seen recreational (or recreation) tourism defined in two different ways.
The first (and most common) is that it involves travelling in order to participate in recreational activities- usually in nature- or to be a participant. Golf, fishing, hiking, and kayaking are a few examples.
The second, less common description (that nonetheless ranks at the top of Google results) is that it’s “the movement of people in their free time in the aims of rest required to restore the physical and mental strength of a person”.

Love nature and want to spend more time outdoors? Nature and recreational tourism are two different types of tourism worth looking into!
34. Religious Tourism
Are you a person of faith? Are you travelling alone or in a group to do something related to your religion?
Well, technically speaking, whether you’re going on pilgrimage, travelling as a missionary, or simply having fun, you’d be considered a religious tourist .
Heads up, you’ll also see religious tourism referred to as faith tourism .
35. Shopping Tourism
A relative newbie as far as the different types of tourists go, shopping tourism is exactly what you’d expect it to be:
Where the purpose of travelling to new places revolves largely around the desire to buy stuff . So, whether you’re going to London, Paris, or New York, your primary focus is on the goods you can acquire there.
36. Social Tourism
A more complicated and nuanced category of tourism, examples of social tourism include helping a charity build schools somewhere overseas, or teaching English to students there, and so on.
Simply put, the central focus of travel here isn’t just on personal pleasure. You’re trying to do something good for local communities in which you’re exploring.

Third-age tourism is another key tourism category in the travel industry! First, though, let’s talk about sports tourism…
37. Sport Tourism
Going somewhere new to participate in or watch a sporting event?
Well, you’re a sport tourist!
Imagine going overseas to see the next football/soccer world cup or to be in the stands at the next Olympics. This is sports tourism in its purest form. However, it could also involve going somewhere to train as a yoga instructor, or to learn martial arts.
38. Third-Age Tourism
Third-age tourism is also known as senior tourism or “silver tourism”.
This is the section of the tourist industry aimed at people who are going somewhat “grey around the edges”; who may have retired and now have expendable income and lots of free time on their hands.
So, if you love to travel and are getting a little longer in the tooth, then you’re probably classed as a senior tourist.
39. Urban Tourism
Another type of tourism for which you can probably guess the definition, urban tourism involves travelling to and around non-rural destinations.
This is the weekend trip to London, or the short break in Berlin.
You’re exploring the cities or towns, immersing yourself in the myriad metropolitan attractions on offer there.
40. Winter/Ski Tourism
Love cutting lines down powdered peaks? Well, you’re already familiar with winter/ski tourism!
From getting involved in winter sports (like skiing, snowboarding, or ice-skating) to watching them from the side-lines, a winter tourist travels to enjoy all-things cold and snow/ice-covered.
Remember (and try!) These Tourism Types
There you have it then: 40 different types of tourists.
As you can tell, although most of us have a basic definition of “tourism” in our head, the industry itself breaks down into dozens of individual tourism types !
If you’ve been trying to gain a greater understanding of these different categories of tourism, then I hope this post has helped!
Know of any other types of tourist for me to add to the list? Drop a comment below!
Like this post about tourist types? Read these next:
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21 Fascinating Types of Tourists Around The World
- February 10, 2023
There are so many different types of tourists around the world and it is important that we understand the different types of tourists in order to be able to ensure that the tourism industry meets their needs. Heck, it wouldn’t make sense to try to sell kids clubs tickets to tourists are are mostly elderly and without young children, just as it wouldn’t make much sense to sell volunteer tourism trips to tourists who just want to relax by the poolside for their annual vacation!
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From a tourism management perspective, we need to understand the different types of tourists so that we can provide each tourist type with the products and the services that best suit their needs and demands . So in this article I will introduce you to the the major types of tourists, are you ready to learn more? Read on….
Cohen’s types of tourists
Cohen’s tourist typology was one of the first major typologies developed in the travel and tourism industry. Cohen said that types of tourists can be put into four categories- I have explained these briefly below (if you want a more comprehensive explanation, read my article on Cohen’s tourist typology ).
Drifters typically have an authentic and deep immersive tourism experience, opting for staying with members of the local community rather than in hotels and spending their time in the local community. They seek adventure and plan their own itineraries. This type of tourist always opts for novelty over familiarity- you won’t see a Drifter eating in McDonalds or shopping in Zara! The Drifter is the type of tourist that is least connected with the mass tourism industry.
The Explorer
Explorers also seek novelty over the familiar, however these types of tourists do often have a little more interaction with the commodities associated with the tourism industry. For example, an Explorer may travel independently and enjoy an immersive cultural experience, but they may rest their head on a hotel pillow at the end of the day. This type of tourist will generally eat and shop local, but don’t be surprised if they enjoy a Big Mac from time to time too.
The Individual Mass Tourist
The Individual Mass Tourist seeks the familiar rather than the new. These types of tourists want familiar food, they want to be able to communicate in a familiar language and they want to stay in types of accommodation that they are familiar with. However, the Individual Mass Tourist is not constrained by the likes of group tours and activities- yes, they may book their holiday through a travel or use a local tour guide, but they will typically opt for solo travel over group tours.
The Organised Mass Tourist
The Organised Mass Tourist seeks the familiar, typically as part of an organised group. These types of tourists seek the familiar over novelty every time and they are often found with tour guides and undertaking group tours. The Organised Mass Tourist will generally have an itinerary or a plan and they will stick to it.
Plog’s types of tourists
Stanley Plog is another tourism academic who categorised types of tourists in his model of Allocentricity and Psychocentricity. Essentially, he grouped tourists into three types and then mapped this to the way that a destination may rise and fall in popularity. I won’t go into the details of Plog’s theory here, but if you do want to learn more you can head on over to my article ‘ Plog’s model of allocentricity and psychocentricity: Made easy ‘
Allocentric tourists
According to Plog, the allocentric tourist is most likely associated with destinations that are un(der)developed. These types of tourists might be the first tourists to visit an area. They may be the first intrepid explorers, the ones brave enough to travel to the ‘unknown’. Allocentric tourists like adventure. They are not afraid of the unknown. They like to explore.
Allocentric tourists are often found travelling alone. They are not phased that the destination they are visiting doesn’t have a chapter in their guidebook. In fact, they are excited by the prospect of travelling to a place that most people have never heard of!
Psychocentric tourists
Psychocentric tourists are the opposite to allocentric tourists. Psychocentric tourists are most commonly associated with areas that are well-developed or over-developed for tourism . Many people will have visited the area before them- it has been tried and tested. These tourists feel secure knowing that their holiday choice will provide them with the comforts and familiarities that they know and love.
Psychocentric tourists travel in organised groups. Their holidays are typically organised for them by their travel agent . These travellers seek the familiar. They are happy in the knowledge that their holiday resort will provide them with their home comforts. The standard activity level of psychocentric tourists is low. These types of tourists enjoy holiday resorts and all inclusive packages . They are components of enclave tourism , meaning that they are likely to stay put in their hotel for the majority of the duration of their holiday. These are often repeat tourists, who choose to visit the same destination year-on-year.
Mid-Centric tourists
Mid-centric tourists fall somewhere in the middle- these types of tourists like some adventure, but also some of their home comforts. Perhaps they book their holiday themselves through dynamic packaging, but then spend the majority of their time in their holiday resort. Or maybe they book an organised package, but then choose to break away from the crowd and explore the local area.
Types of tourists by destination type
It is common for types of tourists to be grouped by the destination type. This typically encompasses four major categories, as I have explained below.
Domestic tourists
Domestic tourism is the act of travelling for business or leisure within one’s home country. According to the UNWTO , a person must be away from their usual place of residence (but still in their home country) for at least one night to qualify as a domestic tourist.
Popular destinations for domestic tourism include the USA, India and China . This is because they are big countries with a variety of tourist experiences to offer.
International tourists
International tourism is the act of travelling overseas for business or leisure. International tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. Which tourists visit which destinations is determined by a number of different factors, such as distance to travel, cost of living in the traveller generating region and the tourism destination region , the tourist ‘s culture, disposable income and a range of other factors.
Inbound tourists
Inbound tourism is the act of someone travelling to a country other than that of where they live for the purpose of tourism.
Many countries around the world rely on inbound tourism. Inbound tourism is often seasonal, meaning that many destinations will have evident peak, shoulder and low seasons. This is often dependant on weather conditions (for example sun or snow) and school and public holidays.
Outbound tourists
Outbound tourism is the act of travelling ‘out’ of your home country for the purposes of tourism. Outbound tourism does not include the purchasing of good or services before or after the trip within the tourism generating country.
The terms outbound tourism and inbound tourism are often used interchangeably. This is because a tourist who is travelling internationally is both an outbound tourist (because they travel OUT of their home country) and an inbound tourist (because they travel IN to another country).
Types of tourists by tourism type
Many people will differentiate types of tourists according to the type of tourism that they are undertaking. Whilst this can be useful, it can also become rather complication when you consider how many different types of tourism there are! Below I have outlined some of the most common types of tourists according to tourism type, but I do suggest that you also take a look at this article, which outlines 150 different types of tourism !
Sustainable tourists
Sustainable tourism is one of the most important types of tourism, if not THE most important type of tourism that there is and more and more tourists are embracing sustainable tourism nowadays than ever before.
Sustainable tourism , also often referred to as responsible tourism , relies on the premise of taking care of the environment, society and economy. Sustainable tourism principles intend to minimise the negative impacts of tourism, whilst maximising the positive impacts.
Ethical tourists
Ethical tourism refers to tourism that benefits the people and the environment involved. It is closely aligned with the concepts of sustainable tourism and responsible tourism. Many tourists now seek advice on how they can be ethical tourists and implement this into their travel decisions and behaviours.
Experiential tourists
Experiential tourism is derived from the concept of experiential learning, whereby a person learns and creates meaning through their experiences. Therefore, these types of tourists focus on immersion with a particular destination, its culture, people, customs and histories. Experiential tourism is popular amongst backpackers, students and tourists looking for an authentic and deep travel experience.
Adventure tourists
Adventure tourism is one of the most exciting types of tourism. Adventure tourism is tourism which involves a degree of risk. It typically requires specialist skills or physical exertion. Adventure tourists might go rock climbing, skydiving, white water rafting, mountain climbing, zip-lining and paragliding, to name just a few examples.
Dark tourists
Dark tourism , also known as black tourism, thanatourism or grief tourism, is tourism that is associated with death or tragedy.
The act of dark tourism is somewhat controversial, with some viewing it as an act of respect and others as unethical practice. Popular dark tourism attractions include Auschwitz, Chernobyl and Ground Zero. Lesser known dark tourism attractions might include cemeteries, zombie-themed events or historical museums.
Cultural tourists
Cultural tourism is the act of travellers visiting particular destinations in order to experience and learn about a particular culture. This can include many activities such as; attending events and festivals, visiting museums and tasting the local food and drinks. Cultural tourism can also be an unintentional part of the tourism experience, whereby cultural immersion (with the local people, their language, customs, cuisine etc) is an inevitable part of a person’s holiday.
Ecotourists
Ecotourism is a form of tourism directed at preserving fragile environments and eco-systems. Ecotourism commonly occurs in threatened natural environments, where the intention is to provide conservation. Ecotourism efforts include building tourist facilities that have minimal impact on the natural environment, adopting the use of products such as compost toilets or solar-powered electricity.
Ecotourism has become somewhat of a ‘buzz word’ in recent years and is closely related to the concept of sustainable tourism .
Medical tourists
Another type of tourist that is increasing rapidly are Medical tourists. Medical tourism , also known as health tourism, refers to the act of travelling to another destination for the purpose of medical treatment. Motivations of medical tourists may include reduced costs for treatments or higher quality of provision. Medical tourists may seek life-saving treatments unavailable to them at home, cosmetic surgery or dental procedures amongst a range of other medical needs. Popular destinations include India , Turkey and Panama.
Religious tourists
Religious tourism , also known as faith tourism, refers to the act of travelling for the purposes of religious pilgrimage, missionary, or interest. A branch of cultural tourism , religious tourism constituted some of the earliest tourism forms. Not all religious tourists conform to beliefs of or religious practices of the attractions/destinations that they are visiting which can cause conflict between visitors and worshippers. Popular religious tourism destinations include Israel, Mecca and Varanassi.
Business tourists
Business tourism , or business travel, is one of the most important types of tourism there is, because it is so big! Business tourism is essentially a form of travel which involves undertaking business activities that are based away from home.
Business tourism activities includes attending meetings, congresses, exhibitions, incentive travel and corporate hospitality.
The traveller versus tourist debate
I would like to finish off this article by paying reference to a debate that I see referenced a lot by my fellow travel bloggers- the tourism versus traveller debate- and I would like to debunk it.
There are many people who claim that they are not a tourist, but instead they are a ‘traveller’. They claim that this is because they enjoy immersing themselves into the local culture and avoiding mass tourism places. However, I would like to point out (as I explain in more detail in my article on the definition of tourism ), that these people are indeed tourists, just as much as anyone else is a tourist.
As I have demonstrated throughout this article, there are many different types of tourists- yes, some enjoy local experiences and avoiding packaged, commodified and mass tourism products, and other types of tourists are at their happiest while sipping a cocktail by the pool in their all inclusive holiday resort . It doesn’t matter exactly what we do on our travels- if we are travelling away from home to see and experience new and different places, we are tourists.
Types of tourists- further reading
If you enjoyed this article outlining the different types of tourists, I am sure that you will enjoy these articles too!
- What is alternative tourism and why is it growing so fast?
- Where to find a job in travel and tourism
- The fascinating history of tourism
- What is a workation and why should you take one?
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Types of Tourism: Based on Nationality, Duration, Number of Tourists & Classification
- Post last modified: 3 August 2021
- Reading time: 15 mins read
What are Types of Tourism?
Tourism is a multipurpose business and it is divided in various ways. Tourism is divided on the basis of the number of tourists, duration of tourism, season, and type of tourism .
Table of Content
- 1 What are Types of Tourism?
- 2.1 Domestic Tourism
- 2.2 Foreign Tourism
- 3.1 Long Term Tourism
- 3.2 Short Term Tourism
- 3.3 Educational Tourism
- 4.1 Recreational Tourism
- 4.2 Leisure Tourism
- 4.3 Sports tourism
- 4.4 Business of Technical Tourism
- 5.1 Individual Tourism
- 5.2 Group Tourism
- 6.1 Limited Income
- 6.2 Subsidy Tourism
- 6.3 External Tourism
- 6.4 Cultural Tourism
There are other supports of tourism such as the attraction of tourist place, expenditure of tour, stage of the tour etc. So tourism is classified in various ways Tour planning is essential in the development of tourism.
Development of tourist centers, supply of facilities for tourism, the search of new tourist places, and development of tourism are important factors. In developed countries and developing countries nature of tourism and its problems, nature of tourism is different.
Therefore in these two groups of countries, there is a basic difference in the development of tourism. Development of tourism depends on the marketing of tourism, production in this business, and also the nature of service is different from other industrial production and marketing.
Classification of Tourism
Tourism can be classified on various grounds e.g. number of tourists, duration of tourism, the field of tourism, the purpose of tourism, etc. Major types of tourism are given below :
Tourism on the Basis of Nationality:
Domestic Tourism
Foreign tourism.
In this type, people travel in their own country away from their residence. Internal traveling is easy for them because there is no language problem. Obstacles like visa and other documents, the currency of that country which is required for foreign tours are not required for domestic tours.
Foreign tourism means traveling and staying in other countries instead of their own countries. In a technical view, a country has an independent political and economic administrative system. In this tourism visa and other requirements of documents are fulfilled.
Exchange should be taken of that country. Medical documents and other requirements should be fulfilled. So this tour is more pre-prepared than other tourism. An the economical system of the nation, this tourism is taken seriously because foreign tourism provides valuable foreign exchange.
The difference between domestic and foreign tourism is more practical. Like earlier problems of language, exchange of money & difficulty in customs, etc. is not serious problems. People can go far to another country far from their country by fulfilling the necessary requirement of documents.
Between developed and developing countries there is no special difference in the view of tourism, as a result, the difference between domestic & foreign tourism has been vanishing.
Types of Tourism According to Duration
Following is the types of tourism according to duration and traveling time:
Long Term Tourism
Short term tourism, educational tourism.
In this type duration of tourism can be long, it could be a few weeks or several months. Tourists can travel and halt in several countries due to the availability of facilities of fast transport.
The duration of this type of tourism is one week to ten days short period. Those tourists who do not go for long-term tourism plan to go for short-term tourism.
In this type of tourism, a halt is not expected. This tourism may be for a day. It can be domestic or international tourism. The duration of this tourism is less than 24 hours so that there is no requirement of the provision of halt.
Accommodation is provided by the organizers. During traveling, things can be purchased in this tourism e.g. attending conferences and workshops.
Types of Tourism According to Attraction of the Host Destination
The tourists have the different attraction of the different tourist places some of the types are as follow:
Recreational Tourism
Leisure tourism, sports tourism, business of technical tourism.
Recreation and entertainment are the first purposes of tourism. The people are bored with their routine and daily work. They want to change the dullness of the mind. They throw away their worries and start their work with a refreshed mind.
This change is done in tourism of this type, Tourists spend time in the hotels and enjoy. Some of the tourists choose the silent seashores or hill stations for their recreation. These tourists certainly choose good places where fresh air is available.
Shri. Atnadupsingh writes that the present trend is that this tourism is famous among the learned people and intellectual workers. At these places the people try to know the art, history, folklife traditions, customs, and natural entertainment, etc., sometimes this tourism is called as Cultural Tourism.
This tourism has various purposes. These tourists have different ways to derive pleasures, from such as different climates, different natural beauty, to rest at a remote place to observe tribal dances to see new things and to derive new experiences.
The tourists wish to spend their time at quiet places and away from their daily routine works and locality. These tourists go to calm places to get a quiet atmosphere away from their daily busy life, crowded streets, and house.
The main purpose of this tourism is to spend some time quietly and freely away from their usual daily work. In this tourism, tourists possibly roam to see beaches & waterfalls.
Tourism is also a group process like a visit to the sports field, Of course in these two fields excellent guidance and right planning is required, otherwise, development of both is impossible. The development of sports is one of the main purposes of tourism.
Swimming, sports competitions hunting, fishing, etc. sports are inspired due to tourism. Across the world, tourists crowd at the sports places during Olympic competition, skating, football competition, Wimbolden tennis competition, Hockey and boxing competition besides above sports-type maintaining horse riding, boat rowing, cricket, etc like these there are hundreds of sports competitions.
Countries that are inspired due to tourism arrangements develop sports fields. They get benefits from tourism development. Tourism is a good inspiration to sports organizers.
According to some economists and sociologists traveling done by professional people cannot be considered as tourism because the business view is more important than the self wish. It lacks entertainment, a recreation which is rest, etc. its aim of tourism.
In the professional traveling business, people have no freedom of fixing tourist places. Even they have no personal traveling freedom, They do not get the joy of staying. Business tourism is not considered as good tourism as they have no freedom.
In business tourism, many business people have to travel for business and visit exhibitions, fairs which are included in it. Whenever business tourists get time like other tourists they spend their time for enjoyment and recreation.
Types of Tourism According to Number of Tourists
These are types of tourism according to number of tourists discussed below:
Individual Tourism
Group tourism.
Individual tourism consists of one person or family of tourists. They go to a fixed place. They decide themselves their programs and change whenever they want, that is in this type of tourism the tourist or his family plan a fixed route of the journey and also their halting-place.
In this tourism a tourist himself decides the journey, stay arrangements and other things and in this regard, he visits the hotel owners or takes the help of others and tries to get facilities and gets the guarantee of it. This type of tourism is called individual tourism.
Sometimes group tourism is called united tourism. In this type, a group of people participate in the package organized by the organizers and gives expenses that are fixed. Tourists have no freedom as the organizer has decided in advance the tourist’s places, halting places, means of transport, etc, earlier and tourists have to do nothing.
In this type, all programs are arranged by the organizer. Tourists have no place in planning it. In this type, all services, meal recreation, etc. are provided by the organizer.
Nature of Tourism
According to Dr. W. Hunzikar in social tourism probably people having less income have their accommodation, meal, transport arrangement different from high-income people so social tourism is clearly different from other types of tourism.
Features of the nature of tourism as social tourism are as follows:
Limited Income
Subsidy tourism, external tourism, cultural tourism.
Tourists in social tourism are people having less income, laborers; businesspeople having less income, etc. They cannot spend more money on meals and dwellings due to limited income.
Tourists who have the wish for tourism but are unable to bear the expenses. Their expenditure is provided by the organizer, clubs, social organizer, local Govt. etc. Employers provide subsidies to their employees.
In external tourism, tourists go away from their place of residence. This Type of tourism depends upon the season.
In this type, people can understand mutual lifestyle and thoughts. Information about individual and international relations can be available. So tourism is an important means of international exchange of thoughts.
Information of culture, history, arts, sculpture, tradition, custom, thoughts festivals is obtained through cultural tourism. Various aspects of culture eg: diet variation, language, hospitality methods, industrial development, handicrafts are included in cultural tourism.
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- 4 Types of Tourism That You Must Know About
by Hammad Ur Rehman | Jul 8, 2022 | Travel Guide | 0 comments

Tourism is a great way to earn money and get close to nature. As the world is full of amazing places to visit, and it can be hard to narrow down what you want to see. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
There are many different types of tourism out there. From ecotourism to adventure travel to spiritual travel, there are a plethora of ways to explore the world. But what’s the best way to choose between them? In this article, we’ll look at different kinds of travel, and how they can help you to make the best choices when planning your next trip so let’s start.
4 Types of Tourism
Travel is not just for fun. There are many reasons why we travel, ranging from getting a better understanding of the world to exploring our own cultures. While many tourists use travel to simply relax and enjoy themselves, there are other reasons why we travel, such as education, professional development, advantures, and business development let’s have a look on different types of tourism.
1. Mass Tourism
This is the most common type of tourism and usually involves travel to popular destinations where large numbers of people go. It can be further subdivided into two categories:
Package holidays
This type of mass tourism involves buying a ‘package’ from a tour operator which includes transport and accommodation. It is the most popular type of tourism as it is often seen as the cheapest and easiest way to travel.
Free independent travelers (FITs)
This type of mass tourism involves people making their own travel arrangements, rather than buying a package holiday. FITs are usually younger and more adventurous than package holidaymakers.
2. Alternative Tourism
This type of tourism is often seen as a more responsible way to travel, as it involves supporting local communities and sustainable development. It can include activities such as eco-tourism, spiritual, cultural tourism and voluntourism. Let’s see the details of alternative types of tourism.
Ecological tourism
When it comes to the environment, this type of travel focuses on supporting and enhancing local culture and conservation, often through eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism. Many times, an ecological tour means interacting with locals, visiting local places and exploring the unique culture, natural areas, and other nature-based activities. You can usually find this type of travel on small islands, or on some of the world’s most remote places.
Ecotourism is a way to immerse yourself in nature, often staying in eco-friendly accommodation. It is focused on protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices in the tourism industry. There are many types of ecotourism, including wildlife tourism, glamping, birding, herbalism, fishing, and wildlife photography.
Cultural and Religious Travel
Cultural travel is the easiest kind of travel. Cultural tours are usually fairly short and include visits to museums, historical sites, and the like. Religious travel can be a little more difficult than cultural travel, but if you’re interested in exploring a specific religion, it can be a great way to see a place of worship.
Spiritual Travel
Spiritual travel helps you to connect with nature and get close to God. It’s a great way to reflect on the good things you have in your life and gain insight into your relationship with God. Spiritual travel is a type of travel focused on exploring spirituality, meditation, yoga, and other forms of self-exploration
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in a place you care about. Not only will you learn a lot about the local culture, you’ll also get a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.
3. Adventure Tourism
This type of tourism involves people traveling to remote or dangerous locations in order to experience the thrill of adventure. It can include activities such as mountaineering, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting.
If you’re looking for a vacation or holiday that involves some physical activity, then adventure travel is probably what you’re looking for. Adventure travel is a form of travel that includes activities such as skiing, surfing, hiking, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, diving, rafting, and paragliding. These types of trips are known for taking travelers far from their comfort zones and exploring new places and things. Adventure travel gives you a chance to escape your everyday routine and explore a different culture. You can meet new people, make lifelong friends and learn new skills.
Sightseeing and Vacation
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and less physical kind of vacation, then sightseeing and vacation may be for you. Sightseeing can be done alone or with a guide, while vacations are usually made up of several days of travel and one or more days of relaxing.
Eco-adventures
Eco-adventures are similar to adventure travel, but they usually involve less risk. They tend to be more focused on preserving the natural environment. This means that you may need to travel further, and often you will need to take part in activities that are not for the faint of heart.
4. Business Tourism
This type of tourism involves people traveling for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings. It is often seen as a more productive way to travel, as it combines work with pleasure it includes working or studying abroad.
Working Abroad
Working abroad is a great way to learn more about a different country and make some extra money at the same time. Many people find that working abroad is an excellent way to meet interesting people and expand their professional network.
How Do Different Kinds of Travel Help Us?
We travel for different reasons, so different types of travel may be better suited to different kinds of people. For example, adventure travel and ecotourism are geared toward people who prefer to go on activities that are physically challenging and/or adventurous. Whereas cultural travel and religious travel tend to be more passive and involve less physical activity.
So which kind of travel is right for you? Well, in order to figure that out, you’ll need to look at the reasons you want to travel, and then figure out which type of travel suits your personality and goals best.
Conclusion
As we learned, there are many different types of tourism. There are some types of travel that are more relaxing and some that are more active. Each type of travel has its own benefits, so you should choose the type of travel that is best suited to your personality and goals.
Thanks for reading!
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As one of the most powerful industries in the world, tourism has a great potential to become a force for good when driving economic and social development. However, this can only be achieved by appropriate planning – and with so many different types of tourism, it can sometimes be hard to accomplish.
🕒 6 min.The Tourism industry has a direct impact on the global economy. In 2019 alone, 1.4 billion international arrivals were recorded, which is equivalent to one-fifth of the world’s population. Due to the number of components that play an active role in tourism, there are an infinite number of criteria that can be used […]
There are many different types of tourism, and each offers its own unique benefits. Here are just a few of the most popular types of tourism: 1. Adventure Tourism Adventure...
3 Main Types of Tourism Some sources, like this one, divide the overarching category of “tourism” into three primary forms: domestic, inbound, and outbound tourism. Let’s go through each one in turn!
Cohen’s types of tourists. Cohen’s tourist typology was one of the first major typologies developed in the travel and tourism industry. Cohen said that types of tourists can be put into four categories- I have explained these briefly below (if you want a more comprehensive explanation, read my article on Cohen’s tourist typology).
This page was last edited on 12 June 2022, at 17:39 (UTC).; Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may ...
5 Types of Tourism According to Number of Tourists. 5.1 Individual Tourism. 5.2 Group Tourism. 6 Nature of Tourism. 6.1 Limited Income. 6.2 Subsidy Tourism. 6.3 External Tourism. 6.4 Cultural Tourism. There are other supports of tourism such as the attraction of tourist place, expenditure of tour, stage of the tour etc.
2. Alternative Tourism. This type of tourism is often seen as a more responsible way to travel, as it involves supporting local communities and sustainable development. It can include activities such as eco-tourism, spiritual, cultural tourism and voluntourism. Let’s see the details of alternative types of tourism.