tourism types and forms

Tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and a major foreign exchange and employment generation for many countries. It is one of the most remarkable economic and social phenomena.

The word ‘tour’ is derived from the Latin word tornus, meaning ‘a tool for making a circle.’ Tourism may be defined as the movement of people from their usual place of residence to another place ( with the intention to return) for a minimum period of twenty-four hours to a maximum of six months for the sole purpose of leisure and pleasure.

According to WTO (1993), ” Tourism encompasses the activities of persons traveling and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.”

The Rome conference on tourism in 1963 defined tourism as ‘ a visit to a country other than one’s own or where one usually resides and works. This definition, however, did not take into account domestic tourism, which has become a vital money-spinner and job generator for the hospitality industry.

The UNWTO defines tourists as ‘ people who travel to and stay in place outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited.

According to the Tourism Society of Britain ,” tourism is the temporary short-period movement of people to destination outside the places where they usually live, work; and activities during their stay at these destinations.” This definition includes the movement of people for all purposes.

The development of technology and transportation infrastructure, such as jumbos jets, low-cost airlines, and more accessible airports, have made tourism affordable and convenient. There have been changes in lifestyle – for example, now retiree-age people sustain tourism around the year. The sale of tourism products on the internet, besides the aggressive marketing of the tour operators and travel agencies , has also contributed to the growth of tourism.

27 September is celebrated as world tourism every year. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of UNWTO were adopted. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community.

History of Travel and Tourism

Travel is as old as mankind on earth. At the beginning of his existence, man roamed about the planet’s surface in search of food, shelter, security, and better habitat. However, with time, such movements were transformed into wanderlust.

About five thousand years ago, climate changes, dwindling food and shelter conditions hostile invaders made the people leave their homes to seek refuge elsewhere like the Aryans left their homes in Central Asia due to climate changes. Perhaps, this leads to the development of commerce, trade, and industry.

Religion, education, and cultural movement began during the Hindu and Chinese civilizations. Christian missionaries, Buddhist monks, and others traveled far and wide carrying religious messages and returned with fantastic images and opinions about alien people.

For centuries movement of people continued to grow due to the efficiency of transport and the assistance and safety with which the people could travel. By the end of the 15th century, Italy had become Europe’s intellectual and cultural center. It represented the classical heritage both for the intelligentsia and the aristocracy.

During the 16th century, travel came to be considered an essential part of the education of every young Englishman. Travel thus became a means of self-development and education in its broadest sense. The educational travel was known as the ‘ Grand Tour .’

The industrial revolution brought about significant changes in the pattern and structure of British society. Thus, the economy of Britain was greatly responsible for the beginning of modern tourism. It also created a large and prosperous middle class. Because of remarkable improvement in transportation systems in the latter half of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century, an increasing number of people began to travel for pleasure.

Travel was inspired initially by the need for survival (food, shelter, and security), the desire to expand trade, and the quest to conquer. As the transportation system improved, the curiosity for transforming the vast and virgin world into a close neighborhood created a new industry, i.e., Travel and Tourism .

However, the developments of rails, roads, steamships, automobiles, and airplanes helped to spread technology across the globe. Earlier travel was a privilege only for wealthy people, but with the industrial revolution, the scenario altogether changed. Transportation, as well as accommodation, became affordable to middle and working-class citizens.

Essentially, with the development of jet travel, communication, new technology, tourism, and travel became the world’s largest and fastest-growing industry.

Travel and tourism have recently emerged as a dominant economic force on the global scene, accounting for more than 12% of total world trade and growing at 8 percent annually.

Types of Tourism

Tourism has two types and many forms based on the purpose of visit and alternative forms of tourism. Tourism can be categorized as international and domestic tourism .

Tourism has two types and various forms. Based on the movement of people, tourism is categorized into two kinds. These are the following:

International Tourism

When people visit a foreign country, it is referred to as International Tourism . To travel to a foreign country, one needs a valid passport, visa, health documents, foreign exchange, etc.

International tourism is divided into two types; Inbound Tourism & Outbound Tourism.

Inbound Tourism

This refers to tourists of outside origin entering a particular country. Traveling outside their host/native country to another country is called inbound tourism for the country where they are traveling. For example, when a tourist of Indian origin travels to Japan, it is  Inbound tourism for Japan because foreign tourists come to Japan.

Outbound Tourism

This refers to tourists traveling from the country of their origin to another country. When tourists travel to a foreign region, it is outbound tourism for their own country because they are going outside their country. For example, when a tourist from India travels to Japan, it is outbound tourism for India and Inbound tourism for Japan.

Domestic Tourism

The tourism activity of the people within their own country is known as domestic tourism . Traveling within the same country is easier because it does not require formal travel documents and tedious formalities like compulsory health checks and foreign exchange. A traveler generally does not face many language problems or currency exchange issues in domestic tourism.

Forms of Tourism

Tourism has various forms based on the purpose of the visit and alternative forms. These are further divided into many types according to their nature. Forms of tourism are the following:

Some most basic forms of tourism are the following:

• Adventure Tourism
• Atomic Tourism
• Bicycle Tours
• Beach Tourism
• Cultural Tourism
• Industrial Tourism
• Medical Tourism
• Religious Tourism
• Rural Tourism
• Sex Tourism
• Space Tourism
• Sports Tourism
• Sustainable Tourism
• Virtual Tourism
• War Tourism
• Wildlife Tourism

Classification of Tourism

Tourism can be classified into six distinct categories according to the purpose of travel. These are the following:

1) Recreational : Recreational or leisure tourism takes a person away from the humdrum of everyday life. In this case, people spend their leisure time in the hills, sea beaches, etc.

2) Cultural tourism satisfies cultural and intellectual curiosity and involves visits to ancient monuments, places of historical or religious importance, etc.

3) Sports/Adventure : Trips taken by people with a view to playing golf, skiing and hiking, fall within this category.

4) Health : Under this category, people travel for medical, treatment or visit places where there are curative possibilities, for example, hot springs, spa yoga, etc.

5) Convention Tourism : It is becoming an increasingly important component of travel. People travel within a country or overseas to attend conventions relating to their business, profession, or interest.

6) Incentive Tourism : Holiday trips are offered as incentives by major companies to dealers and salesmen who achieve high targets in sales. This is a new and expanding phenomenon in tourism, These are in lieu of cash incentives or gifts, Today incentive tourism is a 3 billion dollar business in the USA alone.

Nature of Tourism

Tourism as a socio-economic phenomenon comprises the activities and experiences of tourists and visitors away from their home environment and are serviced by the travel and tourism industry and host destination. The sum total of this activity experience and services can be seen as a tourism product.

The tourism system can be described in terms of supply and demand. Tourism planning should strive for a balance between demands and supply. This requires an understanding not only of market characteristics and trends but also of the planning process to meet the market needs.

Often tourists from core generating markets are identified as the demand side; the supply side includes all facilities, programs, attractions, and land uses designed and managed for the visitors. These supply-side factors may be under the control of private enterprises, non-profit organizations, and the government. New and innovative forms of partnerships are also evolving to ensure the sustainable development and management of tourism-related resources.

The supply and demand side can be seen to be linked by flows of resources such as capital, labor, goods, and tourist expenditures into the destination, and flows of marketing, promotion, tourist artifacts, and experiences from the destination back into the tourist generating region.

In addition, some tourist expenditures may leak back into the visitors generating areas through repatriation of profits of foreign tourism investors and payment for improved goods and services provided to tourists at the destination. Transportation provides an important linkage both to and from the destination.

For planning purposes, the major components that comprise the supply side are:

• Various modes of transportation and other tourism-related infrastructure.
• Tourist information.
• Marketing and promotion.
• The community of communities within the visitor’s destination area.
• The political and institutional frameworks for enabling tourism.

The tourism system is both dynamic and complex due to many factors linked to it and because of the existence of many sectors contributing to its success. These factors and sectors are linked to the provision of the tourist experience and the generation of tourism revenue and markets.

The dynamic nature of the tourism system makes it imperative to scan the external and internal environment of the destinations on a regular basis so as to make changes when necessary to ensure a healthy and viable tourism industry.

Thus, it is now an accepted fact that tourism development can no longer work in isolation of the environment and the local communities, nor can it ignore the social and cultural consequences of tourism.

Importance of Tourism

Tourism and hospitality , which are inextricably linked to each other, are among the major revenue-earning enterprises in the world. They happen to be among the top employers too. There has been an upmarket trend in tourism over the last few decades as travel has become quite common. People travel for business, vacation, pleasure, adventure, or even medical treatments.

Tourism constitutes an important industry today. It has opened up new vistas for the play of economic emancipation. It provides a very potent contribution by strengthening and developing the financial resources of a country. Moreover, it is a process in which mutual material and mental benefits occur. Furthermore,

• Tourism fetches foreign exchange in the form of invisible exports, which results in the manifold progress of the nation.
• Tourism generates jobs. These employments are the main contribution of tourism to generating national income. But one should remember that employment in the tourism industry is often seasonal.
• Tourism often leads to the commercialization of art forms and especially handicrafts. Art items with cultural or religious meaning are sought by tourists as souvenirs. As more and more tourists visit a destination, souvenir production has increased, often leading to mass production. This production also generates income.

With several business-related activities associated with tourism, the industry has a tremendous potential to generate employment as well as earn foreign exchange. Many countries, such as Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and the Caribbean, whose economies are primarily driven by tourism. Tourism can contribute to the economic growth of a country in the followings ways:

Employment Generation

It creates a large number of jobs among direct services providers (such as hotels , restaurants, travel agencies , tour operators , guide and tour escorts, etc.) and among indirect services providers (such as suppliers to the hotels and restaurants, supplementary accommodation, etc.)

Infrastructure Development

Tourism spurs infrastructure development. In order to become an important commercial or pleasure destination, any location would require all the necessary infrastructure, like good connectivity via rail, road, and air transport, adequate accommodation, restaurants, a well-developed telecommunication network, and, medical facilities, among others.

Foreign Exchange

The people who travel to other countries spend a large amount of money on accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, etc. Thus, an inbound tourist is an important source of foreign exchange for any country.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predict in 1997 that the twenty-first-century economy would be dominated by three industries: telecommunications, information technology, and tourism. The travel and tourism industry has grown by 500 percent in the last 25 years.

Now withstanding this bright outlook and prospects, the tourism and hospitality industries are very vulnerable to the fluctuations of national economies and happenings in the world, especially terrorist attacks that have at times dealt severe blows to business.

In recent years, there have been a few setbacks in tourism, such as the terrorist siege of the Taj and Oberoi in Mumbai, India (26 November 2008); the attack on the World Trade Centre in the United States of America (11 September 2001); bombing in a hotel on the Indonesian island of Bali (12 October 2002); tsunami in Southeast Asia and South Asia on 26 December 2004, in which thousands of the lives where lost and consequently tourism was hit. Nonetheless, the sector is now getting back to business.

Impacts of Tourism

Tourism is a multi-dimensional activity. The scope of tourism activities is so wide and varied that it cannot be restricted to any particular field of activity. Tourism has ramifications in almost all sectors and is influenced by the performance of each of these sectors directly or indirectly. Tourism in any country can be an apt reflection of the nation’s economic and social endowment apart from its natural wealth.

Tourism has vast potential to bring about changes in the country’s economic, environmental, societal, and cultural edifice. Tourism has two basics: the supply of facilities and the demand for participation. The twin market forces of supply and demand interact to produce tourism patterns. These patterns are associated with economic, social, cultural, environmental, and ecological impacts.

Establishing or developing a tourism industry involves expenditure, gains, costs, and benefits. If these impacts are considered from the outset of planning, strengths and opportunities can be maximized while weaknesses and threats can be minimized.

Each destination will be different in terms of tourism characteristics . The cost and benefits of tourism will vary in each destination and can change over time, depending on tourism and other activities in a destination’s local and regional context.

Economic Impacts

Tourism activities impact the economy of the country as well as the local economy of the destination.

Economics Benefits

• Tourism generates local employment, directly in the tourism sector and in the support and resource management sectors.
• Tourism stimulates profitable domestic industries, hotels and other lodging facilities, restaurants and food services, transportation systems, handicrafts, and guide services.
• Tourism generates foreign exchange for the country and injects capital and new money into the local economy.
• Tourism helps to diversify the local economy.
• Improved tourism infrastructure.
• Increase tax revenues from tourism.

Economic Costs

• Higher demand created by tourism activity may increase the price of land, housing, and a range of commodities necessary for daily life.
• Demands for health services provision and police service increase during the tourist seasons at the expense of the local tax base.

Social Impacts

Tourism also affects the society of the destination in good as well as bad ways. It benefits and costs the local communities.

Social Benefits

• The quality of a community can be enhanced by economic diversification through tourism.
• Recreational and cultural facilities created for tourism can be used by local communities as well as domestic/international visitors.
• Public space may be developed and enhanced through tourism activity.
• Tourism Enhances the local community’s esteem and provides an opportunity for greater understanding and communication among people of diverse backgrounds.

Social Costs

• Rapid tourism growth can result in the inability of local amenities and institutions to meet service demands.
• Without proper planning and management, litter, vandalism, and crime often accompany tourism development.
• Tourism can bring overcrowding and traffic congestion.
• Visitors bring with them material wealth and apparent freedom. The youths of the host community are particularly susceptible to the economic expectations these tourists bring which can result in complete disruption of traditional community ways of life.
• The community structure may change, e.g. community bonds, demographics, and institutions.
• The authenticity of the social and cultural environment can be changed to meet tourism demands.

Cultural Impacts

Tourism activities also affect the culture of the host country. There are many positive and negative cultural impacts of tourism.

Cultural Benefits

• Tourism can enhance local cultural awareness.
• Tourism can generate revenue to help pay for the preservation of archaeological sites, historic buildings, and districts.
• Despite criticism about the alteration of cultures to unacceptable levels, the sharing of cultural knowledge and experience can be beneficial for hosts and guests of tourism destinations and can result in the revival of local traditions and crafts.

Cultural Costs

• Youth in the community begin to emulate the speech and attire of tourists.
• Historic sites can be damaged through tourism development and pressures.
• There can be long-term damage to cultural traditions and the erosion of cultural values, resulting in cultural change beyond a level acceptable to the host destination.

Environmental Impact

Tourism impacts the environment in positive as well as negative ways. These impacts are following below.

Environmental Benefits

• Parks and nature preserves may be created and ecological preservation supported as a necessity for nature-based tourism.
• Improved waste management can be achieved.
• Increased awareness and concern for the environment can result from nature-based tourism activities and development.

Environmental Costs

• A negative change in the physical integrity of the area.
• Rapid development, over-development, and overcrowding can forever change the physical environment and ecosystems of an area.
• Degradation of parks and preserves.

Industries Related To Tourism

Over the years, tourism has become a popular global activity. Depending upon the nature and purpose of their travel, tourists, need and demand certain facilities and services. This has given rise to a wide range of commercial activities that have acquired industry proportions. Thus travel and tourism nowadays represent a broad range of related industries.

Hotels are a commercial establishment that provides accommodation, meals, and other guest services. In the travel and tourism industry, the hotel industry plays a very significant role, as all tourists need a place to stay at their destinations, and require many more services and facilities to suit their specific needs and tastes.

Restaurants

Restaurants are retail establishments that serve prepared food and beverages to customers. In the travel and tourism industry, restaurants and other food and beverage outlets are very important as tourists like to experiment with the local cuisines of the places they are visiting.

Retail and Shopping

The retail industry is very important as tourists shop for their day-to-day necessities as well as look for mementos and souvenirs. In recent years, some cities in the world have been promoted as shopping destinations to attract people with a penchant for shopping by offering various products, such as garments, electronic goods, jewelry, and antiques. New York, Paris, London, and Milan in Italy are famous as fashion havens of the world.

Transportation

It is the movement of people and goods from one place to another. A well-developed transport industry, as well as infrastructure, is integral to the success of any travel and tourism enterprise.

Travel Agencies

A travel agency is a retailing business that sells travel-related products and services, particularly package tours, to customers on the behalf of suppliers such as airlines, car rentals, cruise liners, hotels, railways, and sightseeing.

Travel agencies play a very important role as they plan out the itinerary of their clients and make the necessary arrangements for their travel, stay, and sightseeing, besides facilitating their passport, visa, etc.

Tour Operators

A tour operator assembles the various elements of a tour. It typically combines tour and travel components to create a holiday. Tour operators play an important role in the travel and tourism industry.

Tourist Destinations

A tourist attraction is a place of interest for tourists, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, nature or building beauty or amusement opportunities. These are the basic fundamentals of the tourism industry.

Cultural Industries

Cultural or creative industries are responsible for the creation, production, and distribution of goods and services that are cultural in nature and usually protected by intellectual property rights. As tourists like to visit places of cultural significance and soak in the culture of the area, the cultural industry is very important to travel and tourism.

Leisure, Recreation, and Sport

Leisure or free time is a period of time spent out of work and essential domestic activity. Recreation or fun is spending time in a manner designed for therapeutic refreshment of the body or mind. While leisure is more like a form of entertainment or rest, recreation requires active participation in a refreshing and diverting manner.

As people in the world’s wealthier regions lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, the need for recreation has increased. These play a significant role in the travel and tourism sector.

Tourism Products

A tourism/tourist product can be defined as the sum of the physical and psychological satisfaction it provides to tourists, during their ‘traveling and sojourn’ en route at the destinations.

Since the travel and tourism industry is an agglomeration of too many sectors that promote travel-related services. These sectors are referred to as travel vendors and their services and goods are called ‘travel products’. A tourism product includes five main components such as physical plant, services, hospitality, freedom of choice, and a sense of involvement.

Thus, whatever the natural and man-made resources and services brought about the consumption of tourists are called tourism products .

Charecterstatics Of Tourism Products

By now, you must have understood what a tourism product is. Now let us look at some of its characteristics:-

1) Intangible : Tourism is an intangible product means tourism is such a kind of product that can not be touched or seen and there is no transfer of ownership, But the facilities are available for a specified time and for a specified use. For e.g. a room in the hotel is available for a specified time.

2) Psychological : The main motive to purchase a tourism products is to satisfy the psychological need after using the product, by getting an experience while interacting with a new environment. And experiences also motivate others to purchase that product.

3) Highly Perishable : Tourism product is highly perishable in nature means one can not store the product for a long time. Production and consumption take place while a tourist is available. If the product remains unused, the chances are lost i.e. if tourists do not purchase it.

A travel agent or tour operator who sells a tourism product cannot store it. Production can only take place if the customer is actually present. And once consumption begins, it cannot be stopped, interrupted, or modified. If the product remains unused, the chances are lost i.e. if tourists do not visit a particular place, the opportunity at that time is lost. It is due to tourism reason that heavy discount is offered by hotels and transport-generating organizations during the offseason.

4) Composite Product : Tourist product is a combination of different products. It has not a single entity in itself. In the experience of a visit to a particular place, various service providers contribute like transportation The tourist product cannot be provided by a single enterprise, unlike a manufactured product.

The tourist product covers the complete experience of a visit to a particular place. And many providers contribute to the tourism experience. For instance, the airline supplies seats, a hotel provides rooms and restaurants, travel agents make bookings for stay and sightseeing, etc.

5) Unstable Demand : Tourism demand is influenced by seasonal, economic political, and other factors. There are certain times of the year that see greater demand than others. At these times there is a greater strain on services like hotel bookings, employment, the transport system, etc.

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8 types of tourism that you need to know

The three tourism categories, domestic tourism, inbound tourism, outbound tourism, the 8 types of tourism according to motivation, business tourism.

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The Ultimate Guide To Types of Tourism: From Active to Zoological and More

Social Listening in Tourism: A Key Tool for Destination Marketers

Welcome to our ultimate guide to types of tourism! This collection is a comprehensive exploration of the diverse world of travel. 

In this guide, we delve into an extensive array of tourism types, each offering unique experiences and perspectives on the world. From thrill-seekers to animal enthusiasts and more, this guide covers a spectrum that caters to every traveler’s preference and style. 

Our aim is to enlighten both seasoned and novice tourism professionals and providers about the myriad ways people can explore, learn, and interact with different cultures, environments, and communities. 

Join us as we journey through each type of tourism, uncovering the nuances and specialties that make each one distinct and worthwhile.

3 Benefits to Understanding Types of Tourism

3 limitations of tourism typologies, active tourism, adventure tourism, accessible tourism, agritourism, alternative tourism, archaeological tourism, birth tourism, business tourism or mice tourism, bird tourism, coffee tourism, community-based tourism, craft tourism, cruise tourism, culinary tourism or food tourism, cultural tourism, dark tourism, dental tourism, disaster tourism, domestic tourism, drug tourism, educational tourism, enotourism/wine tourism, experiential tourism, extreme tourism, fashion tourism, film tourism, genealogy tourism, halal tourism, health tourism, heritage tourism, honeymoon tourism, industrial tourism, jungle tourism, justice tourism, lgbt tourism, literary tourism, medical tourism, militarism heritage tourism, music tourism, nautical tourism, ocean tourism, photography tourism, political tourism, rail tourism, regenerative tourism, religious tourism, rural tourism, science tourism, senior tourism, sex tourism, slow tourism, slum tourism, snow and ice tourism, space tourism, sports tourism, sustainable tourism, virtual tourism, voluntourism, war tourism, wellness tourism, wildlife tourism, zoological tourism, what other types of tourism are out there, what are the benefits of understanding types of tourism.

As you explore this guide, consider both the benefits and limitations of these tourism types. 

Use them as a lens to view the vast, dynamic landscape of travel, keeping in mind that the real essence of tourism often lies in the unique, unclassifiable experiences that transcend these categories. 

This guide aims to spark ideas, foster understanding, and offer a structured overview while celebrating the diversity and complexity of travel experiences worldwide.

• Identifying Personal Preferences and Destination Offerings – By exploring the different types of tourism, you can better understand what appeals to you as a traveler or what your destination can uniquely offer. This knowledge helps in tailoring travel experiences to personal tastes or in marketing a destination effectively.
• Competitive Analysis – For travel professionals and destination planners, understanding the breadth of tourism types provides a valuable tool for competitive analysis. By seeing what other destinations are doing, you can identify trends, gaps, and opportunities in the market.
• Learning from Successes and Failures – This guide serves as a repository of diverse tourism practices, allowing you to see what works and what doesn’t in different contexts. Such insights are invaluable for refining strategies and offerings in the tourism industry.
• Academic Orientation – While the categorization of tourism types is insightful, it’s important to recognize that this approach can be somewhat academic. The way these categories are defined and discussed may not always align with the more fluid, real-world experiences of travelers and industry practitioners.
• Tourist Self-Identification – Many tourists may not consciously identify with specific tourism labels like “wellness tourism seekers” or “adventure tourists.” Their motivations and behaviors might overlap across several types of tourism, making it challenging to pigeonhole their experiences into a single category.
• Guidelines, Not Rules – Consequently, it’s crucial to view these categories as flexible guidelines rather than rigid classifications. They offer a framework for understanding the broad spectrum of tourism, but they should be adapted and interpreted in the context of real-world experiences and market dynamics.

Now, I would like to begin expanding our list of types of tourism. I would like to give you 5 at a time. For each type of tourism, please give a 4-5 sentence paragraph explaining generally what this type of tourism consists of. Then give 3 bullets of examples from around the world that classify this type of tourism. Does that sound doable?

64 Types of Tourism (and Counting!)

Active tourism is centered around travel experiences that involve physical activities and outdoor adventures. It’s ideal for those who seek an energetic and health-conscious way to explore new destinations. 

This type of tourism includes a range of activities such as hiking tours, cycling tours, and running tours, each offering a unique way to connect with the landscape and culture of a place.

Examples of active tourism :

• Hiking Tours in the Swiss Alps – Trekking through scenic mountain trails and enjoying breathtaking views.
• Cycling Tours in the Loire Valley, France – Exploring picturesque villages and vineyards on bike.
• Run Tours in the Italian Dolomites – Self-guided and guide-led tours through one of the most challenging and dramatic run destinations.

Adventure tourism is characterized by its focus on active, outdoor experiences that often involve an element of risk or physical exertion. It caters to travelers seeking excitement, adrenaline, and exploration in natural or exotic environments. 

This type of tourism usually involves activities like trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or water sports. It appeals to those who want to step outside their comfort zone and embrace nature’s challenges.

Examples of Adventure Tourism :

• Trekking in the Himalayas, Nepal – Offering some of the world’s most breathtaking treks, including the famous Everest Base Camp trek.
• White-water Rafting in the Grand Canyon, USA – Navigating the rapids of the Colorado River amidst stunning canyon scenery.
• Safari Adventure in Kruger National Park, South Africa – Experiencing wildlife up close on guided safaris and bush walks.

Accessible tourism ensures travel and tourism opportunities are available to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age. 

This form of tourism focuses on creating inclusive environments, from transportation to accommodations and attractions, ensuring accessibility for everyone. It’s about removing barriers to travel and embracing a diverse range of travelers.

Examples of accessible tourism :

• Barrier-Free Travel in Berlin, Germany – Known for its accessible public transportation and facilities.
• Accessible Beaches in Gold Coast, Australia – Featuring beach wheelchairs and accessible walkways.
• Disney World, Florida, USA – Offering extensive accessibility options for visitors with various disabilities.

Agritourism, or agricultural tourism, involves visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation to enjoy, be educated, or be involved in activities. 

This type of tourism includes a wide range of activities like fruit picking, farm stays, wine tasting, and learning about rural ways of life. It’s a way for tourists to experience and understand the agricultural landscape and traditions.

Examples of agritourism :

• Wine Tours in Tuscany, Italy – Exploring vineyards and tasting world-class wines.
• Farm Stays in Vermont, USA – Participating in farm activities and enjoying local, farm-to-table meals.
• Tea Plantation Tours in Kerala, India – Witnessing tea production and enjoying scenic plantation walks.

Alternative tourism is an approach that emphasizes travel outside of the conventional mass tourism model. It focuses on smaller groups, less trodden destinations, and experiences that promote environmental sustainability, cultural understanding, and local community engagement. 

This type of tourism often involves eco-friendly practices, cultural immersion, and responsible travel ethics.

Examples of alternative tourism:

• Eco-Lodges in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil – Providing sustainable accommodation and immersive rainforest experiences.
• Community-based Tourism in Chiang Mai, Thailand – Engaging with local hill tribes and participating in their daily activities.
• Responsible Wildlife Tours in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – Promoting conservation and responsible interaction with unique wildlife.

Archaeological tourism involves traveling to sites of historical and archaeological significance. It appeals to those interested in the ancient history and civilizations of different cultures. 

Tourists get to explore ruins, artifacts, and museums, often with the guidance of experts to enrich their understanding of the site’s historical context.

Examples of archaeological tourism :

• Pyramids of Giza, Egypt – Exploring one of the most iconic and ancient wonders of the world.
• Machu Picchu, Peru – Visiting the well-preserved ruins of an Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains.
• Roman Colosseum, Italy – Touring the remains of the ancient Roman amphitheater, rich in historical significance.

Birth tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country. The primary motivation is often to obtain certain benefits for the child, such as citizenship or access to superior healthcare. 

This type of tourism involves extended stays and often requires considerable planning and understanding of the destination’s legal and medical systems.

Examples of birth tourism :

• Canada and the United States – Popular destinations for birth tourism due to the automatic right to citizenship for children born in these countries.
• Brazil – Known for its high-quality healthcare facilities attracting birth tourists.
• Germany – Offers excellent healthcare and allows children born to foreign parents to apply for citizenship under certain conditions.

Business tourism, also known as corporate or MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, involves travel for business-related purposes. This includes attending conferences, meetings, trade shows, and corporate events. 

It’s a major sector of the tourism industry, often involving high-level logistics and luxury accommodations.

Examples of business tourism/MICE tourism :

• Dubai, UAE – Frequently hosts international business conferences and exhibitions.
• Las Vegas, USA – Known for its large convention centers and hosting major trade shows.
• Singapore – A hub for corporate meetings and international business events in Asia.

Bird tourism, or birding, is a form of natural tourism where individuals travel specifically to observe and study birds in their natural habitat. This type of tourism is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. 

It contributes to conservation efforts and promotes awareness of bird species and their environments.

Examples of bird tourism :

• Costa Rica – Home to a diverse range of bird species, attracting bird watchers from around the world.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa – Offers birding safaris to see African bird species.
• Papua New Guinea – Known for its endemic bird species, including the famous Birds of Paradise.

Coffee tourism centers around visiting coffee plantations, learning about the coffee production process, and tasting various types of coffee. It provides insight into the journey of coffee from bean to cup, including cultivation, harvesting, and roasting. 

This type of tourism is especially popular among coffee enthusiasts and those interested in agritourism. It’s also a way to understand the cultural and economic importance of coffee in different regions.

Examples of coffee tourism :

• Coffee Plantations in Colombia – Exploring the renowned coffee-growing regions and experiencing the rich flavor of Colombian coffee.
• Café Tours in Vienna, Austria – Discovering the historic coffee houses and the city’s coffee culture.
• Coffee Farms in Uganda – A special recommendation from Travel Marketing School’s founder, as he conducted a research project in Uganda, delving into the local coffee industry and its impact on communities.

Community-based tourism focuses on local communities and their cultures, traditions, and daily lives. It’s a form of sustainable tourism that aims to benefit local residents directly, often through immersive cultural experiences. 

This tourism type encourages respectful and meaningful interactions between tourists and host communities.

Examples of community-based tourism :

• Sapa, Vietnam – Visitors engage with local hill tribes and experience traditional lifestyles.
• Masai Mara, Kenya – Offers cultural experiences with the Maasai people, including village tours and traditional dance performances.
• Oaxaca, Mexico – Known for community-based cultural tours, artisan workshops, and local cuisine.

Craft tourism involves traveling to destinations known for unique local crafts and artisanal products. Tourists get the chance to see artisans at work, learn about traditional crafting techniques, and purchase handmade goods. 

This type of tourism supports local artisans and preserves cultural heritage.

Examples of craft tourism :

• Marrakech, Morocco – Famous for its souks with traditional crafts like pottery, leather goods, and textiles.
• Kyoto, Japan – Offers experiences in traditional Japanese crafts such as kimono making and woodworking.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA – Known for Native American and Spanish colonial crafts, including jewelry and pottery.

Cruise tourism involves traveling on cruise ships that offer various on-board amenities and stop at multiple destinations. It’s a unique way to explore different places while enjoying the luxury and entertainment provided on the cruise. 

This type of tourism is popular for its convenience, all-inclusive packages, and the ability to visit multiple locations in a single trip.

Examples of cruise tourism :

• Caribbean Cruises – Known for their scenic island stops and vibrant on-board activities.
• Mediterranean Cruises – Offering a journey through historic ports in countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain.
• Alaskan Cruises – Showcasing stunning glacier views, wildlife, and unique shore excursions.

Culinary tourism, also known as food tourism, involves traveling primarily for experiencing the food and culinary traditions of a particular region. 

This type of tourism is not just about dining out, but also includes activities like food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and visiting farmers’ markets. It appeals to those keen on exploring a destination’s culture through its gastronomy.

Examples of culinary tourism or food tourism :

• Bologna, Italy – Known for its rich food culture, including dishes like Bolognese sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
• Bangkok, Thailand – Famous for its street food tours offering a taste of authentic Thai cuisine.
• Oaxaca, Mexico – Offers culinary experiences centered around traditional Mexican cuisine, including mole and mezcal tasting.

Cultural tourism involves traveling to experience the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of a particular area. This includes visiting historical sites, festivals, art galleries, theaters, and experiencing local customs. 

Cultural tourists seek to gain an authentic experience and a deeper understanding of the destination’s heritage.

Examples of cultural tourism :

• Kyoto, Japan – Renowned for its temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and Geisha culture.
• Paris, France – Offers a rich cultural experience with its world-famous museums, art galleries, and historical architecture.
• Marrakech, Morocco – Known for its vibrant souks, historic palaces, and Berber culture.

Dark tourism involves visiting sites associated with death, suffering, or tragedy. This controversial form of tourism is often educational and thought-provoking, aiming to commemorate and remember historical events. 

It includes visiting war zones, genocide memorials, disaster sites, and prisons.

Examples of dark tourism :

• Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland – A former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, now a museum and memorial.
• Chernobyl, Ukraine – Tours to the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
• Ground Zero, New York, USA – The site of the September 11 attacks, now home to a memorial and museum.

Dental tourism involves traveling abroad for affordable dental care, surgery, or procedures that are more expensive in one’s home country. It’s often combined with the opportunity to vacation and relax during the recovery period. 

This type of tourism is popular due to the cost savings and quality of care available in certain countries.

Examples of dental tourism :

• Bangkok, Thailand – Known for high-quality dental services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
• Budapest, Hungary – A popular destination for dental care, offering modern clinics and experienced dentists.
• Costa Rica – Attracts dental tourists with its combination of professional dental care and beautiful vacation spots.

Disaster tourism is the practice of visiting locations that have experienced natural or man-made disasters. It can be controversial, but when managed ethically, it can offer educational value and support for the affected communities through tourism revenue. 

This type of tourism includes visiting areas hit by hurricanes, earthquakes, or industrial catastrophes.

Examples of disaster tourism :

• New Orleans, USA – Tours of areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, focusing on the disaster’s impact and recovery efforts.
• Pompeii, Italy – An ancient city preserved in volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius, offering insights into the life and sudden end of a Roman city.
• Fukushima, Japan – Guided tours in the regions affected by the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster, focusing on the impacts and ongoing recovery.

Domestic tourism involves traveling within one’s own country rather than going abroad. This type of tourism allows individuals to explore different regions, cultures, and attractions within their national borders. It’s a way to support local economies and discover the diversity of one’s own country. 

Domestic travel can range from weekend getaways to extended tours and can include a variety of activities like city breaks, countryside excursions, or coastal holidays.

Examples of domestic tourism :

• The Lake District, England – Known for its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and quaint villages.
• Yellowstone National Park, USA – Attracts visitors with its geothermal features and wildlife.
• Great Ocean Road, Australia – A scenic drive famous for its rugged coastline, including the Twelve Apostles.

Drug tourism refers to travel to a region to obtain or use drugs that are illegal in one’s home country. This controversial type of tourism often involves substances that are culturally or legally accepted in the destination. 

It’s important to approach this topic with an understanding of the legal and ethical implications involved.

Examples of drug tourism :

• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Known for its coffee shops where certain types of cannabis are legally sold and consumed.
• Ayahuasca Retreats in Peru – Offering spiritual experiences with the traditional Ayahuasca brew, often under the guidance of a shaman.
• Certain States in the USA – Where the recreational use of cannabis is legal, attracting tourists from other states or countries.

Ecotourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of local people. It emphasizes minimizing the impact of tourism, promoting environmental awareness, and providing direct financial benefits for conservation and community development. 

Ecotourism experiences often include wildlife viewing, nature hikes, and educational activities about local ecosystems.

Examples of ecotourism :

• Costa Rica – A global leader in ecotourism, known for its rainforest tours and conservation efforts.
• The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – Offers unique wildlife experiences with a strong emphasis on preserving the islands’ delicate ecosystem.
• Kenya – Renowned for its safari experiences in national parks that combine wildlife viewing with conservation efforts.

Educational tourism is travel aimed at acquiring knowledge or learning something new, including student exchanges, study tours, and academic sabbaticals.

This type of tourism can encompass a wide range of subjects, from language learning to cultural studies, and is often facilitated by educational institutions.

Examples of educational tourism :

• Language Schools in Spain – Offering immersive Spanish language learning experiences.
• Historical Tours in Rome, Italy – Focusing on the city’s rich ancient history and architecture.
• Cooking Schools in Thailand – Where tourists learn to cook traditional Thai dishes in a hands-on setting.

Enotourism, or wine tourism, involves visiting vineyards, wineries, wine festivals, and tasting rooms to experience the process of wine production and to taste wines in their natural setting. 

This type of tourism often includes learning about viticulture and winemaking processes, and experiencing the culture and cuisine associated with wine regions.

Examples of enotourism or wine tourism :

• Bordeaux, France – Famous for its wine tours and tastings in renowned vineyards.
• Napa Valley, California, USA – Known for its world-class wineries and beautiful landscapes.
• Tuscany, Italy – Offers picturesque vineyards, wine tastings, and tours of historic wineries.

Experiential tourism focuses on creating immersive experiences for travelers, allowing them to actively engage with the history, people, culture, food, and environment of a destination. Instead of being passive observers, tourists are encouraged to participate actively in the local way of life. 

This type of tourism often involves authentic, hands-on activities that provide a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Examples of experiential tourism :

• Live Like a Local in Bali, Indonesia – Engaging in traditional Balinese daily activities, from rice farming to temple rituals.
• Culinary Classes in France – Learning to cook regional French dishes with local chefs.
• Maori Cultural Experiences in New Zealand – Immersive experiences in Maori history, art, and traditional ceremonies.

Extreme tourism caters to tourists seeking adrenaline-pumping activities and experiences that involve a high level of risk. This type of tourism is for thrill-seekers who enjoy challenging themselves physically and mentally. 

Activities often take place in extreme or unusual environments, from remote wilderness to harsh climates.

Examples of extreme tourism :

• Mount Everest Expeditions, Nepal – Attempting to summit the world’s highest peak.
• Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua – Sliding down the slopes of an active volcano on a specialized board.
• Ice Diving in Antarctica – Exploring underwater environments beneath the ice.

Fashion tourism revolves around traveling to destinations known for their influence in the world of fashion. This includes visiting fashion capitals for events like Fashion Week, exploring famous shopping districts, and attending fashion shows. 

It’s a blend of travel and the love of fashion, style, and shopping.

Examples of fashion tourism :

• Milan Fashion Week, Italy – Attending one of the most prestigious events in the fashion world.
• Shopping in Paris, France – Exploring high-end fashion boutiques in areas like the Champs-Élysées.
• Garment District Tour in New York City, USA – Discovering the heart of America’s fashion industry.

Film tourism involves visiting locations where famous movies or TV shows were filmed. This type of tourism allows fans to connect with their favorite media by seeing and experiencing the actual places featured on screen. 

It includes guided tours of film sets, themed attractions, and visiting iconic locations from popular films.

Examples of film tourism :

• Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand – Exploring the filming location of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies.
• Game of Thrones Tours in Dubrovnik, Croatia – Visiting key filming locations from the popular TV series.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, England – Experiencing the behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter movie series.

Genealogy tourism, or ancestry tourism, involves individuals traveling to explore their family roots and heritage. This journey often includes visiting ancestral hometowns, exploring archives and libraries, and connecting with distant relatives. 

It’s a personal form of tourism that provides a deeper understanding of one’s family history and cultural background.

Examples of genealogy tourism :

• Visiting Ellis Island, USA – Exploring the gateway for millions of immigrants and searching historical records.
• Ancestral Villages in China – Travelers visit their ancestral villages to learn about family history and participate in traditional customs.
• Genealogy Research in Ireland – Utilizing resources like the National Library of Ireland to trace Irish ancestry and visiting ancestral homes.

Geotourism focuses on the geographical characteristics of a destination, including its culture, aesthetics, heritage, and well-being of its inhabitants. It emphasizes a deep respect and appreciation for the intrinsic natural and cultural features of a place. 

Geotourism often involves exploring unique geological features, landscapes, and local traditions in a sustainable manner.

Examples of geotourism :

• Grand Canyon, USA – Marveling at one of the world’s most renowned geological wonders.
• Icelandic Geothermal Springs – Experiencing geysers, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes.
• The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Exploring the world’s largest coral reef system, renowned for its vibrant marine life.

Halal tourism caters to Muslim travelers who wish to adhere to their Islamic beliefs while traveling. This includes access to Halal food, prayer facilities, and accommodation that aligns with Islamic practices. 

Halal tourism also often involves experiences that respect Islamic culture and heritage.

Examples of halal tourism :

• Istanbul, Turkey – Offering a rich Islamic heritage, Halal-friendly hotels, and mosques.
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Known for its Halal culinary scene and Islamic art museums.
• Dubai, UAE – Providing luxury Halal travel experiences, from shopping to accommodation.

Health tourism involves traveling to improve one’s physical or mental health, often including medical treatments, wellness retreats, or fitness programs. 

This type of tourism can range from spa and wellness retreats to undergoing medical procedures or therapies in specialized facilities abroad.

Examples of health tourism :

• Spa Retreats in Bali, Indonesia – Offering holistic wellness experiences, including traditional Balinese treatments.
• Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh, India – Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, offering a range of yoga and meditation retreats.
• Thermal Baths in Budapest, Hungary – Famous for its thermal springs and spa culture.

Heritage tourism involves visiting sites of historical or cultural significance to understand and appreciate the past. It includes exploring ancient ruins, historical landmarks, museums, and culturally rich neighborhoods. 

This type of tourism is about connecting with the history, traditions, and heritage of a place.

Examples of heritage tourism :

• The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt – Exploring one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
• The Historic Center of Rome, Italy – Immersing in the rich history of the Roman Empire.
• The Great Wall of China – Visiting the iconic symbol of China’s historical defense architecture.

Honeymoon tourism caters to newlyweds seeking a romantic and memorable experience post-wedding. It often involves luxury accommodations, picturesque settings, and romantic activities. 

Destinations range from tropical beaches to cozy mountain retreats, tailored to provide an intimate and special experience for couples.

Examples of honeymoon tourism :

• Maldives – Known for its overwater bungalows and idyllic island settings.
• Paris, France – Often dubbed the ‘City of Love’, popular for its romantic ambiance.
• Santorini, Greece – Famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and beautiful beaches.

Industrial tourism involves visiting industrial sites, factories, or other facilities to learn about their history, operations, and contributions to society. This type of tourism offers insight into various industries, from traditional manufacturing to high-tech sectors. 

Visitors get a chance to see how products are made and understand the industrial heritage of a region.

Examples of industrial tourism :

• Boeing Factory Tour, Seattle, USA – Observing the assembly of airplanes in the world’s largest building by volume.
• Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland – Exploring the history and production of the famous beer.
• BMW Welt, Munich, Germany – Showcasing the brand’s history and offering insights into modern car manufacturing.

Jungle tourism focuses on exploring dense rainforests or jungles, offering an immersive experience in rich, biodiverse environments. This type of tourism often includes guided treks, wildlife watching, and learning about the ecosystem and indigenous cultures. 

It’s popular among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Examples of jungle tourism :

• Amazon Rainforest, Brazil – Experiencing the world’s largest tropical rainforest and its diverse wildlife.
• Taman Negara, Malaysia – Exploring one of the world’s oldest rainforests with guided jungle treks.
• Madagascar – Visiting unique ecosystems with a vast array of endemic species, from lemurs to exotic plants.

Justice tourism is a form of travel concerned with social justice and human rights. It involves visiting places significant to historical or contemporary struggles for justice and equality. 

This type of tourism aims to educate travelers about issues like poverty, oppression, and civil rights, often involving interactions with local communities.

Examples of justice tourism :

• Robben Island, South Africa – The prison where Nelson Mandela was held, now a symbol of the struggle against apartheid.
• Civil Rights Trail, USA – Visiting key sites of the American Civil Rights Movement.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin, Germany – Reflecting on the history and impact of the Holocaust.

LGBT tourism caters to members of the LGBT community and is focused on destinations, accommodations, and events that are welcoming and inclusive. This type of tourism includes pride festivals, cruises, and destinations known for their supportive and vibrant LGBT scenes. 

It promotes a safe and open environment for LGBT travelers.

Examples of LGBT tourism :

• San Francisco, USA – Known for its inclusive and vibrant LGBT community and history.
• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Hosting one of the world’s most famous pride parades and offering a welcoming atmosphere.
• Mykonos, Greece – A popular LGBT-friendly island with a lively nightlife and beautiful beaches.

Literary tourism involves visiting locations associated with famous authors, literary works, or literary history. This can include authors’ homes, settings of famous novels, or literary festivals. 

It appeals to book lovers and those interested in the world of literature and storytelling.

Examples of literary tourism :

• Stratford-upon-Avon, England – The birthplace of William Shakespeare, with various related sites and theaters.
• Brontë Parsonage Museum, England – The former home of the Brontë sisters, set in the landscape that inspired their novels.
• Joyce’s Dublin, Ireland – Exploring the city through the lens of James Joyce’s works, particularly “Ulysses.”

Medical tourism involves traveling to another country for medical care, often driven by lower costs, higher quality services, or access to specific treatments not available in one’s home country. 

This can include a wide range of medical services, from elective procedures like cosmetic surgery to complex treatments such as organ transplants or fertility therapy.

Examples of medical tourism :

• Bangkok, Thailand – Renowned for high-quality medical care at affordable prices, especially in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
• India – Offers advanced medical treatments like cardiac surgery and orthopedics at competitive prices.
• South Korea – Known for its advanced medical technology, particularly in areas like dermatology and plastic surgery.

Militarism heritage tourism involves visiting sites significant to military history, such as battlefields, war memorials, and military museums. 

This type of tourism is aimed at understanding the historical context of wars and conflicts and honoring the memory of those who served.

Examples of militarism heritage tourism :

• Normandy, France – Visiting the D-Day landing beaches and war cemeteries from World War II.
• Gettysburg, USA – Exploring the site of the pivotal battle in the American Civil War.
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Japan – Reflecting on the impact of the atomic bomb and promoting peace.

Music tourism is travel motivated by the love of music, whether it’s visiting famous music destinations, attending concerts and festivals, or exploring the history of certain music genres. 

This type of tourism can include a variety of musical experiences, from classical music concerts to rock festivals.

Examples of music tourism :

• Nashville, USA – Known as the “Music City” and famous for its country music scene and attractions like the Grand Ole Opry.
• Vienna, Austria – Celebrated for its classical music heritage and venues like the Vienna State Opera.
• New Orleans, USA – Renowned for its jazz music, lively music festivals, and vibrant street performances.

Nautical tourism encompasses activities and experiences related to sailing and boating. This can include yacht chartering, sailing regattas, and visiting maritime museums. 

Nautical tourism is popular among those who enjoy the sea and water-based activities.

Examples of nautical tourism :

• Greek Islands Yacht Tour – Exploring the Aegean Sea and visiting various Greek islands by boat.
• Croatian Coastline – Offering sailing experiences along its scenic Adriatic coast.
• Monaco Yacht Show – One of the most prestigious nautical events showcasing luxury yachting.

Ocean tourism focuses on activities and experiences in and around the ocean. This includes a wide range of water-based activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, ocean kayaking, and whale watching. 

It’s ideal for those who wish to explore marine life and oceanic environments.

Examples of ocean tourism :

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia – World-famous for scuba diving and snorkeling, showcasing an array of marine life.
• Whale Watching in Maui, Hawaii – Offering opportunities to see humpback whales in their natural habitat.
• Surfing in Bali, Indonesia – Known for its excellent surfing spots and vibrant marine life.

Photography tourism caters to those who travel specifically to capture photographs of scenic, cultural, or unique subjects. This can include wildlife photography safaris, visits to picturesque landscapes, or urban photography tours. 

It’s ideal for both amateur and professional photographers looking to expand their portfolios with diverse and compelling images.

Examples of photography tourism :

• Iceland – Popular for capturing natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and dramatic landscapes.
• Masai Mara, Kenya – A prime destination for wildlife photography, especially during the Great Migration.
• Paris, France – Offering classic urban photography opportunities with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

Political tourism involves traveling to sites of significant political interest, including historical landmarks, political institutions, or locations known for political events. 

This type of tourism is aimed at those interested in political history, activism, or contemporary political scenes.

Examples of political tourism :

• Washington D.C., USA – Visiting the U.S. Capitol, White House, and various political memorials.
• Berlin, Germany – Exploring sites like the Berlin Wall and Reichstag building, rich in political history.
• Beijing, China – Home to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, significant in Chinese political history.

Rail tourism is centered around journeys on trains, offering a unique way to view landscapes and explore regions. This can range from luxury train experiences to scenic rail routes that traverse through picturesque countryside, mountains, or coastal areas. 

It appeals to those who enjoy the romance and nostalgia of train travel.

Examples of rail tourism :

• Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia – One of the world’s longest train journeys, crossing diverse landscapes from Moscow to Vladivostok.
• The Ghan, Australia – A coast-to-coast rail journey across the Australian continent, from Darwin to Adelaide.
• Glacier Express, Switzerland – Renowned for its panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability, aiming to leave a place better than it was found. This approach involves engaging in travel practices that restore and enhance the environment, local culture, and community well-being. 

It’s about creating a positive impact and contributing to the regeneration of the ecosystems and communities visited.

Examples of regenerative tourism :

• Reforestation Projects in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil – Participating in efforts to replant and restore parts of the rainforest.
• Cultural Preservation Programs in Bali, Indonesia – Supporting initiatives that maintain and rejuvenate traditional Balinese arts and crafts.
• Ecosystem Restoration Camps, Various Locations – Joining camps that focus on restoring degraded landscapes and promoting ecological health.

Religious tourism, or pilgrimage, involves traveling to religious sites, temples, churches, or regions significant to specific faiths. 

This type of tourism can be a spiritual journey or a way to explore the historical and cultural aspects of different religions.

Examples of religious tourism :

• Mecca, Saudi Arabia – The holiest city in Islam, visited by millions of Muslims for the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Vatican City – Attracting millions of Christian pilgrims and tourists to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
• Varanasi, India – One of the oldest and most sacred cities in Hinduism, famous for its ghats and temples.

Rural tourism focuses on visiting rural areas to experience and understand the rural lifestyle, culture, and traditions. It often involves staying in villages, farmhouses, or homestays, and participating in activities like hiking, local crafts, and agriculture. 

This type of tourism is popular among those seeking a tranquil and authentic experience away from urban centers.

Examples of rural tourism :

• Tuscany, Italy – Known for its picturesque countryside, vineyards, and traditional farm stays.
• Shirakawa-go, Japan – Offers a unique experience in traditional thatched-roof villages.
• Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA – Provides insight into the Amish lifestyle and culture.

Science tourism is centered around visiting sites of scientific interest, such as observatories, science museums, and research facilities. It appeals to those interested in learning about various scientific fields, from astronomy to geology. 

This type of tourism often includes educational tours and interactive experiences designed to enhance understanding of scientific principles and discoveries.

Examples of science tourism :

• CERN, Switzerland – Touring the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.
• Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA – Exploring NASA’s launch complex and space exploration exhibits.
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – Known for their unique biodiversity, offering insights into evolutionary biology.

Senior tourism caters to older travelers, often offering tailored travel experiences that are accessible and comfortable for them. This can include cultural tours, cruise trips, and leisure destinations with a focus on health, relaxation, and low-impact activities. 

Senior tourism prioritizes ease of access, quality of services, and opportunities for social interaction.

Examples of senior tourism :

• Cruise trips in the Mediterranean – Providing accessible and leisurely travel experiences with stops at historical cities.
• Health resorts in Baden-Baden, Germany – Offering therapeutic spa treatments in a serene environment.
• Cultural tours in Japan – Guided tours with a focus on comfort and accessibility, exploring traditional Japanese culture.

Sex tourism involves traveling to engage in sexual activities, often with commercial sex workers. This controversial and often illegal form of tourism raises significant ethical and legal concerns. 

It’s important to approach this topic with an understanding of the legal, social, and human rights implications involved.

Examples of sex tourism :

• Bangkok, Thailand – Known for its red-light districts, though this aspect is controversial and subject to legal and ethical scrutiny.
• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Notable for its legalized and regulated Red Light District, though the city has been taking measures to address issues related to sex tourism.
• Nevada, USA – Certain areas in Nevada have legal brothels, though this is a highly regulated industry.

Slow tourism emphasizes taking time to enjoy and experience the destination deeply rather than trying to see everything in a rush. It’s about immersing oneself in the local culture, environment, and way of life, often involving longer stays, and sustainable and mindful travel practices.

Examples of slow tourism :

• Canal Boating in France – Exploring the countryside at a leisurely pace through its network of canals.
• Walking tours in Tuscany, Italy – Enjoying the landscape, cuisine, and culture at a relaxed pace.
• Stay in a Ryokan, Japan – Experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality and culture in a serene setting.

Slum tourism involves visiting impoverished urban areas to see firsthand the life of residents in these communities. While it can raise awareness about poverty and social issues, it also raises ethical concerns about exploitation and voyeurism. 

Responsible slum tourism should focus on respectful engagement and supporting local communities.

Examples of slum tourism :

• Dharavi, Mumbai, India – Guided tours that aim to break stereotypes and highlight the industriousness of the community.
• Township tours in South Africa – Visits to townships with a focus on cultural exchange and understanding the local history and social challenges.
• Favela tours in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Offering insights into the vibrant culture and community resilience in favelas.

Snow and ice tourism is all about travel experiences in cold and snowy environments. This type of tourism is popular for winter sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy the beauty of snowy landscapes. 

Activities include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and visiting ice hotels or festivals.

Examples of snow and ice tourism :

• Skiing in Aspen, Colorado, USA – Offering world-class ski resorts and winter sports facilities.
• Ice Hotel Stay in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden – Experiencing unique accommodation entirely made of ice and snow.
• Harbin Ice Festival, China – Visiting one of the world’s largest ice and snow sculpture festivals.

Space tourism represents the cutting-edge of travel, offering civilians the opportunity to experience space. This emerging type of tourism includes suborbital flights that provide a few minutes of weightlessness and an incredible view of Earth from space. 

It’s a frontier for wealthy adventurers and science enthusiasts.

Examples of space tourism :

• Virgin Galactic – Offering suborbital spaceflights for tourists.
• SpaceX – Developing orbital space tourism missions.
• International Space Station – Proposed private visits facilitated by companies like Axiom Space.

Sports tourism involves traveling to participate in or observe sporting events. This includes international competitions like the Olympics, marathons, football matches, or golf tournaments. 

Sports tourism appeals to fans and athletes alike, offering them a chance to experience the excitement and camaraderie of sports in different locales.

Examples of sports tourism :

• FIFA World Cup, Various Locations – Attending one of the most prestigious and widely-viewed sports events in the world.
• Boston Marathon, USA – Participating or spectating in one of the oldest annual marathons.
• The Masters Golf Tournament, Augusta, USA – Observing one of the four major championships in professional golf.

Sustainable tourism focuses on traveling in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes conservation while benefiting local communities. 

It involves responsible travel practices, supporting eco-friendly accommodations, and participating in activities that respect local culture and the environment.

Examples of sustainable tourism :

• Eco-lodges in Costa Rica – Staying in accommodations dedicated to conservation and sustainability.
• Community-based Eco Tours in Kenya – Participating in wildlife safaris that support conservation efforts and community development.
• Responsible Trekking in Nepal – Following eco-friendly practices and supporting local Sherpa communities.

Virtual tourism offers the experience of visiting a place through digital means, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or online tours. It’s a way to explore destinations from home, making travel accessible to those unable to travel physically. 

Virtual tours can cover historic sites, museums, natural wonders, and more.

• Virtual Reality Tours of the Louvre, France – Exploring the world-famous museum from the comfort of home.
• Online Guided Tours of the Great Wall of China – Experiencing one of the world’s most iconic landmarks digitally.
• Augmented Reality Experiences of Rome’s Ancient Sites – Using AR technology to see historical ruins in their original glory.

Voluntourism combines travel with volunteering for a cause, typically involving work towards environmental conservation, education, or community development. 

While it allows travelers to contribute to positive change, it’s important to choose programs that genuinely benefit the local community and environment.

Examples of voluntourism :

• Teaching English in Rural Schools, Nepal – Assisting in educational institutions in underprivileged areas.
• Marine Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Participating in coral reef restoration and research projects.
• Community Building Projects – Helping construct basic infrastructure like schools and healthcare facilities.

War tourism involves visiting sites significant to wartime history, such as battlefields, war memorials, and museums. 

It’s a form of tourism that seeks to understand the history of conflicts and honor the memories of those who fought in them.

Examples of war tourism :

• Vietnam War Sites, Vietnam – Exploring locations like the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum.
• Normandy Beaches, France – Visiting WWII D-Day landing sites and memorials.
• Somme Battlefields, France – Touring sites and cemeteries from one of the largest battles of the First World War.

Wellness tourism is centered around health and well-being, offering activities and experiences that promote physical, mental, and spiritual health. This type of tourism often includes spa retreats, yoga and meditation workshops, fitness programs, and holistic wellness therapies.

Examples of wellness tourism :

• Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh, India – Engaging in yoga and meditation in the birthplace of yoga.
• Thermal Spas in Iceland – Relaxing in natural hot springs surrounded by unique landscapes.
• Wellness Resorts in Bali, Indonesia – Participating in holistic wellness programs in a serene, tropical setting.

Wildlife tourism involves traveling to observe and interact with animals in their natural habitats. It’s a way for tourists to experience wildlife up close while promoting conservation and awareness of biodiversity. 

Activities can include safaris, wildlife sanctuaries, and bird watching.

Examples of wildlife tourism :

• African Safaris, Kenya or Tanzania – Experiencing the diverse wildlife of the African savannah, including the “Big Five.”
• Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda – Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat.
• Penguin Colonies in Antarctica – Observing penguins and other Antarctic wildlife in one of the most remote areas of the world.

Zoological tourism focuses on visiting zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks where visitors can see and learn about various animal species. 

This form of tourism is educational, often highlighting conservation efforts and providing insights into animal behavior and habitats.

Examples of zoological tourism :

• San Diego Zoo, USA – Known for its vast variety of species and conservation efforts.
• Singapore Zoo, Singapore – Offering an immersive experience with its open-concept enclosures and diverse wildlife.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA – Renowned for its marine life exhibits and ocean conservation education.

Have we missed any types of tourism that you think should be included on this list? Are there other examples you’d like to share? Send us a message and let us know what else should be included on this list.

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Exploring the World of Tourism: A Comprehensive Guide to 49 Types of Tourism

Have you ever thought about how many types of tourism there are in the world? From adventure tourism to medical tourism, the tourism industry offers a wide range of experiences for travelers.

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry, contributing greatly to the global economy . With the rise of globalization and advancements in technology, traveling has become more accessible and affordable for people all around the world.

As a result, the tourism industry has diversified and expanded to cater to the different interests and preferences of travelers.

If you are a travel enthusiast, you might be surprised to know that there are over 40 different types of tourism to choose from. Each type of tourism offers a unique experience, ranging from cultural immersion to extreme sports.

In this article, we will explore the different types of tourism in the world, giving you a glimpse into the vast array of options available to you.

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.

49 Types of Tourism in the World

The tourism sector is constantly evolving, expanding beyond the basics of domestic, inbound, and outbound tourism.

As travel agencies, it is crucial to stay informed about the diverse range of tourism types to develop effective strategies and fuel the growth of your business. This comprehensive guide presents 62 types of tourism, offering valuable insights and opportunities for your agency to thrive in the dynamic world of travel.

Traditional Forms of Tourism

Leisure tourism.

Leisure tourism encompasses a range of activities that provide relaxation, entertainment, and cultural enrichment to travelers. Let's explore some popular forms of leisure tourism in more detail:

1. Beach Tourism

Beach tourism revolves around vacations and holidays spent in coastal areas, offering sun, sand, and various recreational activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like snorkeling, surfing, and jet skiing.

Beach destinations around the world, such as Bali, Maldives, and the Caribbean, attract millions of tourists seeking relaxation and enjoyment in idyllic seaside settings.

2. Adventure Tourism

Adventure tourism caters to thrill-seeking individuals who seek exciting and adrenaline-pumping experiences. It includes activities like hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, white-water rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping in natural and adventurous settings.

Destinations like New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Switzerland offer breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure opportunities that attract adventure enthusiasts from across the globe.

3. Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism focuses on exploring the rich heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions of a destination.

It involves visits to museums, historical sites, cultural festivals, and interactions with local communities to gain insight into their customs, rituals, and way of life. Destinations renowned for their cultural attractions include Rome with its ancient ruins, Kyoto with its traditional temples, and Istanbul with its diverse blend of cultures.

4. Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism centers on observing and experiencing a particular region's diverse fauna and flora.

It includes activities such as safaris, birdwatching, nature walks, and visits to national parks and wildlife reserves. Destinations like South Africa's Kruger National Park, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, and the Serengeti in Tanzania offer incredible wildlife encounters and opportunities for conservation education.

Business Tourism

Business tourism, also known as MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), caters to individuals traveling for business-related purposes.

Let's explore some key components of business tourism:

5. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism

MICE tourism encompasses corporate meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions. It provides a platform for professionals to network, exchange knowledge, showcase products and services, and forge business relationships.

Major cities and convention centers worldwide, such as London, Dubai, and Las Vegas, host numerous MICE events, driving economic growth and fostering industry collaboration.

6. Trade Shows and Conventions

Trade shows and conventions are industry-specific events where businesses exhibit their products or services to potential clients, partners, and investors. These events serve as valuable marketing platforms, allowing companies to showcase their latest innovations, generate leads, and gain industry insights.

Trade shows like CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and Hannover Messe attract businesses from diverse sectors, facilitating business-to-business interactions and promoting industry growth.

7. Corporate Retreats and Team-Building Activities

Corporate retreats and team-building activities aim to foster teamwork, boost employee morale, and enhance organizational productivity. These events often take place in scenic locations, away from the usual office environment, and incorporate team-building exercises, workshops, brainstorming sessions, and recreational activities.

Corporate retreats not only strengthen internal relationships but also provide opportunities for strategic planning, innovation, and professional development.

Niche and Special Interest Tourism

Ecotourism promotes responsible travel practices that focus on preserving and conserving natural environments while providing educational and enriching experiences for travelers.

Let's delve into some facets of ecotourism:

8. Rainforest Exploration

Rainforest exploration allows travelers to immerse themselves in the lush biodiversity and unique ecosystems of tropical rainforests. Guided hikes, canopy walks, and wildlife spotting tours provide opportunities to witness rare flora and fauna, learn about sustainable conservation efforts, and contribute to local communities.

Destinations like the Amazon Rainforest in South America, Borneo's rainforests in Southeast Asia, and Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest offer captivating rainforest experiences.

9. Wildlife Conservation Tours

Wildlife conservation tours allow travelers to actively participate in conservation initiatives, contributing to the protection of endangered species and their habitats. These tours often involve volunteer work, such as monitoring wildlife, assisting in research projects, and habitat restoration efforts.

Popular wildlife conservation destinations include the Galapagos Islands, where visitors can help preserve unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and South Africa's game reserves, where wildlife conservation programs support endangered species.

10. Sustainable Travel Practices

Sustainable travel practices promote environmentally friendly behaviors, aiming to minimize negative impacts on natural resources, local communities, and cultures. These practices may include reducing carbon footprint, supporting local businesses, respecting local traditions, and engaging in activities that promote environmental stewardship.

Travelers can choose eco-lodges, and eco-friendly transportation options, and participate in community-based tourism initiatives to ensure their travel has a positive impact on the destination.

Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism focuses on enhancing and rejuvenating one's well-being through various activities and experiences that prioritize physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Let's explore some aspects of wellness tourism:

11. Spa Retreats

Spa retreats offer a serene environment where travelers can indulge in relaxation, pampering treatments, and wellness therapies. From soothing massages and rejuvenating facials to holistic healing practices like yoga and meditation, spa retreats provide a sanctuary for rejuvenation and stress relief.

Destinations such as Bali, Thailand, and California's Napa Valley are renowned for their luxurious and holistic spa retreats.

12. Yoga and Meditation Retreats

Yoga and meditation retreats provide opportunities for individuals to deepen their mindfulness and spiritual practices in tranquil and picturesque settings. These retreats often combine daily yoga sessions, meditation practices, healthy cuisine, and workshops focused on personal growth and self-awareness.

Destinations like Rishikesh in India, Ubud in Bali, and Sedona in the United States are renowned for their yoga and meditation retreats.

13. Health and Wellness Resorts

Health and wellness resorts offer comprehensive programs designed to improve physical fitness, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide personalized wellness experiences. These resorts may offer fitness classes, nutritional guidance, spa treatments, wellness consultations, and activities like hiking, yoga, and mindfulness workshops.

Wellness-focused destinations such as Switzerland's renowned Swiss Alps resorts, Thailand's wellness retreats, and the wellness resorts in Arizona's Sonoran Desert cater to those seeking a holistic approach to well-being.

Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism revolves around the exploration and appreciation of a destination's cuisine, culinary traditions, and gastronomic experiences. Let's discover the different aspects of culinary tourism:

14. Food and Wine Tours

Food and wine tours allow travelers to savor the local flavors, taste traditional dishes, and indulge in culinary delights unique to a particular region. These tours often include visits to local markets, food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings at vineyards.

Destinations like Italy's Tuscany, France's Bordeaux region, and Japan's Kyoto are renowned for their culinary heritage and offer exceptional food and wine tours.

15. Cooking Classes and Culinary Experiences

Cooking classes and culinary experiences provide hands-on opportunities for travelers to learn about the local cuisine, traditional cooking techniques, and regional specialties. Under the guidance of expert chefs or local home cooks, participants can prepare and savor authentic dishes, gaining insights into the culinary culture of the destination.

Cities like Bangkok, Marrakech, and Barcelona are known for their immersive cooking classes and culinary workshops.

16. Farm-to-Table and Gastronomic Experiences

Farm-to-table experiences involve visits to local farms, orchards, and vineyards to witness the production process of fresh, organic ingredients. Gastronomic experiences encompass fine dining at renowned restaurants, tasting menus curated by celebrity chefs, and exploring local street food scenes.

Destinations like California's Napa Valley, France's Lyon, and Thailand's Chiang Mai provide exceptional farm-to-table and gastronomic experiences.

Adventure and Outdoor Tourism

Mountain tourism.

Mountain tourism attracts adventurous travelers seeking exhilarating experiences in breathtaking alpine landscapes. Here are some popular activities within mountain tourism:

17. Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and trekking adventures take travelers through scenic mountain trails, allowing them to explore the pristine wilderness, enjoy stunning vistas, and challenge themselves physically.

Destinations like the Himalayas in Nepal, the Swiss Alps, and the Rocky Mountains in North America offer a range of hiking and trekking opportunities suitable for different skill levels.

18. Mountaineering and Rock Climbing

Mountaineering and rock climbing appeal to those with a passion for conquering towering peaks and vertical rock formations.

From scaling iconic summits like Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro to rock climbing in Yosemite National Park or the Dolomites, these activities offer a thrilling combination of physical endurance, technical skill, and awe-inspiring natural surroundings.

19. Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding attract winter sports enthusiasts who enjoy gliding down snow-covered slopes and experiencing the adrenaline rush of downhill descents.

Popular ski destinations include Aspen in the United States, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, and the Swiss Alps, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy diverse terrains, world-class facilities, and picturesque mountain landscapes.

Water Tourism

Water tourism encompasses a wide range of activities centered around bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Let's explore some popular water-based tourism experiences:

20. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling allow travelers to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems, encounter marine life, and marvel at coral reefs.

Destinations like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Maldives, and the Red Sea in Egypt are renowned for their exceptional diving and snorkeling sites, offering opportunities to witness the beauty and biodiversity of the marine world.

21. Surfing and Water Sports

Surfing and water sports, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing, cater to adrenaline seekers looking to ride the waves and engage with the power of the ocean. Destinations like Hawaii's North Shore, Bali's Uluwatu, and California's Huntington Beach are renowned for their world-class surf breaks and water sports scenes.

22. Sailing and Yachting

Sailing and yachting experiences provide a luxurious and leisurely way to explore coastal regions, island hopping, and cruise along scenic coastlines. Chartering a yacht or joining a sailing excursion offers the opportunity to relax, soak in breathtaking seascapes, and visit remote islands and hidden coves.

Destinations like the Greek Islands, the Caribbean, and the French Riviera are popular sailing and yachting destinations.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism appeals to nature enthusiasts and animal lovers who seek encounters with diverse wildlife species in their natural habitats.

Here are some popular wildlife tourism experiences:

23. Safari and Wildlife Photography

Safari adventures take travelers into national parks and game reserves, providing opportunities to spot iconic wildlife species like lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Wildlife photography enthusiasts can capture stunning images of animals in their natural environment.

Destinations like Botswana's Okavango Delta, Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, South Africa's Kruger National Park, and India's Ranthambore National Park offer exceptional safari and wildlife photography experiences.

24. Birdwatching and Nature Reserves

Birdwatching enthusiasts flock to nature reserves and sanctuaries known for their rich avian biodiversity. These destinations offer opportunities to observe and identify a wide array of bird species in their natural habitats.

Places like Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Australia's Kakadu National Park, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands are renowned for their birdwatching opportunities.

25. Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tours

Whale-watching tours provide an up-close and personal experience with these magnificent marine creatures. Travelers can observe whales breaching, swimming, and interacting in their natural habitat.

Destinations such as Iceland, Canada's Vancouver Island, and the Azores in Portugal are popular for whale watching and marine wildlife tours.

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Historical tourism.

Historical tourism appeals to individuals interested in exploring the rich heritage and significant historical sites around the world. It provides insights into past civilizations, events, and cultural traditions.

Here are some key aspects of historical tourism:

26. Archaeological Sites and Ruins

Archaeological sites and ruins offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations and their architectural marvels.

Places like the Colosseum in Rome, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia attract history enthusiasts who are fascinated by the remnants of past civilizations and the stories they hold.

27. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are culturally or naturally significant locations recognized for their outstanding universal value. These sites range from iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in India to entire historical city centers like Prague in the Czech Republic.

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites allows travelers to appreciate the world's cultural diversity and historical importance.

28. Historical Landmarks and Monuments

Historical landmarks and monuments symbolize key moments in history or commemorate notable figures or events. Examples include the Statue of Liberty in the United States, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Exploring these landmarks provides a deeper understanding of their historical significance and their impact on society.

Religious Tourism

Religious tourism caters to individuals seeking spiritual experiences, pilgrimages, or a connection with sacred sites. It offers insights into different religious traditions and the architectural wonders associated with them.

Here are some facets of religious tourism:

29. Pilgrimages and Sacred Sites

Pilgrimages involve journeys to sacred destinations associated with specific religions or spiritual beliefs. Places like Mecca for Muslims, Jerusalem for Christians, and Varanasi for Hindus hold immense religious significance and attract millions of pilgrims each year.

30. Spiritual Retreats and Meditation Centers

Spiritual retreats and meditation centers offer tranquil environments for introspection, relaxation, and spiritual growth. These retreats focus on mindfulness, meditation practices, and holistic healing.

Popular destinations for spiritual retreats include Bali in Indonesia, Sedona in the United States, and Rishikesh in India.

31. Religious Festivals and Events

Religious festivals and events provide a vibrant and immersive experience of cultural traditions and religious celebrations. Examples include the Kumbh Mela in India, the Holi festival of colors, and the Christmas celebrations in various parts of the world.

Participating in these festivals offers a unique glimpse into local customs, rituals, and the spirit of the community.

Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous tourism aims to promote understanding, appreciation, and respect for indigenous cultures, traditions, and ways of life. It provides opportunities to engage with indigenous communities and learn about their heritage.

Here are elements of indigenous tourism:

32. Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Indigenous cultural experiences allow travelers to interact with indigenous communities, learn about their traditions, crafts, music, and storytelling. These experiences foster cultural exchange and promote the preservation of indigenous heritage.

Destinations like the Maori culture in New Zealand, the Aboriginal culture in Australia, and the Native American reservations in the United States offer such immersive experiences.

33. Tribal Village Visits

Visiting tribal villages allows travelers to observe and learn about the traditional lifestyles, customs, and rituals of indigenous communities. It provides insights into their sustainable practices, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted connections with nature.

Destinations such as the Amazon rainforest, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and the Highlands of Papua New Guinea offer opportunities to visit tribal communities.

34. Traditional Arts and Crafts

Indigenous cultures often have a rich tradition of art, crafts, and handicrafts that reflect their unique identity and skills. Exploring indigenous arts and crafts markets, workshops, and galleries allows travelers to appreciate and support the preservation of these traditional artistic practices.

From intricate weaving in Peru to intricate beadwork in South Africa, there is a vast array of indigenous art to discover.

Urban Tourism

City Tourism

City tourism encompasses visits to vibrant urban destinations, exploring their iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and modern lifestyle. It offers a blend of history, art, entertainment, and culinary experiences.

Key aspects of city tourism include:

35. Sightseeing and Iconic Landmarks

Cities are known for their iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Statue of Liberty in New York City, and the Sydney Opera House. Sightseeing allows visitors to capture the essence of a city's character and architectural splendor.

36. Museums and Art Galleries

Cities are often home to renowned museums and art galleries that showcase world-class collections, historical artifacts, and contemporary artworks.

The Louvre Museum in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg are just a few examples of the cultural treasures found in urban areas.

37. Shopping and Entertainment Districts

Urban centers offer diverse shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to bustling street markets. Additionally, cities provide vibrant entertainment districts with theaters, music venues, and nightlife hotspots.

These districts cater to a variety of interests, ensuring that visitors can indulge in shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Architectural Tourism

Architectural tourism focuses on exploring unique architectural styles, landmarks, and urban design within cities. It allows travelers to appreciate the creativity, innovation, and historical significance of various structures.

Key elements of architectural tourism include:

38. Architectural Marvels and Landmarks

Cities showcase architectural marvels, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Sydney Opera House, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. These structures captivate visitors with their impressive design, engineering, and cultural impact.

39. Modern and Contemporary Architecture Tours

Urban areas often feature striking modern and contemporary architecture that reflects the city's identity and vision. Walking tours or guided visits to architectural highlights, such as the Shard in London, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, or the Dancing House in Prague, offer insights into cutting-edge design and urban development.

40. Urban Design and City Planning

City tourism also encompasses exploring the urban design, layout, and city planning concepts that shape the physical environment. Sustainable urban planning, pedestrian-friendly streets, and green spaces contribute to the livability and attractiveness of cities.

Examples of urban design excellence can be found in cities like Copenhagen, Singapore, and Barcelona.

Emerging Forms of Tour

Dark Tourism

Dark tourism refers to visiting sites that are associated with death, tragedy, or historical atrocities. It offers a unique perspective on the darker aspects of human history. While it may seem unusual, dark tourism has gained popularity in recent years.

Here are some examples of dark tourism:

41. War Memorials and Battlefields

Visiting war memorials and battlefields provides insights into the sacrifices made during significant conflicts. Examples include the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan.

These sites allow visitors to reflect on the consequences of war and honor those who lost their lives.

42. Holocaust and Genocide Sites

Holocaust and genocide sites, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland and the Killing Fields in Cambodia, serve as reminders of the darkest chapters in human history.

These places educate visitors about the horrors of genocide and the importance of promoting peace and tolerance.

43. Disaster Tourism

Disaster tourism involves visiting locations affected by natural or man-made disasters. Examples include areas hit by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, or industrial accidents.

While controversial, this form of tourism can raise awareness about the impact of disasters and the resilience of affected communities.

Space Tourism

Space tourism is an emerging frontier in the travel industry, allowing individuals to experience the thrill of space travel and explore the mysteries of the universe. While it is currently limited to a select few, advancements in technology and space exploration are making it more accessible.

Key aspects of space tourism include:

44. Space Travel and Exploration

Space tourism involves journeys beyond the Earth's atmosphere, offering a unique perspective of our planet and the vastness of space. Companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are developing spacecraft to transport civilians into space, opening up new possibilities for adventurous travelers.

45. Astronaut Training Experiences

Before embarking on a space journey, aspiring space tourists can undergo astronaut training experiences. These programs simulate the physical and mental challenges faced by astronauts, including zero-gravity simulations, centrifuge training, and survival skills.

46. Observatories and Space Centers

Visiting observatories and space centers allows enthusiasts to learn about astronomy, space missions, and ongoing research. Places like the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the European Space Agency's Spaceport in French Guiana offer interactive exhibits, rocket launches, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into space exploration.

Virtual Tourism

Virtual tourism has emerged as a response to the limitations of physical travel, allowing individuals to explore destinations and landmarks virtually. It offers a convenient and immersive way to experience different places from the comfort of one's home. Key aspects of virtual tourism include:

47. Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) technology allows users to immerse themselves in simulated environments, including famous landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural sites. VR headsets transport users to different locations, providing a realistic and interactive experience.

48. Online Museum and Landmark Tours

Many museums, historical sites, and landmarks offer virtual tours that enable visitors to explore their collections and exhibits online. These tours provide detailed information, multimedia content, and the ability to navigate through the spaces virtually.

49. Virtual Travel Platforms and Apps

Various platforms and apps offer virtual travel experiences, curated itineraries, and interactive content. These platforms leverage technology to create virtual travel communities, where users can connect, share experiences, and plan future trips.

As the travel industry evolves, embracing these emerging forms of tourism can open up new opportunities for businesses and provide unique experiences for travelers.

In conclusion, the tourism industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that encompasses a wide range of experiences and opportunities. By understanding the diverse types of tourism in the world, business professionals can position themselves for success and growth in this competitive landscape.

By recognizing the unique characteristics and preferences of different traveler segments, businesses can tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to meet the specific needs of their target audiences. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also helps in creating a competitive advantage in the market.

Moreover, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and travelers seek authentic and immersive experiences, businesses must embrace the diversity of tourism segments. By incorporating sustainable practices, respecting local cultures, and promoting responsible tourism, businesses can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, while also appealing to environmentally and socially conscious travelers.

Let us embrace the diversity of tourism, foster innovation, and collaborate to shape the future of this exciting industry.

• United Nations World Tourism Organization
• World Travel and Tourism Council
• International Ecotourism Society
• Global Wellness Institute
• International Culinary Tourism Association
• Adventure Travel Trade Association
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• The International Dark-Sky Association
• Space Tourism Society
• World Tourism Organization
• National Geographic Travel
• International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators
• World Food Travel Association
• Beach Holidays by Expedia

Tumisang Bogwasi

2X Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Empowering Brands to Generate Leads, Grow Revenue with Business Strategy and Digital Marketing | Founder, CEO of Fine Group

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Guide To Different Types Of Tourism And Their Features

Home » Corporate Travel » Guide To Different Types Of Tourism And Their Features

Since the beginning of time, travel has been an indispensable part of human life. In the modern world, the various aspects of travel have been accommodated into an organized word ‘Tourism’. With the ease of booking travel, the industry has grown rapidly over the past few decades. Therefore, it becomes important to segregate the industry into various types for convenience of defining the purpose of each kind of travel. Let us explore some of the main types of tourism and how they differ from each other.

Different types of tourism

1. leisure tourism.

Evident from the names, leisure tourism entails the activities and locations that will help one unwind, relax and enjoy the various aspects of their trip. Typically, leisure tourism includes an escape into the natural landscape, exploring manmade architectures while staying at a comfortable and hospitable accommodation. The tourists on leisure travel will book a stay in the luxury resort or can take shelter in offbeat homestays. It is generally an amalgamation of numerous things to do such as trying local cuisine, going shopping in the regional market, and participating in recreational activities.

• Focuses on relaxation and enjoyment
• Involves sightseeing, shopping, and cultural experiences
• Often centered around beach vacations, city breaks, and entertainment
• Offers a break from routine and an opportunity to recharge

2. Business Tourism (MICE)

Business tourism or MICE tourism (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) explores the realm of trips taken by the employees of various organizations. As working professionals, individuals are expected to attend meetings, conferences, seminars, exhibitions and other events to expand the reach of the business. Business tourism requires meticulous planning, budget forecasting, and comprehensive reporting by the admins and employees both.

• Serves professionals attending meetings, conferences, and exhibitions
• Provides networking opportunities and knowledge sharing
• Contributes to economic development and industry growth
• Requires specialized facilities and services to cater to business needs

3. Adventure Tourism

Among the most exciting types of tourism, adventure tourism brings in the opportunity to indulge in thrilling activities revolving around natural settings. The exhilaration and physical challenges involved in this kind of tourism makes it rank among the top tourism types. The activities include skydiving, paragliding, base jumping, rafting, dune bashing, and whatnot. The excitement only gets elevated when friends and family are involved during the activities.

• Emphasizes exciting and challenging experiences
• Includes activities like trekking, rock climbing, and bungee jumping
• Appeals to thrill-seekers and those seeking adrenaline rushes
• Provides opportunities for personal growth and pushing boundaries

4. Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism allows travelers to immerse themselves in the traditions, history, and lifestyle of a destination. The engagement required in cultural tourism is of the highest level. Tourists can visit various museums, historical sites, art galleries, traditional markets and much more. Additionally, the opportunity to meet the local community and participate in various events increases the fun all the more.

• Centers around exploration of a region’s history, traditions, and arts
• Involves visiting museums, historic sites, and attending cultural events
• Encourages interactions with locals to learn about their way of life
• Enhances cross-cultural understanding and appreciation

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5. Ecotourism

It is the type of tourism that deals with responsible travel to natural areas. Ecotourism promotes conservation of natural resources for the utilization of the future generations and consolidates sustainability. Travelers experience nature firsthand through activities like bird watching, nature walks, and wildlife safaris. The goal is to appreciate and protect the environment while supporting local authorities and communities.

• Focuses on responsible travel to natural areas
• Aims to support conservation efforts and sustainable practices
• Includes wildlife observation, nature walks, and eco-friendly accommodations
• Offers opportunities to connect with nature and learn about ecosystems

6. Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism is a delightful and immersive way to experience the heart of any destination – its food. It focuses on inviting travelers to try top authentic food of any specific country or region. Travelers savor the flavors, aroma, and traditional cooking techniques of local cuisines. The journey involves visiting numerous restaurants, participating in food events, going to offbeat destinations for original tastes, meeting worldwide chefs and much more. Travelers may also be enticed to cook alongside a teacher and learn new ways of cooking.

• Revolves around exploring local cuisine and food culture
• Includes food tasting, cooking classes, and market visits
• Provides insights into regional flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques
• Celebrates the role of food in cultural identity

7. Pilgrimage

Religious tourism or pilgrimage is a type of tourism involving spiritual upliftment of the travelers by visiting sacred sites, places of worship, and participating in religious events. It offers travelers a chance to know more about various religions while learning about the different practices of diverse cultures. Many travelers and worshippers believe it to be an opportunity to unite with God and find peace in their lives.

• Focuses on visiting sacred sites, pilgrimage destinations, and religious events
• Provides spiritual experiences and connections to faith traditions
• Involves participating in rituals, ceremonies, and cultural practices
• Encourages reflection and personal growth

8. Wellness Tourism

To calibrate well-being, individuals can head to wellness tourism. Rooting from the seeds of self-care, well tourism provides the various leaves and branches for a holistic development and rejuvenation. Common activities may include spa escapes, yoga practices, sampling nourishing and healthy food, massages, etc. Hiking and trekking can also be part of the wellness plan. Tourists can visit various wellness centers for the betterment of body and mind.

• Centers on promoting physical and mental well-being
• Involves spa treatments, yoga retreats, and meditation practices
• Offers relaxation, stress relief, and rejuvenation
• Emphasizes self-care and a healthy lifestyle

9. Rural Tourism

Rural tourism presents a serene escape to the idyllic countryside. It’s a journey that invites individuals to step away from the bustling urban landscape and embrace the simplicity and authenticity of rural living. Encompassing an array of enriching experiences, rural tourism offers the chance to participate in hands-on activities such as farming, tending to animals, and partaking in time-honored rural traditions.

• Offers a retreat to rural areas and countryside
• Involves farm stays, agricultural activities, and rural experiences
• Provides a chance to reconnect with nature and experience traditional lifestyles
• Supports local communities and sustainable agriculture

Tourism is a vast industry expanding with every day of the year. Though there are numerous types of tourism, embarking on the journey with a purpose remains constant. Hope the blog was able to provide you with the basics of various types of tourism and how the industry spreads out in several other branches.

Suggested Read: 7 First Time Business Travel Tips For A Flawless Trip

Types Of Tourism FAQs

What are the key features of leisure tourism.

Leisure tourism emphasizes relaxation and enjoyment, involves sightseeing, cultural experiences, and is often centered around beach vacations, city breaks, and entertainment. It offers a break from daily routines and a chance to recharge.

What are the distinctive features of business tourism (MICE)?

Business tourism provides networking opportunities, contributes to economic development, and requires meticulous planning, budgeting, and reporting.

What is ecotourism, and what is its primary focus?

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that promotes responsible travel to natural areas. Its primary focus is on conservation of natural resources, sustainability, and experiencing nature firsthand through activities like wildlife observation, nature walks, and eco-friendly accommodations.

Pratyush is a traveling enthusiast who always looks for innovations in business travel management. He has 5 years of experience writing content on corporate travel management and working closely with expert business travel facilitators.

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44 Different Types of Tourism That You Need to Try

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: March 14, 2024

Categories Travel , Travel Destinations

Home » Travel » 44 Different Types of Tourism That You Need to Try

There are a million different ways to travel. Some people prefer to be pampered in a luxury resort while others don’t even care if they have running water. Some people enjoy exploring crowded cities while others would rather venture as far from civilization as possible. To help you plan your next trip, this list outlines 44 different types of tourism. Hopefully, it inspires you to tour the world a bit differently. 

One thing to keep in mind is that not all types of tourism will appeal to every traveler. Some are a bit controversial. Some are dangerous. This article is designed to inform you of your options and give you some ideas for future trips. 

1. Adventure Tourism

The goal of adventure tourism is to explore remote destinations, participate in adventure activities, and maybe even take a bit of risk.

Many adventure tourists participate in physically challenging outdoor activities during their trips such as mountaineering, rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, or hiking. The United States, New Zealand, and Canada are popular destinations for this type of trip.

Some adventure tourists visit remote, hard-to-reach, or off-the-beaten-path destinations. West and Central Africa, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and New Guinea come to mind.

Adventure tourism can also mean traveling to regions where there is some risk. This could mean a risk of injury, disease, or encountering unfriendly locals. This is a very niche form of Adventure tourism.

2. Dark Tourism

Dark Tourism, a relatively new term, is defined as travel to an area where death, disaster, or tragedy occurred in the past. People visit these sites mostly for historical reasons or simply out of morbid curiosity. Humans seem to have a natural interest in death and disaster. Dark tourist sites are some of the most visited places in the world.

Dark Tourism Destinations include:

• Museums- The September 11 museum in New York City or the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for example.
• Monuments- The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C. or the Monument to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, for example.
• Memorials- The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali or the 911 Memorial in New York City, For example.
• Battlefields- Taking a tour of World War I, World War II, or the United States Civil War battlegrounds is a popular tourist dark tourism activity.
• Natural Disaster Sites- Visiting Pompeii in Italy or Mount St. Helens in Washington State, for example.
• Concentration Camps – Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland receives over 2 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited dark tourism sites.
• Human-Caused Disaster Sites- Touring the Exxon-Valdez oil spill zone, for example.
• Sites Where Murders Took Place – For example, the Jack the Ripper tour in London or Lizzie Borden’s house in Fall River Ma.
• Graveyards- Visiting a celebrity’s gravesite for example.
• Catacombs- The catacombs in Paris is popular among dark tourists.
• Nuclear Disaster Sites- Chernobyl in Ukraine is one of the world’s most popular dark tourist sites.
• Shipwrecks- Wealthy tourists have visited the Titanic. There are plenty of fascinating shipwrecks anyone can dive.
• War Zones- People travel to active war zones. A good example would be taking a trip to Syria today.
• Slums- Dharavi in Mumbai or Kibera in Nairobi are some of the largest and most well known.

Some dark tourism sites are pretty controversial. Visiting war zones and slums cause ethical concerns among some groups of people. This is something to take into consideration before you go.

For more info, check out my complete dark tourism guide.

3. Ecotourism

Ecotourists visit exotic destinations to view pristine, fragile, and undisturbed natural environments. Visiting places that have not been affected by human interference. The goal is to experience these places while leaving as little impact on the environment as possible. Ecotourism is sometimes referred to as sustainable tourism.

Ecotourists aim to leave the environment as it was or better than when they arrived. The focus is on conservation. Ecotourists try to improve the well being of the environment and local people in the region. Ecotourism is quickly gaining in popularity as more and more people become interested in conservation and environmentalism.

One major benefit to ecotourism is that some of the money that tourists bring into the country is put into preserving the environment that they are visiting. This makes for a very sustainable form of tourism.

Popular Ecotourism Destinations

• Costa Rica- This is one of the most environmentally friendly countries on earth. The main draws of Costa Rica are rainforests, volcanoes, and both Pacific and Caribbean beaches. The country also has incredible biodiversity. The Costa Rican government works very hard to preserve nature and the environment through legislation and sustainable development.
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador- Made famous by Charles Darwin, the Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique wildlife. Ecuador enforces strict guidelines for visitors in order to maintain the natural environment of the islands.
• Antarctica- The least-visited continent and one of the most untouched places on earth. Antarctica is an expensive but rewarding destination for ecotourists. The best way to get there is by cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina.
• Alaska- Also called The Last Frontier, Alaska is known for its vast stretches of tundra and wildlife. Visit national parks, glaciers, fjords, and mountains in this beautiful state. Ecotourism here is becoming increasingly popular.
• The Amazon Rainforest- This rainforest has the highest biodiversity of any place on the planet. Unfortunately, it is being destroyed at an unbelievable rate. Ecotourism practiced properly can help to save this special environment, even if only in a small way. You can visit the Amazon in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia.

4. Voluntourism

Voluntourism is a combination of tourism and volunteering. A voluntourist travels to a destination to do volunteer work. Usually for a charity organization. In their off time, voluntourists usually explore their travel destination like a normal tourist. This is becoming a major part of the tourism industry.

The volunteer work could be building homes, working in agriculture, teaching, etc. Anyone can take a volunteer vacation but you really need to have an in-demand skill for the work to be worthwhile.

This is one of the more controversial types of tourism. Before taking a volunteer vacation, you have to do your homework to make sure that your work will be worthwhile. Sometimes volunteer work can do more harm than good.

Popular Voluntourism Destinations

Volunteering opportunities can be found all over the world. Generally, you’ll find more openings in developing countries than in developed countries. A few of the most popular voluntourism destinations include:

• East and Southern Africa- You will find plenty of voluntourism opportunities in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya in schools and small farming operations. 
• South and Southeast Asia- Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand are popular destinations for voluntourists. 
• Central and South America- Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Ecuador offer plenty of volunteer opportunities.

There are a few arguments against voluntourism. It takes jobs from locals. If the work is unskilled, it is easy to find local labor. It is also inefficient. Flying across the world to do a job that someone who lives there could do doesn’t make any sense. Many charity organizations are corrupt or scams. Some actually charge people to volunteer. In this case, the volunteer is the customer. Sometimes nothing of value is created and the donations get pocketed by corrupt officials.

If you do choose to do volunteer work abroad while traveling, make sure that you understand and trust the organization that you are volunteering for.

5. Domestic Tourism

Domestic tourism is travel within the country in which you reside. This is sometimes referred to as a staycation. Domestic tourism offers an exciting and unique way to experience the beauty of your own country. You can enjoy domestic tourism wherever you live. Even if you don’t leave your city.

The classic road trip is probably the most popular form of domestic tourism. No matter where in the world you live, you can load up your car, motorcycle, or bicycle and set out on an adventure. Every country has camping and hiking opportunities. Domestic tourism is a fun and inexpensive way to explore your home country.

Domestic tourism is more common in some countries than in others. Generally, domestic tourism is more popular in larger countries. For example, domestic tourism is extremely popular in the United States, Japan, Germany, China, and India.

Domestic tourism is particularly popular in my home country, the United States. Because the country is so large and diverse, you could spend a lifetime traveling here and still not see it all. There are bustling cities, theme parks, sandy beaches, and spectacular national parks to visit. Millions of Americans exclusively travel domestically.

In smaller countries, d omestic tourism options are more limited. Having said that, regardless of where you live, there are dozens of interesting sites to visit within a couple of hours of your home. You could even simply tour your home town. Even if you’ve lived there your whole life, there are sure to be some new places you’ve never been.

Benefits of Domestic Tourism include:

• Domestic tourism is cheaper- Many domestic tourists choose to drive to their destination. This way, the only transportation expense is gas. If you choose to fly, domestic tickets are generally cheaper than international tickets. It’s also affordable to travel by bus or train. This makes domestic tourism far cheaper than international tourism.
• You get to see another side of your country- Domestic tourism allows you to experience your home country as a tourist and meet your fellow countrymen.
• Domestic tourism is easier and more convenient- There is no language barrier or culture shock to deal with. You don’t need any travel documents for domestic tourism. You don’t need to exchange money. Much less planning is required to travel domestically.

Domestic tourism may not be as exciting as international tourism. Staying in your home country isn’t s exotic as visiting a foreign country.

6. Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is travel for the purpose of receiving healthcare. This type of tourism is also called health tourism. A few of the most common procedures people travel for include cosmetic surgery, dental care, and cancer treatment. It is becoming increasingly common for people to travel abroad to buy prescription medications as well.

An entire industry is set up around medical tourism. For example, some doctors and dentists cater to foreigners traveling to their countries for treatment. They often hire English-speaking staff and may even offer hotel and food packages to make the process as easy as possible. The medical tourism industry is booming. This is quickly becoming a major part of the tourism industry in some countries.

There are a number of reasons people participate in medical tourism. Treatment may be cheaper in another country. Treatment options may be better. Sometimes a specific treatment is only available in another country.

Popular Medical Tourism Destinations

• The United States

7. Bicycle Tourism

Bicycle tourism is travel by bicycle. The average bicycle tourist covers about 50 miles per day, camps at night, and cooks many of their own meals. All gear is carried in panniers or bikepacking bags on the bike.

The main benefit of this type of tourism is that you get to see parts of the world between cities. Most travelers just take a bus, train, or plane from town to town and miss out on the rural areas in between. When bicycle touring, you get to see every inch of the country that you’re touring. You can smell flowers and feel the topography of the land as you cycle up and down hills.

Bicycle touring is one of the cheapest ways to travel. Accommodation and transportation costs are cut to almost nothing because you camp every night and have your own transport with your bike. You end up saving a lot of money this way. Some frugal bicycle tourists can travel on less than $500 per month.

There are several different styles of bicycle touring. Some bicycle tourists prefer off-road riding while others prefer to stay on paved paths or roads. Off-road bicycle touring is often called bikepacking. Credit card touring is bicycle touring in comfort. Most credit card tourists pack light, stay in hotels every night, and eat most meals in restaurants. Expedition bicycle tourists travel long distances through exotic countries. Some bicycle tourists spend years crossing continents and cycling around the world.

Top Bicycle Tourism Destinations

• Pamir Highway- This is probably the top bicycle touring destination. Here, you can experience the beautiful mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
• Patagonia- Travel through the rugged south of Argentina and Chile and explore Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego, and many other spectacular destinations in the region. The most famous roads include Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral.
• Trans America- Travel across the United States. Most cyclists ride west to east starting in Oregon.
• US Pacific Coast- Travel from Canada to Mexico through the beautiful coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.
• Nordkapp, Norway (North Cape)- This is the northernmost point in Europe that can be accessed by road.
• Alaska to Argentina- This long-distance rouge takes you across North and South America. Most cyclists take 18-24 months to complete the route. 
• Europe to Asia- This popular route takes you across Eurasia. Many cyclists start their tour in their homes in Europe and end in China or Singapore.
• Cairo to Cape Town- This hardcore trip takes you across the entire continent of Africa. Check out my guide How to Plan a Cairo to Cape Town Trip for more info.
• Round the World- A great bucket list trip for bicycle tourists. Check out my guide: How to Plan a Round The World Trip for more info.

8. Sex Tourism and Romance Tourism

Sex tourism is a controversial type of tourism that involves traveling for the purpose of having sex in different countries around the world. People may choose to do this because prostitution isn’t legal in their home country. Some people wish to fulfill a fantasy that they can’t achieve in real life. Others travel abroad for sex because it is cheaper than in their home country. This type of tourism is much more popular among men but women participate as well.

Popular Sex Tourism Destinations

• The Netherlands
• The Philippines
• Dominican Republic

Romance tourism is travel for the purpose of finding a husband or wife. Someone may participate in this type of tourism if they are unable to find the right person in their home country. Sometimes people who have immigrated abroad return to their home country to find a partner.

9. Motorcycle Tourism

Motorcycle tourism is travel by motorcycle. This is a great way to see the world because you always have your own transportation. This means you don’t have to rely on buses or trains. You can stop wherever you want. The absolute freedom is hard to beat. Maybe the biggest benefit of motorcycle tourism is simply the fact that motorcycles are cool. You will make friends everywhere you go.

Adventure touring bikes are probably the most popular these days due to their comfort and off-road capabilities. You can explore places that the average cruiser or touring bike can’t reach. My last bike was a Suzuki DR 650. I regret selling it.

There are drawbacks to motorcycle tourism. Getting started traveling by motorcycle is pretty expensive. You have to buy a bike, protective riding gear, and learn to ride. This sets you back a minimum of a few thousand dollars before you even hit the road.

Some countries also require that you have a carnet du passage to enter with a vehicle. This is a bureaucratic process and also costs money. Shipping the bike between countries is a hassle and expensive as well. Motorcycle tourism is generally not for budget travelers.

Traveling between continents on a motorcycle is also a hassle. It usually involves putting the bike in a crate and shipping it. You can’t just hop on a plane to your next destination.

If you are on a tight budget, there is one way that you can experience motorcycle tourism on the cheap. Starting at about $150, you can buy your own motorcycle in Vietnam and ride it around much of Southeast Asia. For a step-by-step guide to doing this, check out my Guide to buying a motorcycle and riding through Vietnam. 

10. Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism is a form of tourism where the goal is to seek out cultural experiences. On a cultural tour, you might attend festivals and events, visit historical sites and monuments, explore museums, and galleries, take language classes or cooking classes, and participate in traditional activities.

Cultural tourism is an increasingly popular form of travel as it allows people to immerse themselves in new cultures and gain a more global perspective. Cultural tourism also provides economic development opportunities for locals.

A few different examples of culture include:

• Holidays and festivals
• Food and drinks
• Architecture

Culture is interesting because it varies so widely. In some parts of the world, you can travel just a few miles down the road and people completely change. They may speak a different language, eat different food, and pray to different gods. Human culture is diverse. Sometimes even shocking. This is a big part of the appeal of cultural tourism.

Cultural Tourism Activities

• Visit museums- This is one of the most popular cultural tourism activities. You can learn about the history and view the art of the local people.
• Try local restaurants- Sample the local food.
• Visit churches and other religious centers- Learn about the religious beliefs of the locals-
• Meet people inside their homes- See how people live day-to-day.
• Read books about the region- Learn about the origin of the local people and how their society has changed over time.
• Visit during a local holiday, festival, or celebration- Experience how the locals party and celebrate.
• Study the local language- Learning a few words can help you get to know the local people and understand the culture. Language greatly enhances cultural tourism.

Cultural Tourism Destinations

Every country has a different culture to learn about. Depending on where you come from, you may find some more interesting. A few of the most popular countries for cultural tourism include:

11. Rural Tourism

These days, most of the world’s population lives in cities. Some travelers like to take a break from the fast-paced and stressful urban lifestyle and travel to slower-moving rural areas. This is rural tourism. Rural tourism usually involves living a rural lifestyle, experiencing local culture, and learning local history.

Rural tourism has a lot of overlap with cultural tourism and ecotourism. Because rural areas don’t offer many major tourist attractions, you’ll mostly spend your time learning about and experiencing the rural lifestyle. You’ll also spend much of your time enjoying the outdoors.

One major benefit of rural tourism is that it provides economic opportunities for locals by allowing them to offer services such as farm stays, guided tours, homestays, and meals. This is important because rural areas tend to be poorer than cities.

Rural Tourism Activities

• Learning about agriculture- Wine tours or working with animals are common forms of rural tourism.
• Outdoor activities- Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, etc. are considered rural tourism
• Relaxing- Read a book, take a walk, or enjoy the sun.
• Getting to know the local people- See culture tourism.

Best Destinations for Rural Tourism

• Much of Africa

12. Tribal Tourism

Tribal tourism involves travel to visit tribes or indigenous people that have had little contact with the outside world. The goal is to experience the culture and lifestyle of the locals. These areas are becoming rarer and rarer as the world becomes more developed and connected. There are only a few regions left on the planet where you can take an authentic tribal tour.

Many of the world’s tribes are no longer authentic. The people wear traditional clothing and basically put on a show for tourists. They may dance and perform ceremonies that their ancestors did. While it is interesting to see, it isn’t really authentic. There are a handful of places left where you can experience a real and thriving tribal culture.

This is another controversial kind of tourism. Many people argue that tourism to these regions is voyeuristic. Like looking at animals in a zoo. Some complain that visiting these tribes degrades their culture. After all, local community will be introduced to modern ways of living and thinking. These are valid points that should be considered before visiting. Is it ethical to visit tribal regions? I’ll let you decide.

Tribal Tourism Destinations

• The Omo Valley of Ethiopia- This incredibly diverse region in Southwestern Ethiopia is home to dozens of unique tribes. For a step-by-step guide to visiting, check out my guide: How to Visit the Omo Valley Independently and on a Budget. It includes everything you need to know about getting there from Addis Ababa, costs, etiquette, hotel recommendations, guides, and more.
• Papua New Guinea- The tribes of New Guinea are some of the most unique culturally. To visit, you’ll most likely have to hire a guide or join a tour group.
• The Amazon- To visit the tribes of the Amazon, you have several options. The best places to start are can Brazil, Peru, or Venezuela. Tours can also be organized from Colombia or Ecuador.
• India- Hundreds of fascinating tribes inhabit the country. 

13. Business Tourism

Business tourism is travel for a professional purpose rather than leisure. Some companies send employees abroad for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, consulting, negotiation, or various corporate events. While participating in business tourism, an employee is still doing work, just away from the office or home. During time off, a business tourist may have time to visit the tourist sites of the region that they are visiting. Various types of tourism can be combined with business tourism.

Business tourism is different from being an expat, digital nomad, or living abroad because it is only temporary. Generally, a business tourist is someone who is working abroad for one year or less. Most business trips last less than a week. Business tourists generally stay in hotels or accommodation provided by the company that they work for.

Business is conducted all over the world. This type of travel is slightly less common than it used to be because of the internet. Many meetings can be conducted online over video. Business tourism is still common.

Some of the most common business tourism destinations include Berlin, Dubai, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London.

14. Birth Tourism

Birth Tourism is a controversial form of tourism where a pregnant woman travels to a foreign country to give birth to her child. The main reason for this practice is so the child obtains citizenship in the country where it was born. Once the child has citizenship, the parents will generally use it as a means of obtaining citizenship for themselves. The baby is often referred to as an anchor baby.

Laws vary from country to country. In the past, birth tourism was much more common. Laws were much less strict and allowed pretty much anyone born within the country’s borders to become citizens from birth.

These days, most countries either don’t allow birth tourism or don’t grant citizenship to children born there unless they meet specific requirements. Usually, one of the parents also has to hold citizenship in order for the child to be eligible for citizenship. Birth tourism is still common in North and South America but has been abolished in most of the rest of the world.

15. Sports Tourism

Sports tourism is defined as travel for the purpose of watching or participating in a sporting event. This type of tourism could involve professional sports, armature sports, team sports, or individual sports. This type of tourism is one of the fastest-growing in the tourism sector. Some of the world’s biggest events cater to sports fans. These include:

• Olympics Games
• Tour de France
• World Series
• and many more

Anyone who travels to watch a football game, basketball game, tennis match, auto race, etc. is also considered a sports tourist.

Those who travel to participate in sports are considered active sports tourists. The players and coaches and support all fall into this category of tourist. Some tourists travel to participate in extreme sports like skydiving, mountain climbing, mountain biking, surfing, skateboarding. These are also sports tourists.

16. Slum Tourism

Slum tourism, also called ghetto tourism, involves travel to some of the poorest neighborhoods around the world. Tourists come to see what life is like for the poorest people on earth. Mostly out of curiosity.

This type of tourism is not new. It originated in the 19th century in the slums of New York and London where wealthy tourists would travel to see how the impoverished lived in the two cities. These days, slum tourism almost exclusively occurs in the developing world.

Slum tourism is another controversial type of tourism. Many people claim that it is unethical to tour slums because it basically treats people like zoo animals. You are essentially entertaining yourself by touring areas where people are living in extreme poverty. Traveling to people watch just doesn’t sit well with some.

While I understand this argument, these neighborhoods are public places where anyone is free to wander. For this reason, it’s an acceptable activity in my mind. You are simply visiting a neighborhood within a city.

Slum Tourism Destinations

• Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya- This neighborhood claims to be the biggest slum in Africa. For info on visiting, check out my guide: How to Visit Kibera Without a Tour.
• Dharavi in Mumbai, India- Maybe the world’s most famous slums and also one of the biggest. This is where the 2008 movie Slumdog Millionaire takes place.
• Favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil- For safety reasons, visiting the favelas is best done on an organized tour.
• Townships in South Africa- These are segregated communities outside of South African cities that were created during apartheid times.
• Skid Row, Los Angeles, California- This area contains possibly the largest homeless populations in the United States. Around 8000 people live in tents and in the street in this little square of downtown Los Angeles. This is one of the only slum tourism destinations in the developed world.

17. Genealogy Tourism

Genealogy tourism is a type of tourism where travelers visit the places their ancestors came from. This could be recent ancestry or distant ancestry. This type of tourism is much more common in countries with a high level of emigration.

Genealogy tourism is quickly growing in popularity because of the rise in interest in DNA testing from companies like Ancestry.com and 23andme.com. For less than $100 people can find out exactly where in the world their ancestors originated. As the technology develops, these services get more and more accurate. In some cases, they can pinpoint exact villages where your ancestors lived hundreds of years ago.

Some genealogy tourists visit places where they have much more recent roots. For example, if a couple immigrated to another country before having children, their child may wish to visit their parent’s homeland later in life. This is also considered genealogy tourism. In this case, the person may have living relatives in the place that they are visiting.

18. Package Tourism (Group Tourism)

Package tourism is a type of travel where accommodation, transportation, and excursions are combined and sold in a single package. Sometimes meals, drinks, and guides are also included. This can be a private tour or a group tour. A package tour is also called a package vacation or package holiday.

The main draw of this type of tourism is the simplicity. You pay once and the tour operators take care of everything for you. It’s easy and stress-free. You don’t have to worry about finding a hotel, choosing a restaurant, or struggling to figure out public transportation systems. This is a style of tourism many beginner travelers choose to participate in because it requires basically zero planning. This is one of the most popular types of tourism.

There are packaged tours available to pretty much every region. Many travelers choose to take packaged tours to Africa. Check out my guide to overland tours vs independent travel for more info. 

Drawbacks to Package Tourism

• It takes away your freedom- With package tours, you’re pretty much stuck on a schedule. You can’t choose your own hotel, restaurant, or activity. Everything is pre-planned.
• Annoying people in your group- If you are traveling in a group, you may end up traveling with people that you just don’t like. Some people are entitled, some are picky, and some are just plain annoying. If you are on a private tour, however, this isn’t a problem.
• Bad guides- I have had some bad experiences with guides in my travels. Many give inaccurate facts, don’t know what they are talking about, or just don’t care about their jobs. Getting stuck with a bad guide on your packaged tour could ruin the whole trip.
• Expensive- Package tours almost always cost more than traveling independently.

19. Culinary Tourism (Food Tourism)

Culinary tourism, also called food tourism, is travel for the purpose of exploring different types of food and drinks around the world. Many travelers consider a destination’s cuisine to be as important as the climate, scenery, or accommodation. The popularity of culinary tourism has exploded over the past decade.

Culinary Tourism Activities

• Trying different restaurants- Some travelers plan their trips by eating at one specific restaurant. For example, Michelin star restaurants are popular tourist destinations.
• Taking cooking classes- Learning how to cook a new cuisine or dish at home is a popular form of food tourism. For example, Thai cooking classes are incredibly popular.
• Food festivals- Around the world, festivals are held to celebrate specific foods. Most large cities hold some type of annual food and drink festival. You’ll also find festivals that celebrate specific foods.
• Trying new foods- Sampling foods that you haven’t tried before is a major part of culinary tourism. This is one of my favorite things to do while traveling.
• Alcohol tasting- Including wine tasting, beer tasting, whiskey tasting, etc. Tasting different recipes of the same foods- Some dishes have many variations around a country. Try them all to find your favorite.

Culinary Tourism Destinations

Pretty much every country has at least one decent dish to try. Having said that, some countries just have better food than others. This could be for a number of reasons. Some parts of the world have benefited from trade and migration. New people come and bring their favorite foods along with them. Over the years, fusions develop and a new cuisine is born. Some parts of the world are just lucky and have unique flavors available in their region. Some of the top countries for food tourism include:

• France- Probably the top culinary tourism destination in the world. France has some of the best restaurants in the world. The quality level of the food here is top notch. Also known for the selection of cheeses and some of the best wines in the world.
• Italy- Everyone loves Italian food. 
• China- The country offers an incredibly varied and delicious cuisine. Because the country is so large, Chinese food comes in a staggering number of varieties. Dishes vary greatly from region to region.
• Thailand- Some of the best curries and excellent street food. This is a great tourist destination for culinary tourists on a budget.
• India- This is the top destination for vegetarians. Options are endless. India has some of the best curries and spices. Street food here is also incredible. The food is also very affordable. For meat-eaters, options are a bit limited.
• Mexico- A very complex cuisine. Specialties vary by region. Try Oaxaca for the best Mexican food. For tacos, head to Tijuana. This is probably my favorite cuisine.
• Ethiopia- In general, East African food isn’t too interesting, in my opinion. Ethiopia is different. The country has a very unique and tasty cuisine. 
• The United States- Due to a large amount of immigration, you can find restaurants serving pretty much any cuisine you can think of in the US. Portion sizes are also generous. San Francisco and New York are the top food tourism destinations in the country.
• Japan- Another favorite. Some of the finest seafood in the world is found in Japan.

20. Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism is travel for the purpose of increasing your health. This could be physical health or mental health. Wellness tourism often involves some sort of spiritual activity like yoga, meditation, or prayer for example. This is quickly becoming a major part of the tourism industry.

Wellness tourism is similar to medical tourism with one major difference. G enerally, w ellness tourists don’t have anything in particular wrong with their health. They travel to maintain or improve their quality of life in general. The goal is often to prevent future health problems. This style of tourism focuses on low stress and relaxation. This is the main distinction between wellness tourism and medical tourism.

Wellness Tourism Activities 

• Spa treatments- Great for relieving stress and relaxation.
• Cruises- A stress-free way to see the world.
• Resort stays- As the wellness tourism industry grows, many resorts are offering wellness-related activities.
• Medical treatments- Some clinics offer alternative medical treatment to improve health and well-being.
• Meditation- A popular stress-relieving activity that promotes mental health. Yoga- Promotes physical and mental health.
• Exercise- Many people don’t get enough exercise during their normal life. Vacations are a great time to develop new healthy habits. Nature hiking is a popular form of wellness exercise.
• Prayer- Wellness tourism can integrate some religious activities.

While it is generally agreed upon that vacationing is good for health and well-being, it has not yet been established whether wellness-related activities offer any benefit over normal vacation activities. Many of these activities can be fun and relaxing, but offer no benefits after the vacation is over.

Top Destinations for Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism is currently a very niche market. North America currently has the largest wellness tourism infrastructure followed by Europe. A few top destinations include:

• British Colombia, Canada

21. Recreational Drug Tourism

Recreational drug tourism is travel for the reason of purchasing or using drugs. People travel to use drugs because they are illegal, difficult to obtain, or more expensive in their own country. This is different from medical tourism where people may travel to purchase prescription drugs. In the case of recreational drug tourism, the drugs are not for health purposes, rather just for fun.

Recreational Drug Tourism Destinations

• Peru- Ayahuasca tours in the Amazon rainforest are popular.

This is a very controversial type of tourism because many people around the world are against the use of drugs for moral, religious, or economic reasons.

22. Nautical Tourism

Nautical tourism as a type of travel involving boating. This includes both motor boating and sailing. A few popular nautical tourism activities include:

• Cruising- Travel from port to port by boat. A vacation on a cruise ship can also be considered nautical tourism. 
• Sailing- If you know how to sail, you can rent a sailboat at yacht clubs around the world. Sailing lessons are also popular in warm weather destinations.
• Regattas- Travel for boat racing.
• Attending boat shows- Some tourists travel to view classic wooden boats.

Top Nautical Tourism Destinations

Nautical tourism is most popular during the summer and in warm weather tourist destinations. You can go on a nautical tour anywhere where there is a body of water. This includes oceans, lakes, or rivers. The Caribbean and Mediterranean are probably the most popular regions for nautical tourism.

23. Agritourism (Agrotourism)

Agritourism is travel which involves agriculture. Generally, this means visiting a farm or ranch. This style of tourism is quickly growing as people become more and more interested in the foods they eat and where they come from. Sustainability is a big part of agritourism. Agritourism is quickly becoming a major part of the tourism industry. This is similar to rural tourism.

Agritourism Activities

• Farm stays- This generally means staying on a farm and working. Farm work is a good way to clear the mind and learn new skills. It is also a method backpackers and budget travelers use to expand the length of their trip. Websites such as WWOOF International and Workaway allow travelers to work in exchange for room and board. Farm work is a popular option because everyone can contribute in some way.
• Buying meat, eggs, or produce directly from a farm or ranch – Some people like to know exactly where their food comes from. Traveling to purchase fresh or organic food can be made into a vacation.
• Picking fruits and veggies- Visiting a farm and harvesting your own food can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. As a bonus, you know that the food is fresh. Strawberries, pumpkins, and cherries are popular crops you can harvest.
• Working with animals- Collecting chicken eggs, milking cows, feeding pigs, etc.
• Learning new skills- Agritourism can be an educational activity. For example, you could learn about planting seeds, raising animals, harvesting produce, etc. Learning how food is made and where it comes from can be fascinating.
• Wine tasting- Visiting vineyards and learning about wines and how they are made is a popular activity in many regions throughout the world.
• Staying at a bed and breakfast- Vacationing in rural areas offers a different experience from the city. See rural tourism above for more info.
• Beekeeping- Visit an apiary and learn about how honey is made.

Popular Agritourism Destinations

Pretty much every country has agricultural regions that you can visit. A few of the best agritourism destinations include:

• The United States- Farming and ranching is a big part of American culture. The US is the top tourist destination for agritourism.
• Canada- A large country with plenty of rural areas to explore.
• Australia- Many backpackers visit Australia on working holiday visas. They spend part of their time working on farms and ranches. This is a style of agritourism.
• France- The top wine destination in the world.

24. Religious Tourism

Religious tourism is one of the oldest forms of tourism. Religious tourism, also known as faith tourism, is a growing trend, where travelers visit places that are either the birthplace of a major figure in their religious faith, memorialize important events in their religion, or simply experience the culture and spiritual practices of another faith. Pilgrimages can also be considered religious tourism. Non-religious people can also participate in religious tourism by visiting religious sites and learning about the history of various religions.

Religious Tourism Activities

• Pilgrimages- This is a journey that is usually made for religious purposes. This is the most common type of religious tourism. It is estimated that around 300 million people participate in pilgrimages each year.
• Missionary work- Many religions require that their members take time to travel to spread the ideas of their religion.
• Faith-based vacations- This includes cruises, resorts, camps, etc which cater to people belonging to a certain religion.
• Religious ceremonies- Some religions hold meetings , conventions, or ceremonies where members from around the world can get together.
• Visits to holy cities- Vatican City, Jerusalem, and Varanasi are examples of holy cities which are popular with religious tourists.
• Visits to shrines, churches, monasteries, temples, or any religious site- This is a religious tourism activity that non-religious people participate in. Everyone can appreciate the architecture of a beautiful cathedral or ancient religious structure. If you travel to Europe and visit a cathedral, you’re participating in religious tourism.

Popular Religious Tourism Destinations

• Vatican City- St. Peter’s Basilica sees about 7 million visitors per year.
• Jerusalem, Israel- The Western Wall is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism.
• Mecca, Saudi Arabia- Muslims from around the world make the pilgrimage to the Great Mosque of Mecca each year for Hajj. Up to 5 million Muslims make this pilgrimage each year.
• Varanasi, India- Over 21 million religious tourists travel to Varanasi to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple each year.
• Mexico City, Mexico- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe receives around 20 million visitors per year. 
• Paris, France- Notre Dame Cathedral receives almost 14 million visitors per year.

25. Solo Tourism (Solo Travel)

Solo Tourism is any kind of travel that is done alone. This means without a guide and without any friends or family. You organize everything by yourself including transportation, accommodation, and activities. You choose what you eat and how you organize your days. A solo tour can be a simple weekend getaway or a multi-year sabbatical.

Reasons to Travel Alone

• Getting out of your comfort zone- When you’re traveling alone, nothing is familiar. This is a great experience if you’ve fallen into a routine that you don’t enjoy.
• The feeling of independence- When traveling alone, you rely on yourself for everything. If you get into a situation, you have to find a way to get yourself out of it. This leads to a feeling of accomplishment.
• The absolute freedom- There is no one there to tell you what to do. If you feel like going out for pizza, no one can stop you. If you feel like catching a bus and heading east, that is your decision to make.
• No one else to travel with- Sometimes it’s difficult to find a travel buddy for certain trips. Rather than not going at all, you may prefer to travel alone. For example, when I went to Africa, I knew that none of my friends would have any interest in tagging along so I happily went solo.

Drawbacks of Solo Tourism

• Doing things alone- After years of solo travel, I’ve gotten pretty comfortable spending time with myself. With that being said, I still have trouble going to bars alone. I just don’t find it very fun.
• You have to be more careful- If you get sick or injured while traveling alone, it’s up to you to make sure you make it to a hospital or clinic for treatment. No one else is going to help you. For more info, check out my guide: Is Solo Travel Safe? Avoiding Crime and Scams.
• Some people think it’s strange- There is a bit of a negative stigma to solo travel. For whatever reason, some people just don’t get it.

For help deciding whether or not this type of tourism is for you, check out my guide: Solo Travel Vs. Groups Travel: My Pros and Cons List

Top Solo Tourism Destinations

• Southeast Asia- From my experience, this region contains the greatest concentration of solo travelers. Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are all popular tourist destinations in the region. Southeast Asia is also affordable and easy to get around. One thing I love about this destination is the street food. It allows me to enjoy the cuisine without having to eat in restaurants alone.
• Western Europe- This is another region that sees a large number of solo travelers. It’s also incredibly easy to get around with the extensive train and bus network. Hostels are available in almost every decent-sized city.
• Central and South America- These regions see a lot of tourists. They are also affordable and easy to get around.
• India- An affordable country to travel with great transportation infrastructure, world-class food, and a fascinating culture.

For more solo travel ideas, check out my guide: The Best Solo Travel Destinations. Also, check out my first solo trip review.

26. Extreme Tourism

This is a type of tourism which involves travel to dangerous areas or participating in dangerous sports or events. In most cases the danger is not real, rather perceived. The goal is an adrenaline rush. Extreme tourism is very similar to adventure tourism.

Extreme Tourism Activities

• Bungee jumping
• White water rafting
• Mountain climbing
• SCUBA diving
• Shark cage diving

Top Extreme Tourism Destinations

Generally, extreme tourism activities take place in the mountains or the ocean. A few popular destinations include:

• New Zealand

27. LGBT Tourism

Also called Gay tourism, LGBT tourism is a type of travel designed for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Unfortunately, many countries around the world are dangerous or unwelcoming to LGBT people so they must put extra care when traveling or planning a vacation for the following reasons:

• Some countries criminalize homosexuality- This is particularly common in African and middle eastern countries. For example, in Uganda, homosexuality is punishable with life in prison. When I was traveling in Ethiopia, I asked a guy how gay people are treated in the country. He explained to me that the punishment is 18 years in prison. 
• Some businesses do not serve gay people- Even in my home country, the United States, there are stories of bakeries refusing to make wedding cakes for gay couples. Around the world, many hotels and restaurants refuse service to gay people.
• In some regions, local people are violent against gays- This happens in many regions across the world.

Popular LGBT Tourism Destinations

• Pride parades
• LGBT friendly cities and neighborhoods

28. Experimental Tourism

In an experimental tour, destinations and itineraries are chosen based on a game, idea, or experiment. This often involves some kind of humor or chance. Examples of experimental tourism include:

• Throwing a dart at a map and going wherever it lands- This is probably the most classic example of experimental tourism.
• Walking down a street and turn in alternate directions at each corner- For example, turn left on the first corner, turn right at the next, etc.
• Going to the airport and buying the next available ticket- Another classic example.
• Going to a popular tourist site and taking a photo in the opposite direction- This gives you a different perspective of your destination. 
• Traveling separately to the same city with a friend and finding each other once you arrive- This turns travel into a game of hide and seek.
• Taking a map of the region you are visiting and randomly selecting a location on the map grid then going there- Similar to throwing a dart. 
• Visiting multiple locations of a particular business- For example, this experimental tourist has traveled to over 14,000 Starbucks locations around the world.

29. Danger Tourism

Similar to extreme tourism, danger tourism involves travel to dangerous places or participating in dangerous events or activities. In this type of tourism, there is a real risk of injury or death involved.

Examples of Danger Tourism

• Travel to regions that are at war or in states of unrest- Visiting Syria during the civil war or visiting Somalia, for example. 
• Travel to regions where terrorists are known to operate- Traveling to Northern Nigeria, for example.
• Participating in extreme sports- Diving with sharks without a cage or wingsuit diving, for example.
• Travel to high crime cities or regions- Visiting Caracas, Venezuela or Tijuana, Mexico for example.
• Traveling through inhospitable regions- Antarctica or the Sahara, for example.

There is a certain level of risk in all travel. Some trips are just on another level. In a danger tour, there is some chance that you are injured or killed.

30. Suicide Tourism

This isn’t a type of tour you want to go on, but I’ll describe it anyway because it is a type of tourism that, sadly, seems to be growing. Also known as euthanasia tourism, suicide tourism is traveling with the intent of committing suicide.

The main reason people choose to travel to commit suicide is because in some countries physician-assisted suicide is legal. Some countries sell drugs over the counter that can be used to commit suicide.

Suicide Tourism Destinations

• Switzerland- The law allows the right to assisted suicide to foreigners.
• The Netherlands- Dutch law permits physician-assisted suicide in some cases.
• Mexico- A particular drug, which is manufactured to euthanize pets, is sometimes purchased by humans trying to commit suicide.
• The United States- Currently Oregon and Washington have laws that allow residents the right to euthanasia under a strict set of circumstances.

31. Disaster Tourism

Disaster tourism is travel to a location where an environmental disaster is currently occurring or has occurred in recent years. This disaster could be man-made or natural. Most tourists choose to visit these destinations out of curiosity. Viewing an area that has been destroyed is interesting in a morbid kind of way. Looting could also be a motivation for criminals.

Examples of Disasters

• Terrorist attack
• Nuclear accident
• Accidental explosion

This is a controversial type of tourism. There are two schools of thought when it comes to the ethics of disaster tourism. Some people believe that it is immoral for tour companies to profit off of the bad fortune of others. Also that it is voyeuristic to essentially people watch during a low point in someone’s life.

Others say that disaster is good because it allows people to see first hand what exactly is happening. This raises awareness and allows people to be empathetic to fellow human beings going through a rough time. Disaster tourism may also stimulate the local economy during a time where money is needed.

Both sides have a point. In my opinion, disaster tourism is fine as long as you aren’t adding to the suffering by making the life of the victims harder. For example, looting during a disaster situation is unacceptable.

Disaster Tourism Destinations

• The site of the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster- This is probably the most famous disaster tourism destination. Even though it’s been over 30 years since the meltdown, the region is still suffering from the effects of radiation. Most tourists visit the site on organized tours from Kyiv.
• New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina- Even after almost 15 years, effects from the hurricane can still be seen in the city. Organized tours take visitors to different neighborhoods to teach about the events and history of the city.
• Pompeii- The city was destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today, over 2.5 million tourists visit each year.
• The site of the Hindenburg incident- On May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg airship blew up near Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey. Today, a plaque marks the site of the accident.

32. War Tourism

War tourism is defined as recreational travel to a former or active war zone. The purpose is usually to better understand the history of a particular war or battle.

The most common form of war tourism is travel to battlegrounds from famous wars. At these sites, you’ll find plaques, museums, artifacts, and tours of the actual battle sites.

Some hardcore travelers choose to visit active war zones for the thrill and unique experience. Of course, this practice is incredibly dangerous and controversial.

War Tourism Destinations

• WWI Battlegrounds- Including Verdun, Somme, Ypres, and more.
• WWII Sites- Including the site of the D day landing in Normandy, Oradour-Sur-Glane in France, Warsaw Ghetto, Concentration camps, Anne Frank’s House, Oscar Schindler’s factory in Krakow, and many more.
• US Civil War Battlegrounds- Including Fort Sumter, Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg, and more.
• Active war zones- A few possible destinations include Ukraine, Yemen, and Syria. Some sources also consider parts of Mexico to be active war zones in the war on drugs.

33. Urban Exploration Tourism

Urban exploration is a type of tourism that involves exploring man-made structures. Usually, these are places that have been abandoned and left to sit for long periods without any upkeep. These sites are in a state of ruin and decay. Urban exploration can also involve visiting sites that are just hidden or difficult to access.

This type of tourism usually involves trespassing and can result in fines or punishment. There can be some danger involved as well. Dilapidated buildings may not be structurally sound. It would be easy to fall and injure yourself. You could inadvertently expose yourself to asbestos as well as toxic chemicals and gasses. There is a high level of risk involved.

Urban Exploration Tourism Destinations

• Abandonments- Visiting abandoned places of any kind including houses, factories, asylums, amusement parks, schools, etc. are all forms of urban exploration tourism. For example, some tourists visit Detroit to view the large number of homes and factories that were abandoned during the population decline of the city. Japan also has a large amount of abandoned infrastructure due to its rapid industrialization and economic decline of the late 80s and early 90s. The Salton Sea in California is another popular destination to view abandoned homes, roads, and other infrastructure.
• Rooftops- Some urban explorers climb to the top of buildings and structures to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the area. These structures could be in use or vacant.
• Catacombs- A number of cities have underground catacombs including Paris, Odessa, Rome, and Naples. Explorers usually find an entrance and visit parts of the tunnels that are not open to tourists.
• Tunnels- Utility and transit tunnels are popular areas for urban explorers to visit. They seek out an access location, enter the tunnel, and begin exploration. Many large institutions like hospitals and universities have utility tunnels. Large cities have transit tunnels where underground trains run. These tunnels could be in use or abandoned.
• Sewers and storm drains- This type of urban exploration involves finding an entrance to a city’s underground water and waste management system.

34. Budget Tourism (Budget Travel)

Budget tourism involves travel on with a small amount of money. Limiting your budget can be done for the purpose of adventure or simply due to a lack of funds. Budget tourism proves that you don’t have to be wealthy to travel. 

Backpackers are the most common type of budget tourist. This style of travel involves traveling by public transportation and staying in hostel dorms most nights. Bicycle tourists, hitchhikers, vagabonds, campers, and hikers can also be considered budget tourists.

The budget depends on where you’re traveling and how many comforts you’re willing to give up. Some travelers can get by on $5-$10 per day. This is what I would consider budget travel. Other travelers consider $100 per day to be a low budget. The average budget tourist probably spends somewhere around $1000 per month on average.

A few ways to cut your travel budget include: 

• Hitchhiking- This is a great way to cut your transportation budget. In much of the world, it’s easy to get a free ride between cities. In some places, you’re expected to help with gas money. 
• Wild camping- If you travel with a shelter and sleeping bag, you can sleep for free in many places around the world. Sometimes this is legal and sometimes it’s not. 
• Foraging- If you’re familiar with the local flora, you can harvest many types of berries, mushrooms, nuts, etc. This can help you cut your food budget. 
• Couchsurfing- Another great way to cut your accommodation budget. Several websites exist which can help you find a host including Couchurfing.com and Warmshowers.org. 
• Walking and Cycling- Cut your transportation budget by traveling under your own power.
• Cooking your own food- It’s much cheaper to buy groceries and cook for yourself than to eat in restaurants. Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you can cook up some basic meals in your hotel room.

Budget Tourism Destinations

• India- This is the ultimate budget tourism destination. Shoestring travelers can get by on as little as $15 per day while maintaining a comfortable diet and lifestyle. 
• Southeast Asia- This is the top destination for budget tourists. It’s fairly easy to get by on $20 per day and live in relative comfort. The cheapest countries in the region include Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia are also very affordable to travel.
• Central America- This is another incredibly affordable region. It’s possible to get by on around $20 per day in most of the region. Some of the cheaper countries include Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Costa Rica and Panama are not budget tourist destinations.
• Eastern Europe- This region isn’t the cheapest but it offers excellent value. Some of the cheaper countries include Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Macedonia.  

35. Space Tourism

This type of tourism involves travel to space for recreational purposes. This could mean orbital, suborbital, or lunar space. 

So far, only a handful of people have traveled to space recreationally. Between 2001 and 2009, the Russian Space Agency allowed civilians to travel to the International Space Station in a Soyuz spacecraft. This is no longer an option.

At this time, there are no available space tourism options but there are a few companies working on it. Within the next few years, aerospace companies like Boeing, Space X, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic plan to begin offering recreational trips into space. 

36. Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism is travel for the purpose of viewing and interacting with animals and plants in their native habitat. Most wildlife tourism takes place in protected areas such as national parks and game reserves.

The best example of wildlife tourism is a safari. Millions of people travel to Africa every year to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and lions in their natural habitat. A few top destinations include Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Some popular safari parks include Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Crater, Kruger National Park, Ambroseli National Park, and Chobe National Park. Another example of wildlife tourism is whale watching.

A few more popular wildlife tourism destination is the Galapagos Islands, Borneo, Madagascar, and Costa Rica.

37. Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism is an approach to travel that focuses on environmental, social, and cultural conservation. It involves minimizing the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing its potential for benefiting local communities and providing an enjoyable experience for tourists.

Sustainable tourism emphasizes awareness of environmental challenges, caring for both people and the planet by reducing the consumption of natural resources, supporting local economies, and preserving local culture. The goal is to create a better environment for future generations.

38. Educational Tourism

Educational tourism is a type of tourism where the goal is to learn something new and broaden your horizons. This could be formal education through a university or school. For example, study abroad is a form of educational tourism.

Traveling to learn another language could also be a form of educational tourism. Many people travel to Latin America to take Spanish language courses.

Traveling to learn a new skill could also be a form of educational tourism. For example, maybe you’re traveling to take surf lessons, ski lessons, or SCUBA diving lessons.

Traveling to learn about history or culture could also be a form of educational tourism. Maybe you’re visiting museums, battlegrounds, or attending a cultural event with the goal of learning.

39. Mass Tourism

Mass tourism involves thousands or even tens of thousands of people traveling to the same destination for the purpose of tourism. They could be traveling to a resort, city, or a particular event. Mass tourism is one of the most common types of tourism.

For example, a good example of mass tourism is Disney theme parks. Around 161,000 people visit a Disney park per day. Cruises are another good example of mass tourism. The largest cruise ship can hold almost 10,000 passengers.

Some cities also attract massive amounts of foreign tourists. For example, Venice is probably the best example. Bali, Barcelona, and Amsterdam also experience mass tourism.

Events such as Carnival, Oktoberfest, and Mardi Gras also attract mass tourism. Religious events such as Hajj can also be considered mass tourism.

40. Music Tourism

Music tourism is travel for the purpose of attending music festivals or watching a musical performance. If you travel to see your favorite artist perform, you’re a music tourist. A few of the most popular music tourism destinations include Memphis, Berlin, Havana, London, Vienna, and Tokyo.

41. Wine Tourism

Wine tourism involves travel for the purpose of tasting, drinking, and buying wine. During a wine tour, you could visit different wineries, sample different wines, walk around the vineyard, or even learn about wine making. It is a type of food tourism. Wine tourism is also known as Enotourism, oenotourism, or vinitourism.

A few of the most popular destinations for wine tourism include France, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Greece, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Georgia, South Africa, and the United States.

42. Beach Tourism

Beach tourism involves visiting beaches, coastal cities, and beach resorts with the intention of enjoying the beach, sun, sand, and water sports. This is one of the most common types of tourism. Millions of people travel to the beach every year.

A few of the top beach tourism destinations include Spain, Thailand, Australia, the United States, Brazil, Mauritius, the Bahamas, the Philippines, and more. There are thousands of spectacular beaches around the world.

43. International Tourism

International tourism is travel to another country. It is an important aspect of the global economy, as tourists contribute by spending money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment. International tourism is a major part of the tourism industry. In addition to money, international tourism also brings culture, knowledge, and understanding. This can help to bridge divides between nations and cultures.

Whenever you travel to another country, you are participating in international tourism. Even if you just cross over the border for a day. International tourism is generally more expensive than domestic tourism.

International tourism is also known as outbound tourism when leaving your home country. It is considered inbound tourism for the country you’re visiting. Many travel agencies specialize in international tourism.

The top 10 most popular international tourism destinations include:

• The United Kingdom

44. Atomic Tourism

This unique type of tourism involves traveling to learn about the atomic age to learn about history. For example, you could visit an atomic test site, museum, missile silo, delivery vehicle, nuclear disaster site, nuclear power plant, or a memorial.

A few of the most well-known atomic tourism sites include the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Bikini Atoll, The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, the Nevada Test Site, the Trinity Site, Hanford, and more.

Final Thoughts

According to the World Tourism Organization, “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.”

As we have seen, there are many different types of tourism. The tourism industry is a major part of the global economy. Traditional vacations to a resort or the beach are great but sometimes it’s nice to try something a bit different. Hopefully, this list of 44 types of tourism helps you expand your horizons while planning your next big trip.

One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need to plan your whole trip around one type of tourism. For example, maybe you’re a foodie but you also want to give surfing a try. You can be a food tourist and extreme tourist in the same trip. Simply choose a destination that allows you to do both. Mexico would work great for this example. 

I’m pretty open-minded. Personally, I always like to try something different when I travel. I believe that tourists should be able to go anywhere they want, see anything they want, and do anything they want as long as they don’t harm anyone or cause any damage to the natural areas. I always try to choose a destination that allows me to experience something that I’ve never experienced before. 

What are your favorite types of tourism? Share your experience in the comments below!

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Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Sunday 7th of January 2024

What an interesting read! I’d never thought about some of these. Sober travel is also very popular these days and has some popular destinations.

Zachary Friedman

Friday 12th of January 2024

Thanks for reading. Sober travel is a great idea! I'll add that one to the list

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Types of Tourism in The World – Travel Agency Needs to Know

What are the types of tourism travel agency can offer.

The tourism realm is vast comprising numerous types. From birth tourism and space tourism to garden tourism and beyond, the available types of tourism to travelers are truly remarkable.

As a travel agency, incorporating this diverse array of tourism types into your offerings is a surefire way to achieve desirable results. Showcasing a wealth of options and catering to a wide range of travelers can capture prospective travelers.

Many experts predict that the tourism industry will recover gradually over the next few years. The UNWTO , for example, projects that international tourist arrivals will reach 1.5 billion by 2025, a significant increase compared to the all-time low of around 880 million in 2020.

Being a travel website development company specializing in travel digital marketing services , we recognize the crucial significance of understanding the various types of tourism worldwide. Our in-depth knowledge of travel website development services equips us to tailor your travel website to effectively cater to diverse travel preferences, ensuring optimal user engagement and a seamless booking experience.

63 Types of Tourism in the World

Tourism sector keeps evolving from the basics types like domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism. As travel agencies, you can use this information to pull out strategies and grow your tourism business.

1. Adventure Tourism

Adventure tourism involves the exploration of remote places where travelers can expect the unexpected. It involves connecting with a new culture or new landscape and at the same time being physically active. Some of the adventure tourism activities involve day hiking, backpacking, zip lining, free fall, rafting, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding.

2. Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism ensures people get access to tourist destinations, products and services regardless of physical limitations, disabilities or age. This tourism market was promoted through the research commissioned by the European Commission where the stakeholders provided insights on the complexities involved in accessible tourism. The European Network for Accessible Tourism has facilities such as barrier-free destinations, activities, exhibits, attractions and more.

3. Agritourism

Agritourism or agrotourism tourism normally occurs on farms. It gives travelers an opportunity to experience rural life, taste the local genuine food and get familiar with various farming tasks. This type of tourism is also referred to as farm stays in Italy. Some of the types of agritourism are direct market agritourism, experience and education agritourism, and event and recreation agritourism.

4. Alternative Tourism or Sustainability

Alternative tourism, also known as specific interest tourism (SIT) involves travel that encourages interaction with local government, people and communities. Many travelers choose alternative tourism because they love nature and want to preserve it. Some of the approaches by alternative tourism involve eco tourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism, sustainable tourism or sustainability, solidarity tourism, etc.

5. Atomic Tourism

Atomic tourism has recently emerged where tourists learn about the atomic age by traveling to sites such as museums with atomic weapons, missile silos, vehicles that carried atomic weapons. Some of the top atomic tourist sites in the world are The Trinity Site, Doom Town, The Titan Missile Museum, Hanford B Reactor, Los Alamos, The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Enola Gay, Chernobyl and Pripyat, Hiroshima, Bikini Atoll and Malan Military Expo Park.

6. Benefit Tourism

According to Medical Dictionary, ‘’A popular term for a non-British citizen (e.g., from the EU) who comes to the UK to live off social security and other entitlements, including child benefit, child tax credit, state pension credit, jobseeker’s allowance, and employment and support allowance.’’ These benefits are only afforded to those who meet the UK’s “right-to-reside” test.

7. Birth Tourism

Birth tourism also known as maternity tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for giving birth. The main reason for this practice is to obtain birthright citizenship. Other reasons include access to public schooling, healthcare and sponsorship for the parents. Some of the countries that give citizenship by birthright include United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Jamaica, and Uruguay.

8. Boat Sharing

Boatsharing is the act of sharing boats with other people who want to go to the same place. They split the cost of boat, captain or skipper cost. Some of the famous boatsharing associations in the world are Boatide, Sailbox, Bootschaft, Steamboat, Antlos and Boatshare.

9. Booze Cruise

Booze cruise is a brief trip from Britain to France or Belgium with the intention of buying personal supplies such as alcohol or tobacco in bulk. This is legally acceptable and must not be confused with smuggling. In other countries, this term is used for an outing on a ship or boat which involves a significant amount of drinking.

10. Business Tourism

Business tourism involves traveling to a destination away from home or a normal workplace. It is a type of travel for professional purposes rather than personal. Some types of business tourism are incentive travel, exhibitions & trade fairs, conferences & meetings, and corporate events.

11. Birdwatching

Birdwatching is observing birds in their natural habitat. These birds are observed with the naked eye or visual enhancement devices such as binoculars, telescopes and listening devices. The world’s top birdwatching destinations are South Georgia Island; Cape May, New Jersey; Patanlal, Brazil; Broome, Western Australia; New Guinea Highlands; Nagaland, India; Kakum National Park, Ghana; Mindo, Ecuador; Hula Valley, Israel; and Kruger National Park; South Africa.

12. Camping

Camping is a famous outdoor activity that involves an overnight stay in a tent or recreational vehicle. It is considered as an inexpensive accommodation option. A minimum of one night is spent, distinguishing it from day-tripping, picnics, and other short-term recreational activities. There is also one more luxurious type of camping called Glamping. Some of the famous camping types are tent camping, backpacking/hiking, survivalist camping, canoe camping, RV and van camping.

13. Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism or food tourism is for food enthusiasts who love to explore new food destinations. This is a welcome change from the standard travel itinerary as the trip involves the opportunity to learn new cooking techniques or attend a food tasting. Some of the top culinary tourism destinations in the world are Italy, Spain, Dubai, Thailand, India, Tokyo, Bangkok, Japan, Peru, Ethiopia and New Orleans.

14. Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism is where travelers engage with a country or religion’s culture, especially the lifestyle and other elements that shaped the life of the people. Tourists get immersed with related activities such as rituals and festivals. Some of the popular cultural tourism destinations in the world are Madagascar; Lombok, Indonesia; Latvia; Haida Gwaii, British Columbia; Northern Sri Lanka; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Aristi, Greece; Western Cape, South Africa and Tamil Nadu, India.

15. Dental Tourism

Dental tourism or dental vacation involves people seeking dental care out of their local healthcare system. It may also be accompanied by a vacation. In developed countries like USA and Canada, dental care is expensive. So, dental tourists travel for low-cost dental care. Some of the famous dental tourism destinations include Mexico, Thailand, Panama, Philippines, Spain, Hungary, Romania and India.

16. Disaster Tourism

Disaster tourism or dark/black/grief tourism involves visiting environmental disaster places that are either natural or man-made. People are attracted to this type of tourism because of its social, academic or cultural essence. Some of the most famous disaster tourism spots in the world are Hurricane Katrina, Pompeii, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, Nevada National Security Site, Johnstown Flood National Memorial and 9/11 Memorial.

17. Domestic Tourism

Domestic tourism involves residents of a country traveling within the same country. For example, if you are living in Manhattan and travel to Texas, it is called domestic tourism.

18. Recreational Drug Tourism

Recreational drug tourism is a type of travel for the purpose of using recreational drugs that are unavailable, illegal or expensive. These types of tourists may cross a national border to obtain a drug that is not sold in their country. Some of the popular destinations where recreational drug tourism is thriving are Peru, Morocco, Colombia, Colorado, Netherlands, Bolivia and Laos.

19. Enotourism

Enotourism, oenotourism, wine tourism, or vinitourism involves tasting, consumption or purchase of wine. These tourists visit wineries, taste wine, go on vineyard walks or even take part in the harvest. Some of the world’s top destinations for wine tastings are France, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Moldova and Chile.

20. Escorted Tour

An escorted tour is a type of tourism where travelers are guided in groups. Usually, it is a walking tour where a guide takes the group to historical or cultural sites. Under escorted tours, the guide or agency will take care of all the planning. Travelers can sit relax and enjoy the trip knowing that they are doing the best of everything.

21. Experiential Travel

Experiential travel or immersion travel is a tourism type where travelers experience a country by enthusiastically engaging with its history, people, culture and food. Some of the famous experiential travel trips are exploring Cuban culture, tag sharks in the Exumas, crossing the Antarctic Circle, catapult at 3Gs in Nevis Vally, safari in Tanzania, visiting Nomadic Herders and Reindeer, trek to the Tiger’s Nest and swimming with whale sharks in Mexico.

22. Experimental Travel

Experimental Tourism is an approach where travelers don’t visit the places of ordinary attraction. This type of tourism involves humor, serendipity, and chance. Some of the experimental travel types include flying by night, slow-return travel, alphabet travel, twelve travel, blind travel, find your other half travel and Vacilando.

23. Extreme Tourism

Extreme tourism or shock tourism involves traveling to dangerous places such as mountains, jungles, deserts, caves, canyons etc. The main attraction is the adrenaline rush caused by the risk. Some extreme tourist attractions in the world are cage of death in Australia, cliff jumping in Norway, Iguazu boat ride in Brazil, CN tower edge walking in Toronto, volcano bungee in Chile, zorbing in New Zeland, and El Caminito Del Rey Trekking in Spain.

24. Eco tourism

Eco tourism involves visiting undisturbed natural areas. It promotes conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people. Some of the best eco tourism destinations in the world are Alaska, The Amazon, Antarctica, Australian Blue Mountains, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, Dominica, Galapagos Islands and Himalayas.

25. Fashion Tourism

Fashion tourism involves visiting a particular place to enjoy, experiment, discover, study, trade and buy fashion. It evolved out of creative tourism, cultural tourism and shopping tourism sectors. The top fashion destinations in the world are New York, Paris, Barcelona, London, Rome, Milan, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Berlin and Toronto.

26. Garden Tourism

Garden tourism is a niche tourism which involves traveling to botanical gardens and places that has a rich history of gardening. Famous gardens which attracts tourists around the world are Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Stourhead, Versailles, Giverny, Villandry, Rivau, Keukenhof, Villa d’Este, Villa Lante, Alhambra, Longwood Gardens, Filoli, Taj Mahal and Ryōan-ji.

27. Genealogy Tourism

Genealogy tourism or roots tourism involves tourists who travel to their ancestral place to reconnect with their past or to walk in the footsteps of their forefathers. It is a worldwide industry and prominent in countries that have experienced mass immigration.

28. Geotourism

According to National Geographic, Geotourism sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a place—its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and the well-being of its residents. Top geotourism destinations in the world are Tennessee River Valley, Sierra Nevada. Scenic, Wild Delaware River, Heart of the Continent, Crown of the Continent, Lakes to Locks Passage, Sedona Verde Valley, Four Corners and Bahamas.

29. Halal Tourism

Halal tourism is geared towards Muslim families who follow the rules of Islam. The accommodation service providers in such destinations do not serve alcohol and have a separate swimming pool and spa facilities for men and women. Famous Halal tourism destinations in the world are Malaysia, UAE, Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan and Qatar.

30. Honeymoon Tourism

Honeymoon tourism is taken soon after a couple is married. Generally, newlyweds spend more on this than any other type of tourism. Popular honeymoon destinations in the world are Cappadocia, Turkey; Harbour Island, Bahamas; Harbour Island, Bahamas; Livingstone, Zambia; Pacuare River, Costa Rica; Sintra, Portugal; Sintra, Portugal; Railay, Thailand; and Torres del Paine, Chile.

31. Industrial Tourism

Industrial tourism are visits to industrial sites of a particular location. This concept has taken a renewed interest in recent times and attracts tourists to visit industrial heritage and modern sites. Some of the popular industrial tourism destinations in the world are Kawasaki, Japan; Saint-Nazaire, France; Belle Isle, United States; Bataan, Philippines; and Munich, Germany.

32. International Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) defines tourism as ‘traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes’. This tourism has increased due to the impact of greater globalization. Some of the popular international tourism destinations are France, Spain, United States, China, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Thailand and United Kingdom.

33. International Volunteering

International volunteering also known as voluntourism is where people work for an organization or cause outside their home country. According to recent trends, this type of tourism has become popular in many countries. Famous international tourism destinations in the world are Thailand, Cambodia, India, Peru, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, Morocco and Ghana.

34. Jungle Tourism

Jungle tourism is a subcategory of adventure tourism which is nothing but traveling to the jungle regions of the earth. The top jungle tourism destinations in the world are The Jungles of Kipling, The Jungles of Borneo, The Brazilian Amazon, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Tarzan’s Africa, The Wild Jungles of Papua New Guinea, Christmas Island’s Crazy Wildlife, Ancient Waipoua Forest, Peru Cloud Forest and Monteverde Cloud Forest.

35. Justice Tourism

Justice tourism or solidarity tourism aims to create economic opportunities for local communities, positive cultural exchange and political/historical education. This may overlap with revolutionary tourism. It is particularly promoted in Bosnia and Palestine.

36. LGBT Tourism

LGBT tourism is a form of niche tourism marketed to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. These tourists usually open about their sexual orientation or gender identity, travel to LGBT friendly destinations and travel with other LGBT people irrespective of destination. The top LGBT tourism destinations are Montreal, Brno, Myanmar, New York, New York, Thailand, Chicago, Sitges, Tel Aviv, Puerto Rico, Taipei, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro and Saba.

37. Libel Tourism

According to Dictionary.com, the act of suing a writer for alleged defamation in a foreign jurisdiction where there are weak libel laws. England, Singapore, New Zealand, Kyrgyzstan and Australia are popular libel tourism destinations.

38. Literary Tourism

Literary tourism deals with tourists visiting birthplaces, burial sites, museums and other sites associated with authors or literary creations. Some scholars refer to this as a contemporary type of secular pilgrimage. Popular literary tourism destinations are London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh, Dublin, New York, Concord, Paris, San Francisco, Rome and St Petersburg, Russia.

39. Militarism Heritage Tourism

Militarism heritage tourism is a type of tourism where people visit former military sites. Some of the famous militarism heritage tourism locations are World War (I, II), Pacific Wars, Holocaust remembrance, American Revolution and more.

40. Motorcycle Touring

Motorcycle touring involves a motorcycle. Tourists either buy or rent bikes that are equipped for long travel and luggage carrying capacity. Some of the popular motorcycle riding spots in the world are Leh & Ladakh, Ceuta to Marrakesh loop, Pyrenees Loop, Cape Town Circuit, Dales and Moors, Istanbul to Anatolia, Chasing Che, Tibet to Everest and Australia’s Great Ocean Road.

41. Music Tourism

Music tourism involves visiting a city or town to see musical festival or music performance. In recent years, music tourism has transformed into a massive global phenomenon. Popular destinations for music tourism are Liverpool, Havana, Pune, Trinidad and Tobago, Tokyo, Vienna, Asheville, Essaouira and Berlin.

42. Medical Tourism

Medical tourism refers to people traveling to another country to get medical treatment. People from developed countries travel to developing countries to get low-priced medical treatment. Popular medical tourism destinations in the world are India, Malaysia, Brazil, Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore.

43. Nautical Tourism

Nautical tourism combines sailing and boating with vacation activities. It also encompasses marine tourism activities such as sailing, yachting, cruising and diving, coastal water sports, boat shows and more. Some of the world’s top nautical tourism destinations are Croatia, Netherlands, Australia, South America and the United States.

44. Political Tourism

Political tourism refers to journeys taken with political intent. Such trips involve traveling to the areas of conflict to study the circumstances, understand the situations of both sides and develop knowledge about local history. Some of the popular political tourism destinations are Israel, Palestine and Africa.

45. Religious Tourism

Religious tourism also known as faith tourism refers to traveling individually or in groups to holy sites. These sites are also visited by non-religious tourists who want to know the cultural, historical and religious significance. Famous religious tourism destinations in the world are Shwedagon Pagoda, Basilica of San Vitale, MECCA, Harmandir Sahib, Temple of Heaven, Bahá’í Gardens, The Vatican, Wat Rong Khun, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Paro Taktsang, Spanish Synagogue, and Jerusalem

46. River Cruise

River cruise is a voyage along inland waterways which has several port stops along the way. Typically, travel time lasts longer than a week. Some of the world’s popular river cruise are River Nile cruise, Amazon river cruise, Yangtze river cruise, Danube river cruise, Mekong river cruise, Rhine river cruise, Volga river Cruise, Kerala backwaters cruise, Mississippi river cruise and Douro cruise.

47. Romance Tours

Romance tours are organized by tour operators where men go to countries to meet women for either romance or marriage. These types of tour first took place in Russia and the CIA, but recently moved to other parts of the world such as South America and Asia.

48. Rural Tourism

Rural tourism occurs in rural environments and involves rural experience. Tourists visit these places to understand the lifestyle of these people. Some of the popular rural tourism destinations are Pielachtal, Dirndl, Durbuy, Sveti Martin na Muri, Troodos, Florina, Örség, Clonakilty District, Specchia, Kuldiga, Theerthamalai and Nadur

49. Wildlife Tourism & Safari Holidays

Wildlife Tourism and Safari holidays involve watching wild animals in their natural habitat to observe and photograph wildlife. Wildlife Tourism generates the most number of revenues in several African countries. Popular safari destinations in the world are Victoria Falls, Serengeti National Park, Kruger National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Crater, Addor Elephant National Park, Tarangire National Park, Amboseli National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.

50. Science Tourism

Science tourism is visiting and exploring scientific landmarks such as museums, laboratories, observatories and universities. It also includes viewing scientific events such as solar eclipse. Top scientific tourism destinations in the world are The Long Now 10,000 Year Clock, Nevada’s Solar System in Black Rock, Hobby-Eberly Telescope, Large Hadron Collider, Tesla’s laboratories, Blood Falls, Antarctica’s Dry Valleys and SpaceX Research Facility.

51. Self-Guided Tour

Self-guided tour or self-governing tour or solo trips is a type of tour where the traveler is responsible for getting from point A to point B on their own. They travel based on information such as maps, instructions and suggestions provided by tourist attractions. Some of the popular types of self-guided tours are walking tours, cycling tours and cross-country skiing.

52. Set-Jetting

Set-jetting is the latest trend that involves traveling to destinations that are seen in movies. Visiting stately homes like in the Jane Austin movies, touring London in high-speed boats like James Bond are good examples. Top set-jetting destinations in the world are Breaking Bad (New Mexico), Harry Potter (England) and The Wire (USA). there is also one more type of tourism called Tolkien tourism where fans of the Lord Of The Rings universe travel to the sites of the film, especially in New Zealand.

53. Slum Tourism

Slum tourism or ghetto tourism involves visiting impoverished areas. The purpose of this tourism is to provide tourists a chance to see the ‘non-touristy’ areas of a country. Some of the top slum tourism destinations in the world are South Africa, India, Brazil, Poland, Kenya, Philippines and others.

54. Space Tourism

Space tourism involves traveling into space for recreational purposes. Even though this sounds futuristic, it has already established history. A Russian Space Agency has already facilitated successful orbital space tourism. The different types of space tourism are orbital, suborbital and lunar.

55. Sports Tourism

Sports tourism involves either observing or participating in a sporting event. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors and equates to $7.68 billion. Sports tourism is also classified into sports event tourism, celebrity and nostalgia sport tourism and active sport tourism. Normally, tourists are attracted to events such as the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, F1 Grand Prix, World Tennis Championship, BWF World Championships and Cricket World Cup.

56. Stag Party Tourism

Stag party tourism is participating in a bachelor party which is usually held in another country. Some of the famous stag party tourism destinations are Central Europe and the Baltics, Amsterdam, UK and Spain.

57. Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism or responsible tourism involves traveling to a place in order to make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy. It benefits everyone involved and not just one half of the equation. The top sustainable tourism destinations in the world are the Republic of Guyana, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Portugal, Chumbe Island in Tanzania, Bardia National Park and Ecuador’s Galapagos National Park.

58. Three-Dimensional Virtual Tourism

3DVT or 3D virtual tourism allows travellers to explore a place without physically travelling via a smartphone or computer. Such type of tours are created with 3D models and 2D panoramic images, a sequence of hyperlinked still or video images, and image-based models of the real world along with sound effects and text.

59. Dark Tourism or Tombstone Tourist

Darko Tourism or Tombstone tourist is an individual who enjoys history of famous deaths, cemeteries, epitaphs and gravestone rubbing. Such type of tourists are particularly interested in the historical aspect of such places. Dark tourism is related to this types of tourism activities.

60. War Tourism

War tourism involves travelling to war zones for sightseeing or historical study. Such types of tourists get the thrill in travelling to dangerous and forbidden places. Some of the top war tourism destinations in the world are Baghdad, Iraq; Damascus, Syria; Mogadishu, Somalia; Gaza, Palestine, Kashmir, India; Jonglei and Upper Nile, South Sudan; Tripoli, Libya; Central African Republic; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Yemen.

61. Water Tourism

Water tourism or nautical tourism combines sailing and boating with vacation & holiday. When people plan to travel on a vacation, many have a strong desire to head to the water. Some of the popular water tourism destinations in the world are Rome, The Grand Canyon, Indonasia, New York, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Peru, Mumbai, Turkey, Australia. and Netherlands.

62. Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism involves travelling to promote health via physical, psychological, or spiritual activities. This should not be confused with medical tourism because wellness tourists travel to maintain their health. The top wellness tourism destinations in the world are India, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, California, Bali, Italy and Hawaii.

63. Whale Watching Tourism

Whale watching involves observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Tourists visit such places for scientific and educational purposes.

The top whale watching places in the world are Seattle, USA; Kaikoura, New Zealand; Maui, Hawaii; Hermanus, South Africa; Big Sur, California; Galle, Sri Lanka; Husavik, Iceland; Los Cabos, Mexico; Quebec, Canada; and The Azores, Portugal.

What Are The Industries Related to Travel and Tourism?

Depending on the nature of travel, tourists are in need of certain facilities and services. Thus travel and tourism represent a broad range of related industries. They are,

• Hotel and lodging services
• Food and beverage industry
• Transportation
• Cultural industries
• Tour operators
• Travel agencies
• Industry dealing with real estate, finance, leasing and insurance

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16 Comments

Hii very good article thanks keep doing the good work.

Thank you for reading!

OMG 😳 U DID A GREATEST WORK today i got to know theeeeeeese types tourism all over the world Thank you so much

thank you, helped with my class work 🙂

No 47 Romance Tours, never would’ve known that was a reason to travel the world.

Business is so fun with these sites as we all had a laugh with all the different types of tourism

Nice article, Anjana !

A comprehensive article, Anjana !

NICE BLOG AND GOOD INFORMATION FOR CLIENT

very informative

This is an interesting topic. I would like to travel again and I think that the river tourism may be the one for me! Thank you for the options.

Thank you for Your information.

Thank you Anjana! this was a really cool article!

thank you this helped a lot with my class work

Thanks for your good information From India ❤️

Very informative 👏

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• anamaria copilau
• Aug 4, 2023

Exploring the Travelling Industry and types of tourism

Updated: Feb 7

Author: Anamaria Copilau

Publication date: 04.08.2023

As one of the world’s fastest-growing markets and largest employers, the travelling industry is not to be overlooked. Although quickly recovering after the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, there’s still a long way to go. Before delving into the impact of the industry, we must first understand its components and types.

Definitions of Tourism

There are different definitions of tourism, but all of them encompass staying outside one's usual environment for no longer than six months. The purpose of travel could be leisure, business, or other. This definition takes into account domestic tourism, which has grown significantly in the past several years. Technology and transportation infrastructure have been credited with increasing tourism’s affordability and convenience, while the internet has led to its growth.

Impact of Covid-19 and high inflation rates

Notwithstanding the industry’s significant recovery since COVID-19, it has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. Despite high inflation rates in 2022 and 2023 slowing down the recovery, some experts expect this improvement to continue. 65% of them, however, believe tourism will only return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Types of Tourism

There are two types and several forms, differentiated by the purpose of the visit. Firstly, based on the location of travel, tourism is categorised as:

Domestic Tourism

It involves a country’s residents only travelling within that country’s borders. As there’s no need for travel documents or additional formalities, travel of this kind is more accessible. Based on the purpose of travel, it can further be divided into:

1. Common interest tourism: visiting friends and family, with little need for facilities at the destination

2. Holiday tourism: most common, includes sightseeing and recreation

3. Business tourism: the same facilities as those for holiday tourists are sought after.

International Tourism

Involves the visit of a foreign country. This requires travel documents (i.e., passport, visa, etc.), adjusting to traditions and customs, and a more or less significant language barrier. International tourism is divided into two types: inbound and outbound.

Inbound Tourism

Also known as ‘export tourism’, it involves tourists entering a country and paying for services with foreign currency. In contrast to domestic tourism, inbound tourists tend to spend both more time and more money during their stay.

Outbound Tourism

The act of leaving one’s own country during travel, with the main destination being outside this country. According to the UN's IRTS 2008, outbound tourism expenditures include expenditures that occur outside of the economy of reference.

Classification of Tourism

1. business tourism.

People travel for professional reasons such as attending conventions, conferences or meetings. Travel plans may be extended for leisure purposes, or may even be combined under the term ‘Bleisure’ (business and leisure).

2. Recreational/Leisure Tourism

Encompassing adventure, cultural, urban as well as ecotourism , this is a relatively broad category. It’s more easily defined as travelling during one’s own free time for the purposes of relaxation and exploration.

3. Shopping tourism

Some are ready to travel across the world in order to purchase items not easily obtainable in their own region or country. Fashion is encompassed by this category. Popular destinations are cities like London, Milan, Paris, New York and Dubai.

4. Cultural tourism

Study tours, performing arts, festivals, monuments, folklore, and even pilgrimages are encompassed by cultural tourism. [2] It is an extremely lucrative business, accounting for 40% of European tourism according to the European Commission. For those unsure of where to go, UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites might offer a great deal of inspiration.

5. Sports tourism

From rafting on the Aluminé River in Argentina to skiing in the Alps, tourists can engage in any sport they like while travelling around the world . In this case, the choice of location is most often based on the desired sport. Being an athlete, however, is no requirement for this kind of travelling. Some choose to watch others play by attending sporting events such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup.

6. Rural tourism

Rural areas with their cleaner environment might appeal to those who need a break from the chaos of the city. Through the inflow of capital, rural areas experience social and economic development . Throughout their stay, tourists can actively participate in the established routines of the countryside. These activities consider the value of the environment, thus promoting conservation .

7. Mountain tourism

This location is suitable for those who wish to spend their holidays skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or simply get away from the city. Despite its high potential to stimulate local economic growth, mountain ecosystems are fragile and thus unable to tolerate mass tourism . This isn’t the most suitable location for those who wish to spontaneously explore unknown routes. Visitors are often prohibited from straying off trails or camping outside specially designated areas. A significant portion of this type of travel is centred on wildlife .

8. Urban tourism

Tourism is a key pillar of cities’ economy and can have a significant influence on their development. Cities become more inclusive and self-sustainable, as better living conditions for residents and visitors are encouraged. From shopping to sightseeing to art museums, the vast range of activities attracts great numbers of tourists each year.

9. Health/Medical tourism

Under this category, people travel abroad in order to obtain medical services. This is especially prevalent for issues that can’t be treated locally. Medical or alternative treatments (hot springs, mud baths) are popular amongst those seeking solutions to their health issues.

10. Incentive Tourism

In order to reward successful employees, businesses will offer holiday trips as non-cash rewards. This is a quickly growing market, valued at USD 42 Billion in 2021 with an anticipated growth rate of 12.1% over the period 2022-2029.

As previously mentioned, there are many types of tourism and many destinations that cater to the visitors’ every desire. Here are some additional forms of tourism, some of which are more rarely encountered.

Atomic Tourism - visitors travel to atomic history sites where they learn about the Atomic Age

Beach Tourism - tourists plan their holidays around beaches

Industrial Tourism - tourists wish to learn more about industries specific to a certain region by visiting factories and manufacturing sites

Religious Tourism - religious people visit important religious and cultural sites that are considered holy for them

Sex Tourism - quite ambiguously defined as travelling for the purposes of engaging in sexual behaviour

Virtual Tourism - combines virtual reality and tourism, facilitating travelling without having to go anywhere

You can also read about:

Reference list.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK ON INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

Interactive Charts on Tourism

8 types of tourism that you need to know

What is Cultural Tourism? - Basic Information

Cultural tourism

UNESCO - World Heritage List

URBAN TOURISM

Global Incentive Travel Market Size study & Forecast, by Industry Type, by End User, by Source and Regional Analysis, 2022-2029

• Environment

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The 9 types of tourist destinations

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!

There are many different types of tourist destinations, which facilitate different types of tourism . If we are to ensure that tourism is profitable and sustainable, it is important that we understand the different types of tourist destinations and the types of customers that they attract. In this article, I will tell you about some of themes common types of tourist destinations.

What is a tourism destination?

Beach resorts, secluded beaches, mountain areas, countryside areas, towns and cities, winter sport areas, areas known for culture and heritage, types of tourist destinations: to conclude, further reading.

A tourist destination is a place or area that relies heavily on the economic benefits of tourism .

A tourist destination can be large, for example a city. It can also be small, for example a small coastal resort or village.

In fact, the term tourism destination is somewhat subjective, and there isn’t really a universal definition. In other words, what one person may say is a ‘destination’, another person may not agree.

Anyway, lets keep things simple, shall we?

Here is my definition of a tourist destination-

A tourist destination is any area, large or small, that attracts and caters for tourists, with tourism being the dominant, or one of the dominant, income generators for the area.

The types of tourism destinations

There are different types of tourist destinations around the world.

Of course, no two destinations are the same (this is what makes travel so exciting!), but we can generally group destinations together into categories.

The most common different categories of tourist destinations are as follows:

Beach areas

Natural areas.

Below, I will explain what each of these types of tourist destination categories mean and I will give you lots of examples. I will also tell you about my favourite tourist destination, because a little travel inspiration never hurt anyone, right?

Beach areas are popular types of tourist destinations.

Some people travel a long way to reach a beach, whereas other people may only travel a short distance. Beach tourism is therefore popular with both domestic tourists and international tourists .

Beach areas are not all of the same. In fact, beach areas vary considerably! Islands, resorts and secluded spots, make up just three different types of beach areas.

Examples of islands: Bali (Indonesia), Jamaica (Caribbean), Maldives, Koh Lanta (Thailand), Isla of Wight (UK), Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).

Island tourism is a popular type of tourism .

Islands are land masses that are surrounded by water . They are separated form the mainland. As a result, islands have long coastlines.

Many islands are lined with beaches. Some of these are tropical, with soft sands and warm waters. Others may boast temperate climates, pebbled beaches, cliffs edges and rock faces.

Because of their abundant beaches, islands are a popular place for beach tourism to occur.

My favourite island: Koh Lipe

Koh Life is a tiny island in the south of Thailand . You can reach Malaysia by boat in just a couple of hours.

Koh Life has the perfect ‘island vibe’- Reggae music playing on the beach, long tail boats, mango shakes and the best pad Thai you could ask for!

The island is so small that you can walk from one end to the other in just a few minutes. It has some of the softest sand I have ever feet beneath my feet. This place was literally a dream!

Examples of beach resorts: Maguluf, Majorca (Spain), Malia, Crete (Greece), Borocay (Philipines), Kuta, Bali (Indonesia), Manuel Antonia (Costa Rica).

Beach resorts are areas that are specifically developed for tourism. They will generally consist of the beach area, hotels, bars and restaurants and entertainment venues and activities.

Usually, a resort will be developed with a top-down approach in mind, meaning that tourism development planning occurs, at least to begin with, at the Government level.

This enables private travel and tourism organisations to then develop their own tourism provision within the beach resort area.

In recent years, the concept of the holiday resort has changed slightly. Nowadays, not only does the term ‘beach resort’ refer to the tourism area, but it is also the term often used by private travel and tourism organisations who build all-inclusive facilities.

Personally, I find this a bit confusing, so I will refer to organisations with all-inclusive facilities ‘resort hotels’.

A resort hotel is when a private organisation develops tourist provision within a contained area. A form of enclave tourism , this will generally include a private beach, bars, restaurants, hotel accommodation , leisure facilities and entertainment options.

These types of development promote economic leakage in tourism and are renowned for their negative social impacts .

An interesting example of beach resorts: Phu Quoc Island

‘Visit before it is ruined’. That’s what I read about Phd Quoc Island in Vietnam. Hailed as the hidden gem of Vietnam, I felt that I had to visit this tropical paradise. But I was too late.

The once pristine, unspoilt beaches were mostly filled with cranes. The sounds of the waves replaced with drills and hammering. This island will never be the same again.

Phu Quoc Island is currently undergoing rapid tourism development. The beaches are predominantly now owned by private organisations (think Radisson, Hilton etc). Any hotels not on the beach are on the brink of closure, because unless tourists are staying in one of these hotel resorts, they cannot access the beaches.

Development on this island is changing the landscape, the society and the economy. Enhanced globalisation , economic leakage and gentrification are all issues that the island is now suffering. And for what? More tourists but less money. THIS is why tourism must be sustainably developed and managed !

Examples of secluded beaches : Green Island Beach, Antigua (Caribbean), Hidden Beach, Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Breivika, Vaeroy Island (Norway), Vatersay Beach, Outer Hebrides (Scotland).

Secluded beach areas are just as it says on the tin- areas of beach that are away from built up areas.

Secluded beach areas are generally one of two things:

1- They are not developed areas and there are not many people live nearby. The transport network is not well developed and it is not easy for tourists to reach the area. The areas may be protected areas.

2- They are areas reserved for exclusive tourism. The most expensive and luxurious beach tourism often occurs on secluded beaches. Tourists may arrive by private plane or boat. The price of a holiday here is high.

Many people search for secluded beaches because they wish to enjoy unspoilt beaches and to get away from the crowds.

These areas may not be cleaned as regularly as busier beaches, so you may find seaweed or washed-up litter on the shoreline.

Secluded beaches often have few or no amenities- no shade from the sun, no place to buy water or go to the toilet. For me, that’s all part of the fun- but it’s not for everyone!

My favourite secluded beach: Tortuga Bay

When my husband and I visited the Galapagos Islands for our honeymoon, we were in awe of all of the beautiful landscapes that we encountered. But one particular beach stood out: Tortuga Bay.

Tortuga Bay requires a 45 minute trek or a boat to reach it. The walk was actually my favourite part… because we had the long stretch of beach all to ourselves, well- us and the iguanas!

Because there are so few people who visit (due to the visitor number caps imposed by the Government), the animals are not afraid of people, meaning that you can get up close and personal with these creatures. It was a really special experience!

Natural areas are popular types of tourist destinations too. Natural areas can be broken down into different types of natural areas, such as mountains, forests and countryside areas.

Mountain area examples: The Alps ( France ), The Canadian Rockies (Canada), The Himalayas (Nepal), Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania).

Mountain areas are popular with tourists.

There are many different activities that you can do in the mountains, such as mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, horse riding, quad biking and more.

The activities available to tourists depends on the season, the altitude and the weather.

My favourite mountain area: Mount Kilimanjaro

Reaching the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro was one of my greatest life challenges! The physical and mental endurance is like nothing I had experienced before and the feeling of reaching the top, and being higher than anybody else in Africa, was so elevating!

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is something that I recommend to both people who are active climbers and those who are in search of an adventure. The physical act of climbing isn’t all that difficult and sitting on the roof of Africa gives you a new perspective on life!

Examples of forests : Daintree Forest (Australia), Redwood National Park (USA), Sagano Bamboo Forest (Japan), Great Bear Rainforest (Canada).

Forests are popular types of tourist destinations.

There are forests all over the world, although the flora and fauna differs according to the geographical location, they are share one thing in common- trees!

Many tourists choose to travel to forest areas. Some travellers will visit for a short time and others may stay for days or weeks.

There are many tourist facilities and resorts that have been developed within forests. In the UK the Centre Parcs chain is probably the most well-known. These holiday parks feature chalets and villas in a forest area. There are many activities such as rock climbing and mountain biking. There are also many facilities provided such as swimming pools and restaurants.

My favourite forest:  Monteverde Cloud Forest

Visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest in  Costa Rica  was a once in a lifetime experience!We were literally living in the clouds! We spent our days amongst the nature, watching the humming birds, looking for sloths and talking gentle walks through the forest.

Examples of countryside areas: The Peak District (UK), Ontario Wine Country (USA), Cappadoccia (Turkey), Sapa (Vietnam), Mendoza (Argentina).

Countryside areas, otherwise known as rural tourism areas, actually encompass both of the above categories. Countryside isn’t just open landscape- it includes mountain areas, lakes, hills, forests, woods, plains and fields.

Countryside areas are popular types of tourist destinations. People can get some fresh air, relax and take part in a wide range of activities.

My favourite countryside area: Somerset

The United Kingdom has some of the best countryside areas in the world! I was fortunate enough to spend several weeks in Somerset, which is a wonderful rural tourism destination.

There is so much to do here such as hiking the Mendip Hills , caving in Cheddar , visiting the cathedral in Wells and admiring the beauty of the Strawberry Line . Axbridge is a quintessentially English village that’s worth visiting too!

Examples of tourist cities: Paris, Rome , London, New York, Sydney, Shanghai, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro.

Towns and cities are popular types of tourist destinations.

One of the reasons for this popularity is accessibility. Typically, large towns and cities are well connected. Cities usually have at least one airport and many low cost airlines will offer affordable flights, especially within Europe.

Towns and cities attract many different types of tourists. Whether you are travelling for a stag party, a business trip or a family getaway, there is something to suit everyone- and that’s what makes towns and cities such popular types of tourist destinations!

My favourite city: Bangkok

The capital city of Thailand has always had a special place in my heart.

I have visited Bangkok many times, given that it is a central hub connecting much of South East Asia. And with each visit my fondness grows that little bit greater…

I love the hustle and bustle, the dirt cheap massages, the delicious street food and the tranquility of the Buddhist culture . I feel at home in Bangkok- I just love it!

Examples of winter sports destinations: Whistler (Canada), Niseko (Japan), Serre Chavalier (France), Alpbach (Austria).

Winter sports areas are one of the major types of tourist destinations.

Winter sports is a popular form of active sports tourism . People travel to destinations with winter conditions (real or artificial) for a range of winter sport activities.

Popular winter sports activities include:

• Snow mobiling
• Husky riding
• Snow walking
• Snowboarding
• Ice skating
• Tobogganing

My favourite winter sports destination: Harbin

The skiing in Harbin is said to be the best in China . But what makes this place really special is the Harbin Ice Festival. Between November and December each year there are hundreds of ice sculptures that are beautifully lit up. With -30 degrees being a normal temperature during winter and snow capped buildings everywhere you look, Harbin is a unique tourist destination, like no other!

Examples of areas known for culture and heritage: Ankor Wat (Cambodia), The Great Wall of China (China), Taj Mahal ( India ), Great Barrier Reef (Australia) Galapagos (Ecuador).

The last type of tourist destination that I will discuss is areas that are known for their culture and heritage.

Usually, these destinations feature high on cultural tourism agendas and offer many tourist attractions which offer cultural and heritage attractions.

Many of these areas are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are areas that have been designated by the United Nations as having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. There are more than 1000 UNEXCO World Heritage Sites around the world.

My favourite area known for culture and heritage: Anuradhapura

On our travels around Sri Lanka with our baby , we spent a day at Anuradhapura . This ancient city is fascinating. The temples are huge and really impressive and it took us most of the day to explore.

There were monkeys too, which my baby girl loved!

As you can see, there are many different types of tourist destinations. Whilst we can roughly group them together as being similar (e.g. beaches, mountain areas, cultural places etc), no two tourist destinations are the same. And that’s one of the wonderful things about the travel and tourism industry- it is so diverse and everyday you can see some place new, if you want to!

• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• The 8 Major Types of Cruise
• The 10 Major Types of Events
• 21 Types of Tourists Around The World
• The 3 Major Types Of Airlines + How They Work

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What is a mortgage loan?

Fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages (arms), government-backed mortgages, conventional mortgages, specialty mortgage loans, understanding the different types of mortgage loans.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate mortgages to write unbiased product reviews.

• You'll need to decide between a conventional or government-backed loan, and a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage.
• The most common type of mortgage is a conventional, fixed-rate conforming loan.
• The right type of mortgage depends on your finances and what ends up being most affordable for you.

When buying a home, you'll need to decide which type of mortgage is the best fit. 

Your decision may come down to how much you need to borrow and how strong your finances are. If you don't qualify for a mortgage of one type, you may be able to find another one that's a good match.

Mortgages are a type of secured loan used to buy real estate. Since most people can't afford to pay the average price of a home out of pocket, they use a mortgage to make the purchase.

Because the property acts as collateral for the loan, you could lose your home if you stop making payments. This happens through a process called foreclosure .

Why choosing the right type of mortgage matters

There are many different types of mortgages available, all with different requirements, pros, and cons. Some are easier to qualify for, and the right type of mortgage for you could ultimately save you money compared to other types.

What is a fixed-rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your rate for the duration of your loan. Although US mortgage rates will increase or decrease over the years, you'll still pay the same interest rate at the end of the loan term as you did on your very first mortgage payment.

Pros and cons

Fixed-rate mortgages provide stability, since your payment won't significantly change throughout the life of the loan (though it still could go up or down a bit if your property taxes or insurance change).

However, that means that you won't be able to benefit if rates drop significantly. The only way you can change your rate is by refinancing , which takes time and costs money.

Who are they best for?

Fixed-rate mortgages are incredibly popular, and they're generally a good fit for most borrowers. If you don't want to have to worry about your mortgage payment changing down the road, this is likely the right type of mortgage for you. 

What is an adjustable-rate mortgage?

An adjustable-rate mortgage , commonly referred to as an ARM, keeps your rate the same for the first few years, then periodically changes over time — typically once or twice a year. For example, if you have a 5/1 ARM, your introductory rate period is five years, and your rate will go up or down every year based on how the index rate it's tied to is trending.

Understanding the rate adjustment

Your lender will tell you how often your rate will adjust, the maximum it can change each time it adjusts, and the maximum amount it can change overall. Make sure you can afford the ARM even if the rate goes up to the maximum. 

You may be able to get a deal with an ARM initially. ARM rates are often lower than fixed mortgage rates, so your initial monthly payment could be more affordable. But if your rate goes up later on, so will your mortgage payment.

An ARM might be an affordable choice if you plan to refinance or sell the home before the rate resets.

There are three types of government-backed mortgages , or home loans backed by federal agencies: FHA, VA, and USDA. If you default on your mortgage payments, the agency compensates the lender for a portion of the loan. This makes the loans less risky for your lender, and therefore more accessible for you.

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. These are the most popular type of government-backed loan because they're available to all borrowers who meet the loan's credit requirements.

You can get an FHA mortgage with a 3.5% down payment if your credit score is 580 or higher, or with 10% down if your score is 500 to 579. Most FHA mortgage lenders require a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower, though you may be able to qualify with a higher DTI.

FHA loans come with mortgage insurance. It will cost you 1.75% of your mortgage at closing. Then you'll pay an annual premium between 0.15% to 0.75% of your mortgage.

A VA loan is a government-backed mortgage guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This loan is only available to veterans and current military members who meet minimum service requirements. VA mortgages typically come with lower interest rates than conforming mortgages, and you don't need a down payment.

Many lenders require at least a 620 credit score and 41% debt-to-income ratio to qualify for a VA mortgage.

You won't have to pay for mortgage insurance, but you will pay a funding fee.  The fee is between 1.5% and 3.3% of your loan amount. If it's your first time getting a VA loan and you put 0% down, your fee will be equal to 2.15% of the loan. Funding fees can be paid up front or rolled into the loan.

A USDA loan is a mortgage backed by the US Department of Agriculture. It's for low-to-middle income families buying a home in a rural or suburban area. The qualifying income limit depends on where you live in the US. The population restrictions are 20,000 for some counties and 35,000 for others.

Like a VA mortgage, a USDA mortgage comes with lower interest rates and doesn't require a down payment. Most lenders require a 640 credit score and 41% debt-to-income ratio. 

You will have to pay a guarantee fee, which works similarly to mortgage insurance on an FHA loan. You'll pay 1% of your principal at closing, then an annual premium of 0.35% of your remaining principal. 

Pros and cons of government-backed loans

Because these mortgages are insured by the government, they typically come with lower rates and allow low down payments.

But they also often come with extra costs you won't pay with many conventional loans, like the FHA mortgage insurance premium or the VA funding fee. While conforming loans with low down payments require mortgage insurance, this cost may be cheaper if you have a good credit score, and it can be removed once you have enough equity in your home.

What is a conventional mortgage?

A conventional mortgage is a mortgage that's not backed by a government agency such as the FHA. There are many different types of conventional mortgages, but by far the most popular type is a conforming loan.

Conforming loans

A conforming loan is a type of conventional mortgage that meets loan limits and other requirements to be purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

The conforming loan limits are set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) every year. In 2024, the limit is $766,550 in most parts of the US. In areas with a higher cost of living, the limit goes up to a ceiling of $1,149,825.

The minimum credit score required for these loans is 620 and the maximum debt-to-income ratio is 50%. You'll need at least a 3% down payment. These are the standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, though individual  mortgage lenders can set more stringent requirements.

You'll pay for private mortgage insurance on a conforming mortgage if you have less than 20% for a down payment. PMI typically costs between 0.2% and 2% of your mortgage amount. You can cancel PMI once you have at least 20% equity in your home.

Jumbo loans

A jumbo loan is another type of conventional loan. You'll need a jumbo loan to borrow more than the FHFA borrowing limit. This makes jumbo loans non-conforming loans.

As discussed above, in 2024, the limit is $766,550 in most parts of the US., up to a ceiling of $1,149,825 in areas with a higher cost of living. A jumbo mortgage is for an amount higher than these limits.

Eligibility requirements for jumbo mortgages are a bit stricter than for conforming mortgages, because lenders are taking a greater risk by lending you more money. Each lender has its own requirements, but you'll likely need a higher credit score, lower debt-to-income ratio, and bigger down payment than you would for a conforming mortgage.

Conventional loans can be harder to qualify for, but they can provide more flexibility and come with fewer overall costs. 

Depending on your credit score and down payment, you may be able to get a better deal on a conventional loan compared to a government-backed loan. Conventional loans require mortgage insurance until you reach 20% equity. FHA loans, a popular type of government-backed loan, usually require you to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. 

Qualifying for a conventional mortgage

Conventional mortgage requirements can vary by lender. In general, you'll need a good credit score to qualify for these loans, since they aren't insured by a federal agency.

Reverse mortgages

A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan for people age 62 or older who have a lot of equity in their home.

Instead of paying the lender each month, with a reverse mortgage the lender pays you, and the money comes out of the equity you've acquired in the house. Over time, your debt increases. 

When the home is sold (whether you're living or dead), the proceeds go to the lender to pay off your debt from the reverse mortgage. Any additional money from the sale will go to you if you're living, or to your estate if you're dead.

If your heirs want to keep the property, they'll have to pay off the reverse mortgage.

Construction loans

You might need a construction loan if you build a house and need financing to cover permits, supplies, and labor. 

Construction loans are short-term loans (usually for one year) that carry higher interest rates than regular mortgages. They're often converted or refinanced into a regular mortgage once construction is complete.

If you want to buy a home and make significant changes to it, you can apply for a renovation loan . The money you borrow for renovations will be rolled into your mortgage.

Non-QM loans

Non-QM loans are mortgages that don't meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's requirements for qualified mortgages. They're riskier than more common types of mortgages like conforming loans, but they come with features that may be beneficial for borrowers who find that other mortgages don't serve their needs.

There are many different types of mortgages that fall under the non-QM umbrella, including interest-only mortgages and balloon mortgages. Non-QM lenders often have options that allow alternative methods of showing income for business owners and real estate investors, such as loans that let you use the projected income from a rental property to qualify. They may also have loans for people who don't have a Social Security number, called ITIN loans .

Interest-only mortgages and balloon mortgages

With a balloon mortgage , you'll make monthly payments as you would for any other type of mortgage for the first five years or so. At the end of that initial payment period, you'll pay off the total amount you still owe in one lump sum. You may pay a lower interest rate or make interest-only payments, making your monthly payments more affordable compared to a standard mortgage.

If you get an interest-only mortgage , you'll only pay the interest charged by the lender, not the principal (the amount of money you borrow). You'll do this for a set period of time, and once that period is up, you'll start paying both principal and interest.

Types of mortgages FAQs

By far, conventional mortgages are the most popular mortgage type. In 2022, lenders originated more than 4.1 million conventional loans, according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data . By contrast, there were over 1.3 million non-conventional mortgage originations in 2022, including all FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages.

VA mortgages often have the lowest interest rates, though FHA interest rates are also relatively low and occasionally dip below average VA mortgage rates . However, if you have a great credit score, a low debt-to-income ratio, and a large down payment, you may be offered a better rate on a conventional mortgage.

Generally, an FHA mortgage would probably be considered the "easiest" mortgage to get, but you'll still need to meet certain criteria if you want to qualify. FHA mortgages are geared toward those with lower incomes or rocky credit histories, so if you aren't able to qualify for a conventional mortgage, you might want to see about getting approved for an FHA mortgage.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, your rate will stay the same for the life of the loan, keeping your monthly payment stable. But the rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage can change periodically, meaning your payment could go up or down over time. 

If you have a lower credit score or a relatively high debt-to-income ratio, a government-backed mortgage might be a good choice for you, since they're generally easier to qualify for.

You'll need to refinance to change the type of mortgage you have, but there's nothing preventing you from refinancing into a completely different type of mortgage. Many people refinance from FHA loans to conventional loans to remove mortgage insurance, or from an ARM to a fixed-rate loan.

Jumbo loans are mortgages for amounts that exceed the conforming loan limit. You'll need a good credit score and a larger down payment to qualify.

With a reverse mortgage, the lender pays you each month. This money comes out of the equity you have in your home, and you'll owe the loan in full when you sell the property.

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