How Is Tourism Defined by the World Tourism Organization?

By Anna Duncan

The World Tourism Organization, abbreviated as UNWTO, defines tourism as “the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.” This definition is widely used by governments, tourism organizations, and industry stakeholders worldwide.

What is the Purpose of the Definition?

The purpose of defining tourism is to create a common language that helps tourism stakeholders to understand and evaluate the industry’s impact on the economy, environment, and society. The definition also helps in developing policies and strategies that promote sustainable tourism practices.

Types of Tourism

According to UNWTO, there are three types of tourism: domestic, inbound, and outbound. Domestic tourism refers to travel within one’s own country.

Inbound tourism refers to travel by foreigners to a country. Outbound tourism refers to travel by residents of a country to another country.

The Importance of Tourism

Tourism is an essential sector for many countries around the world. It provides employment opportunities, generates foreign exchange earnings, contributes to economic growth, and promotes cultural exchange.

According to UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer (2021), international tourist arrivals dropped by 83% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This loss has negatively impacted many countries’ economies that rely heavily on tourism.

Sustainable Tourism

As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution caused by human activity, sustainable tourism is gaining popularity. Sustainable tourism aims at minimizing negative impacts on the environment while maximizing economic benefits for local communities. The UNWTO has been promoting sustainable tourism practices through its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the World Tourism Organization defines tourism as an activity involving people traveling outside their usual environment for less than one year for leisure or business purposes. The definition helps tourism stakeholders to create policies and strategies that promote sustainable tourism practices. The sector is significant for many countries’ economies, providing employment opportunities, generating foreign exchange earnings, and promoting cultural exchange.