What Are the 7 Characteristics of Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Tourism is an industry that has been growing rapidly in recent years. It has become a vital part of many countries’ economies, with millions of people traveling around the world every year.

Tourism is not just about leisure and entertainment, but it also includes educational, cultural, and business activities. However, what are the characteristics of tourism? In this article, we will discuss the seven characteristics of tourism.

1. Intangibility

One of the essential features of tourism is that it is intangible. Unlike goods that can be touched or tasted, tourism cannot be seen or felt physically.

Tourism products are services such as accommodation, transportation, and entertainment. Thus, tourists cannot take them home nor can they resell them.

2. Perishability

Tourism products are highly perishable and cannot be stored for future use. Once the service is not consumed at a particular time or date, it becomes a loss to the provider. For instance, if an airline fails to fill their plane seats on a particular day or time, those seats will remain empty, meaning significant losses to the airline.

3. Heterogeneity

Tourism products vary from one provider to another as well as from one destination to another. The tourist’s experience depends on various factors such as their preferences and expectations or even the weather conditions during their visit.

4. Inseparability

The production of tourism services involves both service providers and consumers in its delivery process. The tourist’s experience depends not only on the quality of service provided by the service provider but also on how they interact with other tourists and locals.

5. Unstable Demand

The demand for tourism services fluctuates seasonally due to various factors such as school holidays or weather conditions in a particular destination.

6. Dualism

Tourism is a two-sided industry that involves both the host and the guest. The host provides the services and facilities, while the guest consumes them.

7. Multi-Sectoral

Tourism is an industry that cuts across many sectors such as transport, hospitality, entertainment, and education. It requires close collaboration and coordination among these sectors to provide a seamless tourist experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourism is an essential industry that has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other industries. These characteristics are intangibility, perishability, heterogeneity, inseparability, unstable demand, dualism, and multi-sectoral. Understanding these traits can help service providers and policymakers to develop strategies for improving the industry’s growth and sustainability.