What Is the Definition of Tourism According to Unwto?

By Anna Duncan

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with millions of people traveling to different parts of the globe each year. But what exactly is tourism? According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism is defined 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.”

Leisure Tourism

Leisure tourism is the most common form of tourism, where people travel for pleasure or relaxation. It includes activities such as sightseeing, visiting amusement parks, participating in adventure sports like hiking or skiing, or simply lounging on a beach.

Business Tourism

Business tourism refers to travel that is undertaken for work-related purposes such as attending conferences, meetings, or exhibitions. Business travelers often stay in hotels and may have little time for leisure activities.

Other Forms of Tourism

Apart from leisure and business tourism, there are other forms of tourism such as cultural tourism, eco-tourism, medical tourism, and sports tourism. Cultural tourism involves visiting historical sites or museums while eco-tourism focuses on sustainable travel and conservation efforts. Medical tourism involves traveling abroad for medical treatment while sports tourism involves traveling to watch or participate in sporting events.

Why Is Tourism Important?

Tourism has a significant impact on global economies and communities. It generates income through various channels like transportation services, accommodation facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist attractions. In many countries around the world, it is one of the largest sources of foreign exchange earnings.

Tourism also creates job opportunities and promotes cultural exchange between people from different parts of the world. It helps preserve historical sites and natural wonders by generating revenue that can be used for conservation efforts.

The Role of UNWTO

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It was established in 1975 with the aim of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide.

UNWTO provides leadership and support to governments, tourism organizations, and other stakeholders in the industry. It also conducts research, develops policies, and provides technical assistance to countries around the world.

Conclusion

In summary, tourism is a vast industry that encompasses various forms of travel for leisure, business, and other purposes. It has a significant impact on global economies and communities, creating job opportunities and promoting cultural exchange. UNWTO plays a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism practices worldwide.