What Is the Difference Between Tourist Destination and Tourist Attraction?

By Michael Ferguson

When planning a holiday or vacation, the first question which arises is usually, “What tourist places should I visit?” The answer to this question depends on whether you are looking for a tourist destination or tourist attraction. Both words are often used interchangeably when discussing places to visit, but there are distinct differences between the two.

A tourist destination is a place where many people go to spend their holidays and vacations. These destinations are usually well known, highly developed and attract numerous visitors each year. Examples of popular tourist destinations include major cities like London, Paris, New York City, and Tokyo; beaches such as those in Hawaii and the Caribbean; popular ski resorts like those in the Alps and Rockies; and national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.

A tourist attraction, on the other hand, is an individual site or place of interest that draws visitors to an area. These attractions can range from natural wonders like lakes, mountains and waterfalls to man-made structures such as monuments, historical buildings or theme parks. Tourist attractions can be large or small; they can be part of a wider tourist destination or stand alone as individual sites.

The major difference between a tourist destination and tourist attraction, then, is that while a destination is an entire place with many attractions, an attraction is only one site within a destination. Tourists may decide to visit an area because it has numerous attractions of interest; however, these attractions will be part of the larger destination itself.

In conclusion, when planning for your next holiday or vacation it is important to understand the difference between a tourist destination, which refers to an entire location with many attractions for tourists; and a tourist attraction, which is one single site within that larger location.