Tourism is a widely discussed topic, with various authors defining it in different ways. According to the World Tourism Organization, tourists are individuals who travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than 24 hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, or other purposes. However, let’s take a look at how other authors define tourism.
Author 1 – John Tribe
John Tribe defines tourism as “the temporary movement of people to destinations outside their normal places of work and residence, the activities undertaken during their stay in those destinations, and the facilities created to cater to their needs.”
According to Tribe’s definition, tourism includes three components: people’s movement from one place to another, activities they engage in while at the destination, and facilities created to cater to their needs. This definition emphasizes the role of infrastructure in making tourism possible.
Author 2 – Robert McIntosh
Robert McIntosh defines tourism as “the industry that provides services to travelers seeking leisure or recreation.”
McIntosh’s definition focuses on the industry aspect of tourism. He sees it as an economic activity that provides services to people seeking leisure or recreation. This definition highlights the importance of businesses that cater specifically to tourists’ needs.
Author 3 – Chris Cooper
Chris Cooper defines tourism as “a social and cultural phenomenon that encompasses the experiences of visitors and hosts.”
Cooper’s definition emphasizes the social and cultural aspects of tourism. He sees it as an experience shared between visitors and hosts which can lead to cultural exchange. This definition recognizes that both tourists and locals are involved in creating a tourist experience.
Author 4 – Richard Sharpley
Richard Sharpley defines tourism as “a system involving interactions among three groups: tourists, those who provide tourist services (such as hotels), and those who facilitate the exchange (such as travel agents).”
Sharpley’s definition focuses on the different groups involved in the tourism industry. He sees it as a system where tourists, service providers, and intermediaries (such as travel agents) interact to facilitate tourism. This definition highlights the role of intermediaries in making tourism possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, different authors define tourism in different ways. While some emphasize the economic aspect of tourism, others focus on cultural exchange or infrastructure.
However, all definitions recognize that tourism involves movement from one place to another, engagement in activities at the destination, and provision of services. By understanding these different perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of what makes tourism possible and how it benefits both travelers and hosts.