Classifications of Tourism Industry

Classifications and Types of Tourism Industry

• Tourism is categorized by geographical direction (international or domestic), purpose of the trip (cultural, adventure, ecotourism, beach, medical, sports, sustainable, leisure, wellness, culinary, religious), method of movement, means of accommodation (camping, homestay, hotel), number of participants (individual, group), organizational forms (organized, independent), and source of funding (social, commercial).

International Tourism

• Inbound tourism: Travel within a country by people not permanently residing there.
• Outbound tourism: Travel by permanent residents of a country to another country.

Domestic Tourism

• Domestic tourism involves travel within the country by people permanently residing in that country.

Tourism by Purpose of Trip

• Cultural tourism: Visiting places of cultural significance such as museums, art galleries, historical sites, and religious sites.
• Adventure tourism: Engaging in challenging and exciting activities like hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting.
• Ecotourism: Visiting natural areas and supporting sustainable tourism practices, focusing on learning about the local environment and wildlife.
• Beach tourism: Relaxing and enjoying the sun and sand, staying at resorts/hotels, and participating in water sports.
• Medical tourism: Traveling to another country for medical care at a lower cost.
• Sports tourism: Traveling to watch or participate in sporting events like the Olympics or the World Cup.
• Sustainable tourism: Travelers looking to reduce environmental impact, staying in eco-friendly hotels, eating at local restaurants, participating in sustainable activities.
• Bleisure tourism: Combining business and leisure travel; people are able to work remotely so business trips are often extended to include sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.
• Wellness tourism: Focuses on health and well-being (spa treatments, yoga retreats, healthy eating programs).
• Culinary tourism: Focuses on food and drink (food tours, cooking classes, wineries, breweries).
• Religious tourism: Traveling to specific places for religious/spiritual purposes. Visiting holy sites, participating in festivities, seeking spiritual experience.

Tourism by Source of Funding

• Social tourism: Tourist trips consumed by low-income groups for social protection and recreation; not profit-driven.
• Commercial tourism: Tourist trips are profit-driven.

Tourism by Number of Participants

• Individual/Single
• Group (spontaneously organized):
• Group (of people who know each other):

Tourism by Organizational Forms

• Organized: Tourists traveling in groups organized by tour operators; they purchase a tourist ticket for the right to travel.
• Not organized (Independent tourism):

Tourism by Age of Participants

• Children's tourism
• Youth tourism
• Middle age tourism
• Retirement tourism

Active and Passive Tourism

• The main distinction between active and passive tourism is the movement of people.
• Active tourism: Emphasizes physical activity and engagement with destination's natural and cultural resources; involved participating in activities that require physical exertion. This promotes sustainability and cultural appreciation.
• Key Characteristics: Physical activity (hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, skiing), engagement with nature, cultural immersion, and sustainability.
• Passive tourism: Quieter and less physically demanding, intended for people who prefer rest or healing. Includes sanatoriums, suitable for families, elderly tourists and retirees.

Tourism by Means of Accommodation

• Camping Tourism: Staying in campsites (tents, caravans). Often combined with outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
• Homestay Tourism: Staying in a private home with a local family.
• Hotel Tourism: The most common type of tourism, involving accommodations in hotels or similar facilities.