Guide to each type of tourism
There are over 20 different types of tourism, each with a unique purpose for each traveller’s trip.
There is a revival of travel and with it, different types of tourism that go beyond the traditional “domestic†and “internationalâ€. In 2022, there will likely be even more travel trends that go beyond the nearly 20 types of tourism that exist today. From black tourism to nature tourism, there is something for everyone with a trip adapted to the needs of each traveler.
So how do you know which type of tourism is best for them? By knowing the difference between types of tourism, of course! Although some are branches of the main types of tourism, it is good to know what types of tourism are out there so that a traveller’s next trip can be as rewarding and memorable as possible.
Go beyond national and international borders
Gone are the days when tourism was reduced to two main types: national and international. At one point, a traveler would stay in their country and indulge in domestic tourism to learn more about their own backyard. If a traveler visited another country, the trip automatically fell into the category of international tourism, requiring a passport and, occasionally, a visa.
However, there are also many failures that fall under both. To clarify, a type of tourism is different from a holidays type. For example, a vacation type can include any of the following:
- A backpack trip
- A cruise
- Holidays in the resort
- All inclusive vacations
- A pilgrimage
- A hike or trek lasting several days
- A mission
- A road trip
Regarding the types of tourism that exist, these refer more to the theme of travel. The type of tourism in which one participates is indicative of his interests or the objectives he wishes to achieve during his trip or once he arrives at his destination. Thus, it is entirely separate from the means by which (i.e. cruise or road trip) or the type of trip (i.e. hike or all-inclusive package).
The types of tourism that exist today are:
- Animal tourism
- Wellness tourism
- Pilgrimage and spiritual tourism
- Cultural tourism
- Dark tourism
- Culinary tourism
- Celebrity tourism or film tourism
- Educational tourism
- Cruise tourism
- Rural tourism
- Space tourism
- Outbound tourism
- Business tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Medical tourism
- Atomic tourism
- Beach tourism
- Bike tours
- Eco-tourism
- Geotourism
- Sports tourism
- Industrial tourism
- Sustainable tourism
The two additional types of tourism are international and domestic, as mentioned earlier.
What do these types of tourism mean?
Those who wish to experience different types of tourism should first know what each type is. For example, “medical” tourism seems a bit strange, and might not be what many think it is. Just as “rural” tourism does not necessarily mean that a traveler will be destined to live temporarily in the woods with minimal amenities. While it is quite easy to immerse yourself in each type of tourism, you should at least know the most popular options.
Eco-tourism, sustainable or wildlife
As the name suggests, this type of tourism is linked to nature and wildlife. Ecotourism is often about exploring natural ecosystems or landscapes, whether via a guided tour or a self-exploring hike, or a trek. Animal tourism is very similar but remains focused on the animal species of the region. Sustainable tourism involves nature in a different way and emphasizes sustainable travel in the least disruptive means possible. It also means giving back to local communities and ensuring that travel to this destination is sustained for years to come, typically participating in activities that help the local economy.
Dark tourism and atomic tourism
These two, although similar, are quite different. Black tourism encompasses a wide range of destinations that might be considered somewhat dangerous, untraveled, or generally off the beaten track due to its dark or tragic history. Atomic tourism is technically a subset of black tourism and includes any site related to nuclear or atomic activity, including museums on the subject.
Wellness, medical, spiritual and pilgrimage tourism
Those who travel to broaden their minds or for their sanity are likely to be drawn to these trips. Whether it’s a spiritual yoga retreat or a pilgrimage trek to a sacred place, there are plenty of sightseeing options that take you away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Medical tourism is sort of a subset of wellness tourism, which involves the traveler going to a new destination for some type of treatment.
Rural and cultural tourism
Rural tourism can include trips to remote places, but this is not always the case. Sometimes this can include something like a farm stay or even a country inn. Cultural tourism emphasizes the culture of a place, such as an interest in the local population or its way of life – this can also include a historic tourist vacation.
Culinary tourism
One type of tourism that is getting a lot of attention is culinary tourism. This type of tourism, as the name obviously suggests, relates to travel for the sake of taste. This can include any type of food trip or simply a vacation planned around the culinary cuisine and history of a place.
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