recreational tourism is a

What is leisure tourism, and what examples?

• March 2, 2023

Leisure tourism, a popular form of travel, refers to the act of taking a trip for the purpose of relaxation, recreation, or enjoyment. It involves participating in activities typically done during one’s free time, such as sightseeing, shopping, dining out, and engaging in cultural events. While leisure tourism can take many forms, it is often associated with vacations and getaways, allowing individuals to escape the stress of everyday life and explore new places.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on travel, leisure tourism remains a popular choice for individuals looking to recharge and explore the world. From exploring famous landmarks in Paris to sunbathing on the beaches of Bali, there are countless examples of leisure tourism destinations and activities available worldwide. In this article, we will explore the concept of leisure tourism and provide several examples of popular destinations and activities you can add to your travel bucket list.

What is leisure travel?

Leisure travel refers to traveling for pleasure rather than business or work-related purposes. It is a type of travel that involves exploring new destinations, engaging in recreational activities, and relaxing and unwinding. Whether traveling alone or with friends and family, leisure travel provides a much-needed break from the daily routine and allows individuals to experience new cultures, environments, and experiences.

For the person traveling, leisure travel can provide a wide range of benefits, including learning about different cultures, making new friends, and creating lasting memories. It can also provide a sense of adventure, challenge, and excitement that can be hard to find in everyday life. Additionally, leisure travel can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health by providing a break from the daily routine.

As a tourist, leisure travel can also significantly impact the environment and local communities. Responsible tourism practices, such as supporting local businesses, using eco-friendly transportation, and being mindful of waste, can help minimize negative impacts and promote sustainable tourism.

Of course, finances are an essential consideration for leisure travel. Depending on the destination, activities, and accommodations chosen, leisure travel can be a costly endeavor. However, with careful planning, budgeting, and research, it is possible to enjoy leisure travel without breaking the bank. Many travel websites and apps offer discounts and deals on flights, hotels, and activities, making planning an affordable and enjoyable leisure travel experience easier than ever.

Types of leisure tourism

Adventure tourism.

One of the most popular types of adventure tourism is extreme sports. From bungee jumping to skydiving, there’s no shortage of heart-pumping activities to get your adrenaline flowing. These experiences are not for the faint of heart, but they offer a rush like no other and can be incredibly rewarding for those who take the plunge.

For those who prefer a slower pace, there are plenty of other adventure tourism options. Hiking, camping, and backpacking are all popular choices that allow you to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature. Whether traversing rugged mountain trails or pitching a tent in a remote wilderness area, these activities offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Of course, adventure tourism is only for some. Some people prefer to stick to more traditional types of leisure tourism, such as beach vacations or city breaks. However, you love a challenge and aren’t afraid to step outside your comfort zone. In that case, adventure tourism can be an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience.

So, whether you’re looking to bungee jump off a bridge, hike through the wilderness, or explore a new city on foot, there’s an adventure tourism experience that’s perfect for you. So why not take the leap and try something new? You never know what amazing experiences and memories you might create!

Cultural tourism

One of the most exciting things about cultural tourism is that it can take you to places you never imagined. Whether exploring ancient ruins in Greece, visiting museums in Paris, or attending festivals in Japan, there are countless opportunities to learn and grow through cultural tourism.

Of course, cultural tourism doesn’t have to take you to far-flung destinations. There are plenty of opportunities to explore different cultures closer to home, whether visiting museums and art galleries, attending cultural events in your city, or trying new foods at ethnic restaurants.

For those who love to travel, cultural tourism offers a chance to see the world differently. Rather than just ticking off tourist attractions, cultural tourism allows you to connect with locals, learn about their way of life, and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of our planet.

So whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who wants to experience something new, cultural tourism has something for everyone. So why not step out of your usual environment and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so fascinating? Who knows what incredible experiences and memories await you along the way!

Suppose you’re someone who cares deeply about the environment and wants to make a positive impact on the world. In that case, ecotourism might be the perfect choice for your next leisure tourism adventure. This tourism category is all about traveling responsibly and sustainably, focusing on preserving natural habitats and supporting local communities.

One of the main things to consider when it comes to ecotourism is your travel’s impact on the environment. This means choosing eco-friendly accommodations and activities, such as staying in lodges that use renewable energy, participating in wildlife conservation efforts, and using low-impact transportation methods like hiking or cycling.

Another important factor to consider is your travel’s impact on the local community. Ecotourism aims to support local economies and promote cultural exchange, so it’s important to choose tours and activities led by local guides and support local businesses.

Of course, ecotourism is not just about being responsible and sustainable – it’s also about having fun and experiencing the beauty of nature. Whether you’re exploring pristine forests, snorkeling in coral reefs, or observing wildlife in their natural habitats, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in ecotourism.

Suppose you’re passionate about the environment and want to positively impact the world while having fun and exploring new places. In that case, ecotourism might be the perfect fit for you. And as the tourism industry continues to grow and evolve, there are plenty of opportunities for jobs and careers in eco-tourism, making it a great choice for those who want to make a difference while pursuing their passions.

Beach tourism

Beach tourism is leisure tourism that revolves around visiting coastal destinations and enjoying the beach environment. This type of tourism is popular among people of all ages, from families with young children to solo travelers seeking relaxation and recreation.

Beach tourism destinations vary widely, from crowded beaches in popular tourist hotspots to secluded and pristine shorelines in remote locations. Some of the most popular beach tourism destinations include the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Maldives, and the Mediterranean.

Activities commonly associated with beach tourism include swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, and water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Many beach tourism destinations also offer a range of amenities, such as beachfront restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels and resorts catering to beachgoers.

Beach tourism can be a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy some time in the sun and sand. It offers many experiences, from relaxing and soaking up the sun to more active pursuits such as water sports and beach games. For those who love the ocean and the beach environment, beach tourism is a must-try type of leisure tourism.

Health and wellness tourism

Health and wellness tourism is a type of leisure tourism that focuses on improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being through various activities and services. It involves traveling to destinations that offer specialized programs and services to help visitors achieve their health and wellness goals.

Some of the most common health and wellness tourism activities include spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, fitness activities, healthy eating, and alternative medicine practices such as acupuncture and herbal remedies. Health and wellness tourism destinations can range from specialized wellness centers and retreats to traditional vacation spots that offer a variety of wellness-focused activities and services.

Health and wellness tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek to prioritize their health and well-being. This type of tourism offers a range of benefits, including stress relief, improved physical health, and a renewed sense of energy and vitality.

In addition to the benefits for individual travelers, health and wellness tourism can also positively impact local communities. It can create job opportunities in the wellness industry and stimulate local economies through increased tourism.

Overall, health and wellness tourism is a great option for those seeking to prioritize their health and well-being while enjoying leisure travel’s benefits. With a wide range of activities and services available, there is something for everyone in the world of health and wellness tourism.

Can business travelers have leisure time on a business trip?

Yes, business travelers can have leisure time on a business trip, depending on their schedule and the purpose of their trip. Many business travelers often have free time during their trip, either before or after their work obligations are completed. During this time, they may choose to engage in leisure activities and explore the destination they are visiting.

Business travelers may also extend their trip for a few days or a weekend to have more time to explore the destination and engage in leisure activities. This is often called “bleisure” travel, a combination of business and leisure travel.

However, it is important to note that the amount of leisure time a business traveler can have may depend on the nature of their business trip and the expectations of their employer. Sometimes, the schedule may be tightly packed with meetings, and there may be little free time for leisure activities. Additionally, some employers may have policies restricting the amount of leisure time a business traveler can have or the type of activities they can engage in during their free time.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual business traveler to determine how much leisure time they can have on a business trip and to balance their work obligations with their desire to explore and engage in leisure activities.

What are the examples of leisure tourism?

There are many examples of leisure tourism, as it encompasses many activities and destinations. Some examples of leisure tourism include:

• Beach tourism – visiting coastal destinations for sun, sand, and water activities.
• Adventure tourism – engaging in activities such as hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting in natural environments.
• Cultural tourism – visiting destinations to learn about the local culture, history, and customs.
• Health and wellness tourism – traveling to destinations that offer specialized programs and services to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Ecotourism – visiting natural environments to observe and learn about the local flora and fauna while minimizing environmental impact.
• Rural tourism – visiting rural destinations to experience rural life and engage in farming, fishing, and hunting activities.
• Wine tourism is visiting destinations known for their wine production and touring vineyards and wineries.
• Sports tourism – traveling to participate in or observe events such as marathons, golf tournaments, and soccer matches.
• Food tourism – traveling to destinations to experience local cuisine and food traditions.
• Educational tourism is traveling to destinations to learn about specific subjects, such as art, history, or language.

These are just a few examples of leisure tourism, and many other types of tourism can fall under this category. Ultimately, leisure tourism is about enjoying the free time and engaging in activities that provide relaxation, entertainment, and personal enrichment.

In conclusion, leisure tourism encompasses various activities and destinations, from beaches to educational tourism. The purpose of leisure tourism is to provide individuals with opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and personal enrichment. People engage in leisure tourism to escape from their usual environment, explore new destinations, and engage in activities that they enjoy or that interest them.

While there are many types of leisure tourism, all of them share a common goal of providing individuals with a break from their daily routines and an opportunity to have fun and create memorable experiences. As the tourism industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see new types of leisure tourism emerge, and existing types become more popular.

Ultimately, leisure tourism plays an important role in the tourism industry and the lives of individuals who engage in it. It provides opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and economic development. Whether it’s a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous trek through the wilderness, or an educational trip to a historic site, leisure tourism has something to offer everyone.

David Stokes

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Recreation is considered as a pleasurable, socially sanctioned activity that restores the individual, concomitant with the experience of leisure. Considerable debate exists about the nature and meaning of recreation and its relationship to tourism (Annals of Tourism Research 1987 ). While this debate is ongoing, there appear to be continued calls for merging of the fields of inquiry, from their originally different ideological beginnings of leisure and recreation as welfare and tourism as business (Moore et al. 1995 ).

While tourism as a mass phenomenon is largely discussed in contemporary terms and linked to the history and evolution of transportation, recreation (largely as “ activity ”) and leisure (as a psychological “state”) have a much longer history. In his review of the early history of recreation and leisure, Cross ( 1990 ) notes that sing tribal people did not have the same distinction between work and leisure as people in industrialized societies. Work was undertaken when...

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Annals of Tourism Research 1987 Interrelationship of Leisure, Recreation and Tourism. Annals of Tourism Research (special issue) 14(3).

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Crompton, J. 1979 Motivations for Pleasure Vacation. Annals of Tourism Research 6:408-24.

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Cross, G. 1990 A Social History of Leisure Since 1600. State College: Venture Publishing.

Leiper, N. 1995 Tourism Management. Collingwood: TAFE Publications.

Moore, K., J. Cushman, and D. Simmons 1995 Behavioral Conceptualization of Tourism and Leisure. Annals of Tourism Research 22:67-85.

Neumeyer, M., and E. Neumeyer 1958 Leisure and Recreation (3rd ed.). New York: The Ronald Press.

Rojek, C. 2010 Leisure and Emotional Intelligence. Leisure Journal 52(4):274-279.

Shivers, J. 1981 Recreation and Leisure Concepts. Boston: Allan and Bacon.

Smith, S. 1992 Dictionary of Concepts in Recreation and Leisure Studies. New York: Greenwood.

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Simmons, D., Moore, K. (2016). Recreation. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01384-8_299

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Recreational Tourism: A Social Science Perspective

1993, Anthropological Quarterly

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Vilson Barroso Magalhães

Tourism Recreation Research Special Issue, 39(3), 305–319.

Susan Houge Mackenzie

The hegemonic view of tourism is as a global panacea for struggling peoples, environments and economies (Smith and Brent 2001). This article begins by arguing that increasing worldwide risks from human-induced climate change fundamentally alter the veracity of this prediction claim. As one of the world’s largest industries, tourism is also one of the largest emitters of carbon, primarily from air transport. Far from standing apart from our carbon-dependent economy, tourism is quite profoundly a creation of that economy and cannot be an antidote to the very stuff of which it is made. Further, to the extent that tourism functions as escape from the ills of petroleum-driven life, it detracts critical attention and investment from home places and communities. The article concludes with a proposition for an alternative futures forecast based on bioregional tourism, or locavism. Characteristics of a locavist approach include the de-growth of the high-carbon, distant travel model of tourism and replacement with a low-carbon model that emphasizes local destinations, short distances, lower-carbon transport modes, and capital investment (both financial and social) in local communities.

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Recreational Tourism: Demands and Impacts is a second edition of sorts. It is a revamped version of Ryan's earlier text, Recreational Tourism: A Social Science Perspective, published in 1991 by Routledge. With this earlier edition in mind, Ryan's objectives are tied to some of the ...

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Health and Sport. Economic and Social Impact of Active Tourism

Noelia araújo vila.

1 Business and Tourism Faculty, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain; se.ogivu@ziarfaj

Jose Antonio Fraiz Brea

Arthur filipe de araújo.

2 Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810193 Aveiro, Portugal; tp.au@ojuararuhtra

Concerns with health and wellness are currently a global trend. Consequently, people have increasingly been engaging in some form of regular sports practice in their adult lives. This is evidenced by the rise of markets that are related to the sports sector. One of those market trends is active tourism, which refers to the practice of physical activities in natural environments within a tourist destination. In this context, people travel to certain places, typically with friends or as couples, to engage in sports activities of greater or lesser intensities. This allows for them to disconnect with their daily routines and provides them all of the positive health-related outcomes that are associated with exercising. Therefore, health tourism is also an efficient tool against sedentariness. The present study explores which sports are currently the most popular amongst active tourists, which attributes they value the most when choosing a destination, and what is their expenditure pattern. To this end, a sample of 60 individuals who have engaged in some form of active tourism in Galicia is surveyed. The findings suggest that active tourists are particularly interested in dedicating their discretionary time to travelling and they have a higher daily expenditure within the destination than the average tourist.

1. Introduction

People worldwide are increasingly concerned about health and wellness. Recent improvements in life quality and life expectancy have led people to seek self-realisation in several contexts, such as personal, social, and leisure [ 1 ]. In this context, it is more than ever essential to be in a good state of health, to which physical activity and sports play a central role.

A healthy lifestyle, which normally includes practicing some type of sports discipline, is socially developed throughout a person’s life. Therefore, childhood and adolescence are key phases in this process [ 2 ]. Throughout a person’s life, physical activities must be adequately practiced, having health and well-being as the main goals [ 3 ].

Many studies address the positive impacts of physical activities in the human body [ 4 ], especially in the improvement of the cardiovascular system and the consequent prevention of cardiovascular diseases [ 5 , 6 ]. Others focus on sports’ role on people’s mental health and stress management [ 7 ]. Another branch of studies addresses the effects of lifelong sports (those that people practice throughout their whole lives) and outdoor activities, which are particularly effective in maintaining health [ 8 ]. The habit of practicing outdoor sports, along with recreation and tourism, is taught to very young children as a part of their education. However, sports are beneficial for people of all ages. In the case of tourism, active tourism is an advisable alternative not only for adults, but also for school age children and young people [ 9 ]. Active tourism also allows for people to discover new spots and destinations and be in contact with nature. Therefore, it connects sports to vacations, leisure, and fun.

The present work first addresses the health-sports binomial, which is a popular topic in current society. The study then focuses on active tourism, which is a booming tourism sub-sector, also being connected to the social trend of sports and wellness concerns. The first step to addressing those topics was a theoretical review on the influence of sports on human health, as well as on the concept of active tourism and its practices. The empirical element of the study was carried out through a survey with 60 people who have engaged in at least one active tourism activity in Galicia, Spain, a region with a great offer of natural environments and recourses for this type of travel. The goal is to explore the sports activities that arise the most interest among these tourists, as well as the attributes that they consider when choosing a destination and their expenditure patterns. In this context, the study highlights the current relevance of health tourism and the importance that I scurrently given to sports.

2. Health and Sports

It is widely acknowledged that sports and physical activities are important both for people’s medical health and subjective well-being. For this reason, they have become social goods [ 10 ]. Sports have long been employed as instruments for improving general quality of life [ 11 ]. In this context, many European initiatives have been carried out that aim to encourage people to engage in sports activities. Back in 1966, the European Council has implemented the “Sports for all” program, which aimed to foment society’s physical and mental health [ 12 ]. In 1975, the European Letter of Sports reinforced the program for All. In 1991 and 2001, the same occurred with the European letter of Sports, in which sports are defined as “all forms of physical activities that, through informal or organised participation, aims to express or improve physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in all levels of competition” [ 13 ].

In this context, an ever-increasing number of individuals regularly practice sports. In the United Kingdom, for instance, 40% of men and women of 16 years of age or more practice sports activities at least once a week. Moreover, sports practice is associated with a reduction of 20% to 40% in mortality by all causes when compared to sedentariness [ 14 ]. Previous studies have confirmed that physical activity leads to a reduction on the risk of coronary diseases, obesity, diabetes type 2, and other forms of chronic illnesses [ 15 ]. Practicing moderate intensity physical activities during at least 30 min five days a week, or high intensity activities for at least 20 min three days a week, improves one’s functional capacity and reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases [ 16 ]. Moreover, poor health that is caused by physical inactivity entails high costs with public health. In the UK alone, 1.06 billion pounds per year are spent with treatments, and 35,000 still die due to health problems that are associated with sedentariness [ 17 ].

Over time, the understanding of physical activity has evolved, and the guidelines of their practices have been developed accordingly. However, 20% to 40% of the world’s population still lead a sedentary lifestyle [ 18 ]. Education on health and physical activity is essential for reducing this figure and improving social welfare. Therefore, institutions that play some role in the health system must seek to improve people’s well-being. One of their main goals is to educate society regarding the concept of health, which is often simply understood as “the absence of disease”. However, since the end of the previous century, health has been viewed as a tendency to achieve an optimal physical, psychological, and social state [ 19 ]. Therefore, it is an integrated concept, which extends beyond one’s physical state.

As previously mentioned, sports practice affects people’s health and it must be adequately carried out. In this context, physical activities should be practiced is such a way that they bring about more health benefits than risks. To this end, a set of factors must be considered when practicing sports [ 20 ]:

• - whether the activity’s intensity might be controlled;
• - the safety associated with the environment;
• - the abruptness level of the movements involved;
• - the risk of impacts: with moving elements or opponents; and,
• - psychological and social problems potentially caused by competitiveness, which must be controlled.

Other authors state that regularly practiced moderate physical activity is fundamental to improving life quality, preventing the development or the progression of many chronic diseases, and delaying the effects of age [ 21 ]. These activities may be differentiated between recreational and high performance, whereas the former entails lesser risks than the latter [ 1 ]. Previous studies [ 20 , 22 ] have established possible benefits of exercise (preventive, rehabilitation, or wellness) and the risks caused by the type of activity, environment, and risk behaviour ( Table 1 ).

Benefits and risks of physical activities.

Source: The authors, adapted from [ 20 , 22 ].

Arguably, sports are an intrinsic part of current society. It is part of children’s and adolescents’ learning process during school and arouses the interest of adults, both amateurs and professionals [ 23 ]. Historically, the sports considered traditional (football, swimming, boxing, etc.) have been not only widely practiced, but also even more widely consumed by spectators. However, within the last years, sports have started to play another role on society, which is a consequence of the increasing global concern with health. In this context, new disciplines have been created, and old ones, which until very recently were not particularly popular, have received a great amount of attention. The new disciplines include group fitness techniques, which encompass gymnastics and dance, and militarised training, such as CrossFit. The old disciplines that gained extreme popularity include mechanical and routine training in the gym and running [ 24 ].

In addition to that, people are now willing to travel to practice different sports activities of greater or lesser intensities in their free time, especially in natural environments, which characterises active tourism. This type of travel attracts individuals who dedicate part of their vacation and leisure time to practicing sports activities, either in organised events, through specialised companies or by their own initiative. This fits within the branch of health and wellness practices, combined with sports and the purity of natural environments.

3. Active Tourism

Leisure and tourism activities can be intimately connected [ 25 ]. Active tourism emerges from this link. The concept encompasses all kinds of outdoor tourism activities that imply the practice of some physical effort. According to Antar-Ecotono [ 26 ] “active tourism is defined as travels motivated by practicing sports activities of different physical intensities, and that make use of natural resources without degrading them”. In this context, it is encompassed by the more comprehensive concept of nature-based tourism [ 27 ], which includes a greater set of recreational, interpretation, and educational activities with varying degrees of profoundness, risk, and physical intensity, taking place in natural environments [ 28 ]. In this context, active tourism is a relatively recent topic and most of the investigations on it have been published within the last decade [ 29 ].

The figures reinforce that this type of tourism is on the rise. 34% of travellers plan to take an active trip, that is, one involving outdoor activities that imply some physical effort (of greater or lesser intensity), in the next 12 months [ 30 ]. In 2017, this type of travel grew 40% worldwide as compared to the previous three years.

Regarding the encompassed activities, in the 2000s, Buckle [ 29 ] concluded that the sector includes 35 to 40 disciplines: abseiling, acrobatic aircraft flights, ballooning, black water rafting, bungy jumping, caving, cross-country skiing, diving, alpine skiing and snowboarding, expedition cruises, gliding, hang-gliding, heli-skiing and heliboarding, hiking, horse riding, ice climbing, motor boating, kiteboarding, road cycling and mountain biking, mountaineering, driving 4 × 4 vehicles, paragliding, quad biking, rock climbing, kite surfing, sailing, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, surfing, whale watching, canoeing, rafting, wildlife observation, and zorbing.

More recently, the number of encompassed activities has grown, and they are classified according to two criteria: environment (terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial, Table 2 ) [ 27 ] and intensity (soft or hard).

Classification of activities encompassed by active tourism.

Source: [ 27 ].

According to Booking.com [ 30 ], the most currently sought activities are hiking and cycle tourism, but other types of sport, such as surfing, are also gaining popularity. Terrestrial activities are definitely the most popular, followed more and more closely by aquatic ones.

Active tourism typically takes place in non-overcrowded areas with limited levels of man-made modifications, which gives it a character of purity and tranquillity, also linked to the previously addressed search for well-being. Many studies discuss the benefits of this kind of tourism, which extend beyond physical health. Active tourists are typically environmentally aware, which contributes to the conservation and greater appreciation of the natural environment (as well as to the regeneration of natural spaces). It is a type of tourism that appeals to a very specific, although constantly growing, market. This type of travel directly and indirectly fosters many businesses in the visited places from the economic point of view, especially those that provide the goods and services that are required for the specific activities. In this context, active tourists typically spend more than the average tourist within the destination [ 31 ] and, consequently, benefit local populations by generating an additional demand for other types of products and services, such as restaurants [ 31 ].

4. Methodology

The present study’s objective is to verify which outdoor sports are most popular amongst active tourists, which attributes these travellers consider in their choice of destination, and which are the expenditure patterns—and consequently, the economic benefits—of this kind of tourism. To this end, the empirical component of the study took place in Galicia, an autonomous community in the northwest of Spain, known for having many protected natural areas (7th in the Spanish ranking) [ 32 ], a big coastline (1498 km), rivers, mountains, and different natural resources that favour the practices of many outdoor sports. The region also includes the destination of the Way of Saint James, as well as a rich cultural heritage and distinct gastronomy, which further enhances its potential. In this context, according to Trivago´s ranking, Galicia is in the top 10 of best active tourism destinations in Spain.

Data were collected through a survey questionnaire, which was divided in three parts. Part I included questions regarding the active tourism activities respondents engaged in; part II encompassed questions about which attributes travellers consider in the active tourism destination choice; part III regards tourists’ expenses during their stay; and, part IV aimed to collect general demographical information about participants.

The first part consists of two questions, the last active tourism activity practiced (there is a list of several to choose between them) and if you have done any more activity in Galicia. The second part, through a Likert scale of five points (1 being the lowest score and 5 the highest) raises the respondent a series of attributes to assess: accessibility, availability of means of transportation, quality of natural resources, complementary services, signage and information, safety in the activities, cleanliness, and active tourism offer. In the third part, the respondent is asked about the expenses that are incurred in the following activities: accommodation, food, transportation, active tourism activities, complementary tourism activities, and shopping. Finally, they are asked the typical variables of their sociodemographic profile: gender, age, education, main occupation, and monthly family income. Table 3 shows the descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic profile. Each respondent has spent an average time of five minutes to answer said survey, raised in such a way that it did not exceed seven minutes.

Sample’s demographic profile.

For the selection of active tourism activities, Araújo et al.’s [ 27 ] list was adopted and updated to current trends ( Table 2 ). The research population consisted of people who had engaged in at least one active tourism activity in Galicia. The questionnaires were operationalised through an online platform, which ensued a random sample of 60 respondents (national tourists). The sample is not large, being the biggest limitation of the study, but lacking a census of active tourists has chosen to contact the active tourism companies of Galicia (a total of 22) and request the dissemination of the link of the survey through their social networks. After several rounds of publication of the survey, it has been the response rate obtained, while considering it sufficient for a first approach to this sector. The survey was collected between February and April 2019.

Table 3 presents the sample’s demographic profile. Most of the participants were men (61.7%), between 20 and 40 years old. Most had either secondary or higher education, were employed workers, and they had monthly family incomes between 1801 and 2400 euros per month. Moreover, the biggest part of respondents engages in active tourism activities with friends (60%).

Regarding the active tourism activities most recently practiced by participants, hiking, and mountaineering are the most popular—18.3% each, followed by surfing (15%), rafting, (8.3%), mountain biking (6.7%), and paintball (6.7%). Canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, ballooning, climbing, windsurfing, and boat trips all had of 5% or less. Nevertheless, when considering activities previously practiced, hiking is clearly the most popular, as it has been practiced at some point by 44.3% of the sample. Accordingly, rafting (12.5%) figures in second place and kayaking (10.2%), which starts gaining relevance amongst the aquatic activities, in third.

A Pearson’s chi-square test was carried out in order to verify whether the activities practiced were correlated with the demographic variables. As shown in Table 4 , the only demographic variable with a significance level lower than 0.05 is occupation. Students are more likely to practice surf, rafting, BTT, and paintball, while unemployed people are more inclined to mountaineering and employed workers prefer more activities ( Figure 1 ). The remaining variables do not show any statistically significant difference.

Most recently practiced activity and occupation.

Pearson’s Chi-square test between the most recently practiced activity and demographic variables.

Eight items were measured through a five-point Likert scale in order to verify which attributes are considered by active tourists in their choice of destination (1: I do not consider it at all; 5: I consider it a lot). The results ( Table 5 ) indicate that the most valued factors are cleanliness, safety and quality of natural resources, all with an average score above 4.25 (out of 5). It should also be observed that all the factors were rated five by at least one respondent, and that cleanliness and safety obtained the highest minimums. Potential correlations between factors have also been analysed. However, the Pearson’s correlation coefficients were not significant (all values are far from 1 and closer to 0, which suggests that there is no correlation between factors).

Evaluation of active tourism destination choice factors.

Possible significant differences correlations between the value given to attributes and sociodemographic variables were also analysed. As shown in Table 6 , only formal education and occupation showed values that were lower than 0.05. Regarding formal education, respondents with only secondary education attribute less importance to the availability of means of transportation, which is significantly more valued by participants with higher education. Regarding occupation, safety was significantly valued more by employed workers than it was by self-employed respondents.

Pearson’s Chi-square test between destination choice factors and sociodemographic profiles.

To analyse active tourists’ expenses, different cost components were analysed, namely: accommodation, food, transportation, active tourism activities, complementary tourism activities, and shopping. The average individual expense of the inquired active tourists is 162.70 €, and the average stay is 0.95 nights. As shown in Table 7 the highest cost component is food, followed by the active tourism activities per se and accommodation.

Expense components of active tourists (in euros).

Finally, possible significant relationships between tourists’ level of expenditure and sociodemographic profiles have been analysed. In this case, the travel group type has also been considered in the analysis ( Table 8 ).

Pearson’s Chi-square test between expense components and sociodemographic profiles.

Regarding age, respondents that are between 32–36, 48–50, and 52–53 years old spend significantly more with accommodation. When considering travel group type, couples and friend groups show the highest expenses in this category, as well as with food and the active tourism activities per se . Expenses with food are higher amongst respondents of 34, 36, and 38 years old, to whom it goes up to 80 € per person. Regarding respondents’ monthly family income, people earning between 1800 and 3000 are the ones who spend the most in the destination. At last, expenses with complementary tourism (tours, day trips, visits to attractions, etc.), higher numbers were found amongst the respondents with only secondary education as well as those earning between 1800 and 3000 euros.

6. Conclusions

The value that is currently attributed by society to health and physical appearance has led to an increase in sports practice between adults. Historically, sports have been deemed necessary for children and teenagers and, thus, became an integral part of their education (through the discipline of physical education). Sports have always been though to generate positive effects on children and teenagers; however, people tended to gradually leave them aside as they grew up. Currently, however, sports have become fashionable practices between adults, who engage in different practices in search of health and/or aesthetic pursuits. In this context, new disciplines have emerged or (re)gained popularity, such as CrossFit, Zumba, group dance classes, running, gym training, and outdoor sports activities (e.g., hiking, mountaineering, rafting, etc.). These activities attract each time more people, and even compete with more traditional ones, such as football, basketball, and swimming. This confirms the theories already raised by Bendíková et al. [ 4 ] regarding the positive effects of sport. Additionally, individuals and institutions worldwide are increasingly concerned about the consequences of physical inactivity. In this context, governments, and especially public health organisations, make efforts to educate society on the possible consequences of a sedentary lifestyle on one’s health and well-being. In this way, initiatives from the 1960s and 1970s and early 2000s that boosted sport as something healthy for society are resumed [ 13 ]. Recent studies have shown that physical inactivity increases the risk of many chronic diseases and health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

An increasingly significant part of society is aware of the risks that are brought about by a sedentary lifestyle. This is reflected in the increasing demand in certain health-related markets, such as active tourism [ 27 ]. In previous decades, particularly in the end of the XX century, sun and beach tourism (vacations for resting) dominated the industry. Now, there are many new market segments that demand another type of vocation, to which physical activities are an important part, or even the main purpose. Enjoying the beach and sunbathing is no longer enough, as tourists increasingly demand activities and experiences in natural environments that imply some physical effort. In this context, sun and beach tourism is still very popular, however it is increasingly associated with physical activities in coastal areas, such as scuba diving, hiking, and paragliding. De Knop was already advancing this trend in the 1990s [ 33 ], so that its continuity and intensification are verified today.

The same applies to inland areas, which people typically visit in shorter trips (normally one or two nights), during which they seek to enjoy natural landscapes (and thus, escape from their mundane city life), as well as engage in some kind of activity (horse riding, hiking, rafting, canoeing, ballooning, etc.). The intensity of such activities varies, depending on how demanding they are, as well as on each person’s physical form.

The present study shows that sports activities in natural environments increasingly appeal to people of all ages. Moreover, although men are still a majority, each time more women engage in such practices. In addition, although the male gender is still the majority, more and more women are joining this practice, which reduces the gender gap in this sector, something that studies at the end of the last century did affirm [ 34 ]. The results also show that this type of tourists typically prefers to travel in couples or with friends. Moreover, active tourists spend more than the average tourist in the destination, as the expenses with the activity per se add to those with accommodation, food, and complementary services. In this context, the segment normally attracts people with higher incomes, who value sports activities and are willing to invest in them, confirming previous studies where the necessary equipment for the practice of this type of tourism already increases spending [ 35 ]. Although expenses that are directly related to the sports activity are often significant, those with food frequently surpass them, which are also normally higher than those with accommodation in all age groups. At last, it should be observed that this type of tourist normally places a particularly high value on cleanliness in the destination, safety of the activities (and thus, seek experts and renowned companies), and quality of natural resources. Within these three attributes, no respondent scored 1 (I do not consider it at all). I the case of safety in the activities, the lowest score was 3.

In conclusion, the increase in active tourism demand reflects the social trend of seeking well-being and health through sports practices in natural environments. In this context, an increasing number of people place a high value on these activities and are willing to dedicate part of their discretionary resources to practice them. Even so, it is not mass tourism, part of its charm, being an alternative tourism. In addition, there are large areas where it can be carried out, not involving agglomerations as in other tourist resources. Even so, the offer of this type of tourism is not excessive, with a greater campaign of diffusion and its connection with the sport being necessary, being able to be a practice more of the denominated healthy for the individuals. It is a sport practice that is more linked to tourism and natural environments.

Finally, mention as limitation of the study the sample size, 60 individuals and the origin of these (Spanish). Not having a census of individuals who practice active tourism, they have chosen to contact Galician active tourism companies via social networks and request the dissemination of the survey through their networks. Therefore, the results that were obtained in this study are limited to the Galician territory and national tourists. For future research, we will try to expand the sample (both in size and territory), being able to obtain more consistent results and establish comparisons with other territories.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, N.A.V., J.A.F.B., A.F.d.A.; methodology, N.A.V. and A.F.d.A.; validation, N.A.V. and J.A.F.B.; formal analysis, N.A.V. and A.F.D.A.; investigation, N.A.V. and A.F.d.A.; resources, N.A.V.; data curation, N.A.V.; writing—original draft preparation, N.A.V.; writing—review and editing, N.A.V., J.A.F.B. and A.F.d.A.; visualization, N.A.V. and J.A.F.B.; supervision, N.A.V.; project administration, N.A.V.

This research received no external funding.

1.1 What is Tourism?

Before engaging in a study of tourism , let’s have a closer look at what this term means.

Definition of Tourism

There are a number of ways tourism can be defined, and for this reason, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) embarked on a project from 2005 to 2007 to create a common glossary of terms for tourism. It defines tourism as follows:

Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which imply tourism expenditure (United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2008).

Using this definition, we can see that tourism is not just the movement of people for a number of purposes (whether business or pleasure), but the overall agglomeration of activities, services, and involved sectors that make up the unique tourist experience.

Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality: What are the Differences?

It is common to confuse the terms tourism , travel , and hospitality or to define them as the same thing. While tourism is the all-encompassing umbrella term for the activities and industry that create the tourist experience, the UNWTO (2020) defines travel as the activity of moving between different locations often for any purpose but more so for leisure and recreation (Hall & Page, 2006). On the other hand, hospitality can be defined as “the business of helping people to feel welcome and relaxed and to enjoy themselves” (Discover Hospitality, 2015, p. 3). Simply put, the hospitality industry is the combination of the accommodation and food and beverage groupings, collectively making up the largest segment of the industry (Go2HR, 2020). You’ll learn more about accommodations and F & B in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 , respectively.

Definition of Tourist and Excursionist

Building on the definition of tourism, a commonly accepted description of a tourist is “someone who travels at least 80 km from his or her home for at least 24 hours, for business or leisure or other reasons” (LinkBC, 2008, p.8). The United Nations World Tourism Organization (1995) helps us break down this definition further by stating tourists can be:

• Domestic (residents of a given country travelling only within that country)
• Inbound (non-residents travelling in a given country)
• Outbound (residents of one country travelling in another country)

Excursionists  on the other hand are considered same-day visitors (UNWTO, 2020). Sometimes referred to as “day trippers.” Understandably, not every visitor stays in a destination overnight. It is common for travellers to spend a few hours or less to do sightseeing, visit attractions, dine at a local restaurant, then leave at the end of the day.

The scope of tourism, therefore, is broad and encompasses a number of activities and sectors.

Spotlight On: United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

UNWTO is the United Nations agency responsible “for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism” (UNWTO, 2014b). Its membership includes 159 countries and over 500 affiliates such as private companies, research and educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations. It promotes tourism as a way of developing communities while encouraging ethical behaviour to mitigate negative impacts. For more information, visit the UNWTO website .

NAICS: The North American Industry Classification System

Given the sheer size of the tourism industry, it can be helpful to break it down into broad industry groups using a common classification system. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was jointly created by the Canadian, US, and Mexican governments to ensure common analysis across all three countries (British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, 2013a). The tourism-related groupings created using NAICS are (in alphabetical order):

• Accommodation
• Food and beverage services (commonly known as “F & B”)
• Recreation and entertainment
• Transportation
• Travel services

These industry groups (also commonly known as sectors) are based on the similarity of the “labour processes and inputs” used for each (Government of Canada, 2013). For instance, the types of employees and resources required to run an accommodation business whether it be a hotel, motel, or even a campground are quite similar. All these businesses need staff to check in guests, provide housekeeping, employ maintenance workers, and provide a place for people to sleep. As such, they can be grouped together under the heading of accommodation. The same is true of the other four groupings, and the rest of this text explores these industry groups, and other aspects of tourism, in more detail.

It is typical for the entire tourist experience to involve more than one sector. The combination of sectors that supply and distribute the needed tourism products, services, and activities within the tourism system is called the Tourism Supply Chain. Often, these chains of sectors and activities are dependent upon each other’s delivery of products and services. Let’s look at a simple example below that describes the involved and sometimes overlapping sectoral chains in the tourism experience:

Before we seek to understand the five tourism sectors in more detail, it’s important to have an overview of the history and impacts of tourism to date.

Long Descriptions

Figure 1.2 long description: Diagram showing the tourism supply chain. This includes the phases of travel and the sectors and activities involved during each phase.

There are three travel phases: pre-departure, during travel, and post-departure.

Pre-departure, tourists use the travel services and transportation sectors.

During travel, tourists use the travel services, accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, and transportation sectors.

Post-departure, tourists use the transportation sector.

[Return to Figure 1.2]

Media Attributions

• Front Desk by Staying LEVEL is licensed under a CC BY-NC 4.0 Licence .

Tourism according the the UNWTO is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.

UN agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism worldwide.

Moving between different locations for leisure and recreation.

The accommodations and food and beverage industry groupings.

someone who travels at least 80 km from his or her home for at least 24 hours, for business or leisure or other reasons

A same-day visitor to a destination. Their trip typically ends on the same day when they leave the destination.

A way to group tourism activities based on similarities in business practices, primarily used for statistical analysis.

Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC - 2nd Edition Copyright © 2015, 2020, 2021 by Morgan Westcott and Wendy Anderson, Eds is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Marijuana Tourism: Where Is Medical and Recreational Weed Legal in the US?

A s marijuana users get ready to honor the unofficial April 20 celebration of all things weed, many travelers are still unclear about where medical and recreational use of the controlled substance is permitted.

From a federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which claims marijuana has a high potential for dependency and no accepted medical use, making distribution a federal offense.

While federally illegal, each state is permitted to make its own decisions about medical and recreational use, whether to follow the federal ruling, decriminalize marijuana completely or fall somewhere in the middle.

Medical and Recreational Marijuana in the United States

Since California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, 40 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis. As for recreational use, 24 states and Washington D.C. decriminalized adult-use marijuana.

According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the 24 states and territories that support both recreational and medical weed use are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. 

While states like Florida, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania have legalized medical marijuana, travelers are still not permitted to purchase the controlled substance for recreational use. Many of the cities within these states—including Philadelphia—have decriminalized small amounts of weed.

Last year, the Hawaiian government started working on legislation that would eventually legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. The state’s attorney general even said that her office would stop opposing legalization and help “lawmakers and stakeholders to proactively help advance the reform.” Cannabis is not legal in Hawaii now, but if it ever is legalized, the state would most certainly see a tourism boost just as Colorado, California and many other states have since they launched legal sales. 

For those thinking about traveling to Mexico , the rules for international visitors remain unclear. Mexico News Daily reported that “tourists could face stricter consequences” if caught with marijuana, while the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico said, “Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence.”

US Cities Embracing Weed

The continued legalization of medical and recreational marijuana has led several cities across the U.S. to embrace weed and capitalize on it by making it part of the local tourism industry. A recent study found the top cities offering marijuana-friendly rentals .

Boulder, Colorado, tops the list as the No. 1 destination for cannabis-seeking travelers, racking up 104.3 weed-friendly vacation rentals per 100,000 residents. The data from Upgraded Points found the average price for a stay in Boulder was $242.72 per night.

For smokers looking for a cheaper adventure, the study found that Burlington, Vermont, has 87.5 cannabis-friendly rentals per 100,000 residents, running travelers an average nightly rate of just $180. Other cities that made the 420-friendly list include Las Vegas, Nevada; Scottsdale, Arizona; Portland, Maine; and Denver, Colorado.

Can You Fly With Marijuana?

Travelers are also becoming increasingly curious about the legality of flying with medical and recreational marijuana, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that is a bad idea.

A spokesperson from the TSA broke down the federal agency’s stance on marijuana and what happens when a traveler is discovered to be carrying weed.

“As has always been the case, if during the security screening process a TSA officer discovers an item that may violate the law, TSA refers the matter to law enforcement,” the statement said. “Law enforcement officials will determine whether to initiate a criminal investigation or what steps – if any – will be taken.”

Since marijuana remains an illegal substance under federal law, TSA agents will refer the situation to local law enforcement, slowing down the travel process and possibly resulting in a criminal case, depending on the location.

To be safe, do not bring weed to the airport.