3 types of tourist attractions

Protect Your Trip »

The 50 best tourist attractions in the u.s..

See which American landmarks are worthy of your bucket list.

(Getty Images) |

From national parks to iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, these popular and highly regarded U.S. tourist attractions cannot be missed.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Huntsville, Alabama

Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona

Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas

Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, California

Pikes Peak: Cascade, Colorado

(Courtesy of Mystic Aquarium) |

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, Connecticut

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: Fenwick Island, Delaware

(Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort) |

Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida

(Courtesy of Coca Cola) |

World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia

Road to Hana: Hana, Maui, Hawaii

(Courtesy of Idaho Tourism) |

Kirkham Hot Springs: Lowman, Idaho

Chicago River: Chicago, Illinois

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis, Indiana

The Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa

(Courtesy of Oz Museum) |

Oz Museum: Wamego, Kansas

Kentucky Horse Park: Lexington, Kentucky

French Quarter: New Orleans, Louisiana

Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine

National Aquarium: Baltimore, Maryland

Freedom Trail: Boston, Massachusetts

Mackinac Island: Michigan

(Courtesy of Mall of America) |

Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

(Courtesy of Elvis Presley Birthplace) |

Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum: Tupelo, Mississippi

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, Missouri

Glacier National Park: West Glacier, Montana

Chimney Rock National Historic Site: Bayard, Nebraska

Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada

Mount Washington Cog Railway: Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Cape May: New Jersey

White Sands National Park: Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

Statue of Liberty: New York City, New York

Wright Brothers National Memorial: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland, Ohio

(Courtesy of First Americans Museum) |

First Americans Museum: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mount Hood: Oregon

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Breakers: Newport, Rhode Island

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, South Carolina

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota

(Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) |

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Nashville, Tennessee

The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas

Zion National Park: Utah

(Courtesy of Smugglers' Notch Resort) |

Smugglers' Notch Resort: Jeffersonville, Vermont

Colonial Williamsburg: Williamsburg, Virginia

Space Needle: Seattle, Washington

White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Lambeau Field: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

You might also be interested in:

• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Best Hiking Trail in Every State
• Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions
• The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best florence tours.

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 20 top tourist attractions in the USA

Discover the top tourist attractions in the USA, from national-park essentials to iconic structures to must-see streets

Visiting popular tourist attractions can often mean navigating long lines and crowds—essentially, a lot of work for an experience that sometimes doesn't live up to the hype. While some attractions may be a bust, specific landmarks across the United States are well worth the effort. 

The top tourist attractions in the USA span from coast to coast, including iconic  buildings  like the national monuments in Washington DC, must-stroll neighborhoods  like the French Quarter in New Orleans,  unique landmarks  like the Space Needle in Seattle, or sights within breathtaking national parks .

We have rounded up the top U.S. tourist attractions you should add to your bucket list. In your quest to check them off your list, make a trip out of it and book one of the best hotels in America . And if you’re looking for a bit more travel inspiration, check out the best places to visit in the USA right now.

An email you’ll actually love

Top tourist attractions in the USA

1.  National Mall | Washington DC

Immaculately maintained by the National Park Service, the National Mall and Memorial Parks feature more than 1,000 acres of must-see monuments, sites and green space. While the Washington Monument towers above all else—quite literally, the city doesn’t zone for buildings taller than the marble icon—the Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are just as magnificent. Though it will take a full day (or two) to see the National Mall, set aside some time to peruse through some of  Washington, D.C.’s top museums .

2.  Niagara Falls | New York State

Situated on the border of New York and Canada, the three waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridalveil Falls) have the combined highest flow rate of any waterfall worldwide. Their impressive force is nothing short of awe-worthy. A top tourist destination since the 19th century, the unstoppable beauty and charm of Niagara Falls  make it a memorable and unique landmark. 

3.  The French Quarter | New Orleans, LA

The oldest corner of New Orleans remains its most charming attraction. Walk down famous Bourbon Street to enjoy jazz, great nightlife and tons of food. While you travel on a streetcar between destinations, pay close attention to the spectacular architecture. And no trip to the French Quarter would be complete without a taste of authentic Cajun grub or a stop to pay your respects in the Cities of the Dead. 

4.  Statue of Liberty | New York City, NY

Though she may have been born in France, the Statue of Liberty has become synonymous with America and the country’s highest-held values. True, the 151-foot-tall copper monument can be seen up close from aboard the free Staten Island Ferry, but you can also pay your respects in person and even step inside it while on an official tour.

5.  Old Faithful | Yellowstone Park, WY

A cone geyser found in Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful is not entirely as predictable as it once was (it won’t erupt precisely every 74 minutes, for example) yet remains as historically exciting. When erupting, the geothermal feature unleashes more than 3,700 gallons of piping hot water. When you’re done marveling at the spectacle, spend at least a full day exploring the rest of the park.

6.  The Strip | Las Vegas, NV

Immortalized in a seemingly endless amount of movies, the Strip’s bright lights, larger-than-life performers and casinos are burned into our collective subconscious. Whether planning on trying your luck at poker or looking to catch a diva’s residency, the Strip is a top destination for all things entertainment and, yes, a bit of debauchery.

7.  Smithsonian Museums | Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Located in the heart of this nation's capital, you can explore the  National Air & Space Museum , the National Museum Of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and many more. The best part? It's all free. The latest addition to the museum line-up, which opened in 2016, is the National Museum of African American History and Culture and is a must-visit. 

8.  The Grand Canyon | Arizona

So, about five to six million years ago, the Colorado River more or less established its route through the Arizona desert. Glacial erosion, meltwater runoff and the simultaneous counter effect of the land slowly rising—as the weight of the glaciers was reduced—ultimately resulted in one of the most spectacular natural wonders on our modest, little blue-green planet. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, varies between four and 18 miles wide and has a maximum depth of 6,000 feet. There are hotels and restaurants in key locations, but for the most part, you should visit and marvel at how incredible this world is—you know, before we ruin it.

9.  J. Paul Getty Museum | Los Angeles, CA

The Getty brings visitors from across the country and around the world to California. The $1 billion facility, designed by internationally renowned architect Richard Meier, features travertine and white-metal pavilions highlighting the complex’s futuristic frame. Inside, find one of the most exciting art collections—including Medieval manuscripts, paintings by Van Gogh and Monet, and modern sculptures.

10.  Kennedy Space Center | Orlando, FL

If you’ve always dreamed of working in outer space, this is your chance to see and touch models of space shuttles, rockets, satellites, tools and mission control rooms. The simulators and explorable modules will make you feel like an actual astronaut—though if you wonder just how much the experience compares to the real deal, you can meet one of those brave scientists in person at the Astronaut Encounter Theater.

11.  Golden Gate Bridge | San Francisco, CA

Name a more iconic bridge—we'll wait. There's a reason the Golden Gate Bridge is so famous. With its vibrant international orange color and spanning from San Francisco to the Marin headlines, stands as a symbol of the West. There are countless ways to take in the stunning bridge views: head to a beach (try Baker Beach), head to the new Presidio Tunnel Tops Park, go to a vista overlook, or get up close and personal by crossing the bridge by foot or bike. A trip to San Francisco isn't complete until you get a picture with the Golden Gate in the background.

12.  Little Havana | Miami, FL

After decades of serving as a home to Cuban exiles, Little Havana has become a must-visit destination in its own right. While out on the town, throw back rum-spiked Caribbean drinks and dance the night away to live rumba and salsa music. The food here is legendary : Cuban sandwiches, Colombian arepas, savory tacos and other Latin American dishes will leave your mouth watering.

13.  Hoover Dam | Nevada

Perhaps the best example of America’s building prowess in the first half of the 20th century, this dam remains a bewildering feat of engineering and labor. Construction started in 1931 and took five years, 5,000 workers and 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete to complete. Today, you can tour the dam and its power plant to learn more about the facility’s history and unique features.

14.  The Gateway Arch | St. Louis, MO

Not only is St. Louis’s premiere attraction the world’s largest arch, but it is also the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Standing proud at 630ft tall, this metal beauty was built in the mid-20th century as a monument to America’s westward expansion and is meant to signify the connection of the East to the West, honoring the country’s first pioneers. To fully understand this architectural wonder, snag a ticket to the Gateway Arch Tram and ride to the top of the monument.

15.  Mammoth Cave Park | Kentucky

With more than 400 miles explored, the world’s longest known cave system (by far) is in Kentucky and it welcomes any visitor not afraid of the dark or the damp. See the dramatic passages lined with geological formations that might inspire your inner explorer during a guided tour by a park ranger. The tours vary in length but they always include historic details about how the cave system was formed and how people and other creatures have interacted with it. After several hours in the caverns, appreciate the beauty of the clear waters and the untouched nature of the area while on a bike ride or canoe adventure.

16.  Space Needle | Seattle, WA

Like many famous landmarks, Seattle’s iconic Space Needle was built for the World’s Fair, back in 1962 when the theme was “The Age of Space.” Today, it remains one of the most recognizable and photographed landmarks worldwide for its futuristic design. Standing at 605 feet tall, visitors can take an elevator up to the tower’s saucer-shaped top floor with 360-degree views. Recent renovations resulted in a multi-level viewing experience with floor-to-ceiling glass viewing that will make your stomach drop.

17.  Navy Pier | Chicago, IL

Clearly, one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations, Navy Pier is visited by roughly nine million people each year. From excellent shopping opportunities to eateries and, of course, Lake Michigan, the destination offers something for everyone. The little ones will be delighted by the Chicago Children’s Museum , while grown-ups should head to the award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater . 

18.  Alcatraz | San Francisco, CA

This formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay was converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison in the 1870s. However, it found genuine acclaim after being upgraded to a maximum security prison in 1934, home to the early 20th century’s most notorious criminals. Today, the tiny island is only accessible to the public via a ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. You should plan to spend about three hours soaking up the amazing history and during that time, a self-guided audio cellhouse tour narrated by former inmates and guards will fill you in on harrowing escape attempts, prison riots and the 19-month-long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969. 

19.  Venice Beach | Venice, CA

Wedged in between Marina del Ray and Santa Monica, Venice Beach is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Los Angeles. It's firmly established as the bohemian epicenter of Southern California and you won't find a higher concentration of recognizable landmarks from film and TV anywhere else in Los Angeles. At weekends, during the summer, it gets pretty packed, but that just adds to the slightly chaotic atmosphere. Street acts add a carnival feel to the proceedings, plus, of course, the beach is just a few feet away. Try Hinano Cafe  for a great burger in a back-to-basics, spit 'n sawdust setting and the newly refurbished Pier House for classic cocktails as the sun sets over the Pacific.

20.  Alamo Mission | San Antonio, TX

Most Americans know the phrase 'Remember the Alamo' even if they’re not exactly sure what transpired at the 18th-century Spanish mission. Later secularized and used as a fortress, 1836 the Alamo was the site of a bloody and decisive battle of the Texas Revolution between Texas’s early Anglo settlers and Mexico (the latter won). One of the most visited historic sites in the country today, the fort welcomes about three million visitors annually. 

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Exploring the World of Tourism: A Comprehensive Guide to 49 Types of Tourism

Have you ever thought about how many types of tourism there are in the world? From adventure tourism to medical tourism, the tourism industry offers a wide range of experiences for travelers.

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry, contributing greatly to the global economy . With the rise of globalization and advancements in technology, traveling has become more accessible and affordable for people all around the world.

As a result, the tourism industry has diversified and expanded to cater to the different interests and preferences of travelers.

If you are a travel enthusiast, you might be surprised to know that there are over 40 different types of tourism to choose from. Each type of tourism offers a unique experience, ranging from cultural immersion to extreme sports.

In this article, we will explore the different types of tourism in the world, giving you a glimpse into the vast array of options available to you.

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.

49 Types of Tourism in the World

The tourism sector is constantly evolving, expanding beyond the basics of domestic, inbound, and outbound tourism.

As travel agencies, it is crucial to stay informed about the diverse range of tourism types to develop effective strategies and fuel the growth of your business. This comprehensive guide presents 62 types of tourism, offering valuable insights and opportunities for your agency to thrive in the dynamic world of travel.

Traditional Forms of Tourism

Leisure tourism.

Leisure tourism encompasses a range of activities that provide relaxation, entertainment, and cultural enrichment to travelers. Let's explore some popular forms of leisure tourism in more detail:

1. Beach Tourism

Beach tourism revolves around vacations and holidays spent in coastal areas, offering sun, sand, and various recreational activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like snorkeling, surfing, and jet skiing.

Beach destinations around the world, such as Bali, Maldives, and the Caribbean, attract millions of tourists seeking relaxation and enjoyment in idyllic seaside settings.

2. Adventure Tourism

Adventure tourism caters to thrill-seeking individuals who seek exciting and adrenaline-pumping experiences. It includes activities like hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, white-water rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping in natural and adventurous settings.

Destinations like New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Switzerland offer breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure opportunities that attract adventure enthusiasts from across the globe.

3. Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism focuses on exploring the rich heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions of a destination.

It involves visits to museums, historical sites, cultural festivals, and interactions with local communities to gain insight into their customs, rituals, and way of life. Destinations renowned for their cultural attractions include Rome with its ancient ruins, Kyoto with its traditional temples, and Istanbul with its diverse blend of cultures.

4. Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism centers on observing and experiencing a particular region's diverse fauna and flora.

It includes activities such as safaris, birdwatching, nature walks, and visits to national parks and wildlife reserves. Destinations like South Africa's Kruger National Park, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, and the Serengeti in Tanzania offer incredible wildlife encounters and opportunities for conservation education.

Business Tourism

Business tourism, also known as MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), caters to individuals traveling for business-related purposes.

Let's explore some key components of business tourism:

5. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism

MICE tourism encompasses corporate meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions. It provides a platform for professionals to network, exchange knowledge, showcase products and services, and forge business relationships.

Major cities and convention centers worldwide, such as London, Dubai, and Las Vegas, host numerous MICE events, driving economic growth and fostering industry collaboration.

6. Trade Shows and Conventions

Trade shows and conventions are industry-specific events where businesses exhibit their products or services to potential clients, partners, and investors. These events serve as valuable marketing platforms, allowing companies to showcase their latest innovations, generate leads, and gain industry insights.

Trade shows like CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and Hannover Messe attract businesses from diverse sectors, facilitating business-to-business interactions and promoting industry growth.

7. Corporate Retreats and Team-Building Activities

Corporate retreats and team-building activities aim to foster teamwork, boost employee morale, and enhance organizational productivity. These events often take place in scenic locations, away from the usual office environment, and incorporate team-building exercises, workshops, brainstorming sessions, and recreational activities.

Corporate retreats not only strengthen internal relationships but also provide opportunities for strategic planning, innovation, and professional development.

Niche and Special Interest Tourism

Ecotourism promotes responsible travel practices that focus on preserving and conserving natural environments while providing educational and enriching experiences for travelers.

Let's delve into some facets of ecotourism:

8. Rainforest Exploration

Rainforest exploration allows travelers to immerse themselves in the lush biodiversity and unique ecosystems of tropical rainforests. Guided hikes, canopy walks, and wildlife spotting tours provide opportunities to witness rare flora and fauna, learn about sustainable conservation efforts, and contribute to local communities.

Destinations like the Amazon Rainforest in South America, Borneo's rainforests in Southeast Asia, and Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest offer captivating rainforest experiences.

9. Wildlife Conservation Tours

Wildlife conservation tours allow travelers to actively participate in conservation initiatives, contributing to the protection of endangered species and their habitats. These tours often involve volunteer work, such as monitoring wildlife, assisting in research projects, and habitat restoration efforts.

Popular wildlife conservation destinations include the Galapagos Islands, where visitors can help preserve unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and South Africa's game reserves, where wildlife conservation programs support endangered species.

10. Sustainable Travel Practices

Sustainable travel practices promote environmentally friendly behaviors, aiming to minimize negative impacts on natural resources, local communities, and cultures. These practices may include reducing carbon footprint, supporting local businesses, respecting local traditions, and engaging in activities that promote environmental stewardship.

Travelers can choose eco-lodges, and eco-friendly transportation options, and participate in community-based tourism initiatives to ensure their travel has a positive impact on the destination.

Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism focuses on enhancing and rejuvenating one's well-being through various activities and experiences that prioritize physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Let's explore some aspects of wellness tourism:

11. Spa Retreats

Spa retreats offer a serene environment where travelers can indulge in relaxation, pampering treatments, and wellness therapies. From soothing massages and rejuvenating facials to holistic healing practices like yoga and meditation, spa retreats provide a sanctuary for rejuvenation and stress relief.

Destinations such as Bali, Thailand, and California's Napa Valley are renowned for their luxurious and holistic spa retreats.

12. Yoga and Meditation Retreats

Yoga and meditation retreats provide opportunities for individuals to deepen their mindfulness and spiritual practices in tranquil and picturesque settings. These retreats often combine daily yoga sessions, meditation practices, healthy cuisine, and workshops focused on personal growth and self-awareness.

Destinations like Rishikesh in India, Ubud in Bali, and Sedona in the United States are renowned for their yoga and meditation retreats.

13. Health and Wellness Resorts

Health and wellness resorts offer comprehensive programs designed to improve physical fitness, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide personalized wellness experiences. These resorts may offer fitness classes, nutritional guidance, spa treatments, wellness consultations, and activities like hiking, yoga, and mindfulness workshops.

Wellness-focused destinations such as Switzerland's renowned Swiss Alps resorts, Thailand's wellness retreats, and the wellness resorts in Arizona's Sonoran Desert cater to those seeking a holistic approach to well-being.

Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism revolves around the exploration and appreciation of a destination's cuisine, culinary traditions, and gastronomic experiences. Let's discover the different aspects of culinary tourism:

14. Food and Wine Tours

Food and wine tours allow travelers to savor the local flavors, taste traditional dishes, and indulge in culinary delights unique to a particular region. These tours often include visits to local markets, food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings at vineyards.

Destinations like Italy's Tuscany, France's Bordeaux region, and Japan's Kyoto are renowned for their culinary heritage and offer exceptional food and wine tours.

15. Cooking Classes and Culinary Experiences

Cooking classes and culinary experiences provide hands-on opportunities for travelers to learn about the local cuisine, traditional cooking techniques, and regional specialties. Under the guidance of expert chefs or local home cooks, participants can prepare and savor authentic dishes, gaining insights into the culinary culture of the destination.

Cities like Bangkok, Marrakech, and Barcelona are known for their immersive cooking classes and culinary workshops.

16. Farm-to-Table and Gastronomic Experiences

Farm-to-table experiences involve visits to local farms, orchards, and vineyards to witness the production process of fresh, organic ingredients. Gastronomic experiences encompass fine dining at renowned restaurants, tasting menus curated by celebrity chefs, and exploring local street food scenes.

Destinations like California's Napa Valley, France's Lyon, and Thailand's Chiang Mai provide exceptional farm-to-table and gastronomic experiences.

Adventure and Outdoor Tourism

Mountain tourism.

Mountain tourism attracts adventurous travelers seeking exhilarating experiences in breathtaking alpine landscapes. Here are some popular activities within mountain tourism:

17. Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and trekking adventures take travelers through scenic mountain trails, allowing them to explore the pristine wilderness, enjoy stunning vistas, and challenge themselves physically.

Destinations like the Himalayas in Nepal, the Swiss Alps, and the Rocky Mountains in North America offer a range of hiking and trekking opportunities suitable for different skill levels.

18. Mountaineering and Rock Climbing

Mountaineering and rock climbing appeal to those with a passion for conquering towering peaks and vertical rock formations.

From scaling iconic summits like Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro to rock climbing in Yosemite National Park or the Dolomites, these activities offer a thrilling combination of physical endurance, technical skill, and awe-inspiring natural surroundings.

19. Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding attract winter sports enthusiasts who enjoy gliding down snow-covered slopes and experiencing the adrenaline rush of downhill descents.

Popular ski destinations include Aspen in the United States, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, and the Swiss Alps, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy diverse terrains, world-class facilities, and picturesque mountain landscapes.

Water Tourism

Water tourism encompasses a wide range of activities centered around bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Let's explore some popular water-based tourism experiences:

20. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling allow travelers to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems, encounter marine life, and marvel at coral reefs.

Destinations like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Maldives, and the Red Sea in Egypt are renowned for their exceptional diving and snorkeling sites, offering opportunities to witness the beauty and biodiversity of the marine world.

21. Surfing and Water Sports

Surfing and water sports, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing, cater to adrenaline seekers looking to ride the waves and engage with the power of the ocean. Destinations like Hawaii's North Shore, Bali's Uluwatu, and California's Huntington Beach are renowned for their world-class surf breaks and water sports scenes.

22. Sailing and Yachting

Sailing and yachting experiences provide a luxurious and leisurely way to explore coastal regions, island hopping, and cruise along scenic coastlines. Chartering a yacht or joining a sailing excursion offers the opportunity to relax, soak in breathtaking seascapes, and visit remote islands and hidden coves.

Destinations like the Greek Islands, the Caribbean, and the French Riviera are popular sailing and yachting destinations.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism appeals to nature enthusiasts and animal lovers who seek encounters with diverse wildlife species in their natural habitats.

Here are some popular wildlife tourism experiences:

23. Safari and Wildlife Photography

Safari adventures take travelers into national parks and game reserves, providing opportunities to spot iconic wildlife species like lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Wildlife photography enthusiasts can capture stunning images of animals in their natural environment.

Destinations like Botswana's Okavango Delta, Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, South Africa's Kruger National Park, and India's Ranthambore National Park offer exceptional safari and wildlife photography experiences.

24. Birdwatching and Nature Reserves

Birdwatching enthusiasts flock to nature reserves and sanctuaries known for their rich avian biodiversity. These destinations offer opportunities to observe and identify a wide array of bird species in their natural habitats.

Places like Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Australia's Kakadu National Park, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands are renowned for their birdwatching opportunities.

25. Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tours

Whale-watching tours provide an up-close and personal experience with these magnificent marine creatures. Travelers can observe whales breaching, swimming, and interacting in their natural habitat.

Destinations such as Iceland, Canada's Vancouver Island, and the Azores in Portugal are popular for whale watching and marine wildlife tours.

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Historical tourism.

Historical tourism appeals to individuals interested in exploring the rich heritage and significant historical sites around the world. It provides insights into past civilizations, events, and cultural traditions.

Here are some key aspects of historical tourism:

26. Archaeological Sites and Ruins

Archaeological sites and ruins offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations and their architectural marvels.

Places like the Colosseum in Rome, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia attract history enthusiasts who are fascinated by the remnants of past civilizations and the stories they hold.

27. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are culturally or naturally significant locations recognized for their outstanding universal value. These sites range from iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in India to entire historical city centers like Prague in the Czech Republic.

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites allows travelers to appreciate the world's cultural diversity and historical importance.

28. Historical Landmarks and Monuments

Historical landmarks and monuments symbolize key moments in history or commemorate notable figures or events. Examples include the Statue of Liberty in the United States, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Exploring these landmarks provides a deeper understanding of their historical significance and their impact on society.

Religious Tourism

Religious tourism caters to individuals seeking spiritual experiences, pilgrimages, or a connection with sacred sites. It offers insights into different religious traditions and the architectural wonders associated with them.

Here are some facets of religious tourism:

29. Pilgrimages and Sacred Sites

Pilgrimages involve journeys to sacred destinations associated with specific religions or spiritual beliefs. Places like Mecca for Muslims, Jerusalem for Christians, and Varanasi for Hindus hold immense religious significance and attract millions of pilgrims each year.

30. Spiritual Retreats and Meditation Centers

Spiritual retreats and meditation centers offer tranquil environments for introspection, relaxation, and spiritual growth. These retreats focus on mindfulness, meditation practices, and holistic healing.

Popular destinations for spiritual retreats include Bali in Indonesia, Sedona in the United States, and Rishikesh in India.

31. Religious Festivals and Events

Religious festivals and events provide a vibrant and immersive experience of cultural traditions and religious celebrations. Examples include the Kumbh Mela in India, the Holi festival of colors, and the Christmas celebrations in various parts of the world.

Participating in these festivals offers a unique glimpse into local customs, rituals, and the spirit of the community.

Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous tourism aims to promote understanding, appreciation, and respect for indigenous cultures, traditions, and ways of life. It provides opportunities to engage with indigenous communities and learn about their heritage.

Here are elements of indigenous tourism:

32. Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Indigenous cultural experiences allow travelers to interact with indigenous communities, learn about their traditions, crafts, music, and storytelling. These experiences foster cultural exchange and promote the preservation of indigenous heritage.

Destinations like the Maori culture in New Zealand, the Aboriginal culture in Australia, and the Native American reservations in the United States offer such immersive experiences.

33. Tribal Village Visits

Visiting tribal villages allows travelers to observe and learn about the traditional lifestyles, customs, and rituals of indigenous communities. It provides insights into their sustainable practices, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted connections with nature.

Destinations such as the Amazon rainforest, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and the Highlands of Papua New Guinea offer opportunities to visit tribal communities.

34. Traditional Arts and Crafts

Indigenous cultures often have a rich tradition of art, crafts, and handicrafts that reflect their unique identity and skills. Exploring indigenous arts and crafts markets, workshops, and galleries allows travelers to appreciate and support the preservation of these traditional artistic practices.

From intricate weaving in Peru to intricate beadwork in South Africa, there is a vast array of indigenous art to discover.

Urban Tourism

City Tourism

City tourism encompasses visits to vibrant urban destinations, exploring their iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and modern lifestyle. It offers a blend of history, art, entertainment, and culinary experiences.

Key aspects of city tourism include:

35. Sightseeing and Iconic Landmarks

Cities are known for their iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Statue of Liberty in New York City, and the Sydney Opera House. Sightseeing allows visitors to capture the essence of a city's character and architectural splendor.

36. Museums and Art Galleries

Cities are often home to renowned museums and art galleries that showcase world-class collections, historical artifacts, and contemporary artworks.

The Louvre Museum in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg are just a few examples of the cultural treasures found in urban areas.

37. Shopping and Entertainment Districts

Urban centers offer diverse shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to bustling street markets. Additionally, cities provide vibrant entertainment districts with theaters, music venues, and nightlife hotspots.

These districts cater to a variety of interests, ensuring that visitors can indulge in shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Architectural Tourism

Architectural tourism focuses on exploring unique architectural styles, landmarks, and urban design within cities. It allows travelers to appreciate the creativity, innovation, and historical significance of various structures.

Key elements of architectural tourism include:

38. Architectural Marvels and Landmarks

Cities showcase architectural marvels, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Sydney Opera House, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. These structures captivate visitors with their impressive design, engineering, and cultural impact.

39. Modern and Contemporary Architecture Tours

Urban areas often feature striking modern and contemporary architecture that reflects the city's identity and vision. Walking tours or guided visits to architectural highlights, such as the Shard in London, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, or the Dancing House in Prague, offer insights into cutting-edge design and urban development.

40. Urban Design and City Planning

City tourism also encompasses exploring the urban design, layout, and city planning concepts that shape the physical environment. Sustainable urban planning, pedestrian-friendly streets, and green spaces contribute to the livability and attractiveness of cities.

Examples of urban design excellence can be found in cities like Copenhagen, Singapore, and Barcelona.

Emerging Forms of Tour

Dark Tourism

Dark tourism refers to visiting sites that are associated with death, tragedy, or historical atrocities. It offers a unique perspective on the darker aspects of human history. While it may seem unusual, dark tourism has gained popularity in recent years.

Here are some examples of dark tourism:

41. War Memorials and Battlefields

Visiting war memorials and battlefields provides insights into the sacrifices made during significant conflicts. Examples include the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan.

These sites allow visitors to reflect on the consequences of war and honor those who lost their lives.

42. Holocaust and Genocide Sites

Holocaust and genocide sites, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland and the Killing Fields in Cambodia, serve as reminders of the darkest chapters in human history.

These places educate visitors about the horrors of genocide and the importance of promoting peace and tolerance.

43. Disaster Tourism

Disaster tourism involves visiting locations affected by natural or man-made disasters. Examples include areas hit by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, or industrial accidents.

While controversial, this form of tourism can raise awareness about the impact of disasters and the resilience of affected communities.

Space Tourism

Space tourism is an emerging frontier in the travel industry, allowing individuals to experience the thrill of space travel and explore the mysteries of the universe. While it is currently limited to a select few, advancements in technology and space exploration are making it more accessible.

Key aspects of space tourism include:

44. Space Travel and Exploration

Space tourism involves journeys beyond the Earth's atmosphere, offering a unique perspective of our planet and the vastness of space. Companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are developing spacecraft to transport civilians into space, opening up new possibilities for adventurous travelers.

45. Astronaut Training Experiences

Before embarking on a space journey, aspiring space tourists can undergo astronaut training experiences. These programs simulate the physical and mental challenges faced by astronauts, including zero-gravity simulations, centrifuge training, and survival skills.

46. Observatories and Space Centers

Visiting observatories and space centers allows enthusiasts to learn about astronomy, space missions, and ongoing research. Places like the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the European Space Agency's Spaceport in French Guiana offer interactive exhibits, rocket launches, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into space exploration.

Virtual Tourism

Virtual tourism has emerged as a response to the limitations of physical travel, allowing individuals to explore destinations and landmarks virtually. It offers a convenient and immersive way to experience different places from the comfort of one's home. Key aspects of virtual tourism include:

47. Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) technology allows users to immerse themselves in simulated environments, including famous landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural sites. VR headsets transport users to different locations, providing a realistic and interactive experience.

48. Online Museum and Landmark Tours

Many museums, historical sites, and landmarks offer virtual tours that enable visitors to explore their collections and exhibits online. These tours provide detailed information, multimedia content, and the ability to navigate through the spaces virtually.

49. Virtual Travel Platforms and Apps

Various platforms and apps offer virtual travel experiences, curated itineraries, and interactive content. These platforms leverage technology to create virtual travel communities, where users can connect, share experiences, and plan future trips.

As the travel industry evolves, embracing these emerging forms of tourism can open up new opportunities for businesses and provide unique experiences for travelers.

In conclusion, the tourism industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that encompasses a wide range of experiences and opportunities. By understanding the diverse types of tourism in the world, business professionals can position themselves for success and growth in this competitive landscape.

By recognizing the unique characteristics and preferences of different traveler segments, businesses can tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to meet the specific needs of their target audiences. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also helps in creating a competitive advantage in the market.

Moreover, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and travelers seek authentic and immersive experiences, businesses must embrace the diversity of tourism segments. By incorporating sustainable practices, respecting local cultures, and promoting responsible tourism, businesses can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, while also appealing to environmentally and socially conscious travelers.

Let us embrace the diversity of tourism, foster innovation, and collaborate to shape the future of this exciting industry.

• United Nations World Tourism Organization
• World Travel and Tourism Council
• International Ecotourism Society
• Global Wellness Institute
• International Culinary Tourism Association
• Adventure Travel Trade Association
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• The International Dark-Sky Association
• Space Tourism Society
• World Tourism Organization
• National Geographic Travel
• International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators
• World Food Travel Association
• Beach Holidays by Expedia

Tumisang Bogwasi

2X Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Empowering Brands to Generate Leads, Grow Revenue with Business Strategy and Digital Marketing | Founder, CEO of Fine Group

Related Posts

The Importance of Tourism on Economies and Businesses

• April 6, 2023

Attraction, tourism

• Living reference work entry
• First Online: 01 January 2015
• Cite this living reference work entry

• Pierre Benckendorff 3  

7526 Accesses

Attractions are a core component of tourism. They are often called “tourist attractions” because they tend to attract tourists. Attractions are the places, people, events, and things that make up the objects of the tourist gaze and attract tourists to destinations. Common examples include natural and cultural sites, historical places, monuments, zoos and game reserves, aquaria, museums and art galleries, gardens, architectural structures, themeparks, sports facilities, festivals and events, wildlife, and people. The history of attractions is inextricably linked with the development of the tourism industry. An attraction exists when a tourism system is created to designate and elevate it to the status of an attraction (Lew, 2000 ). Sectors such as transport, accommodation, and travel retail exist as part of this system because they support the desire for tourists to see attractions.

Historical evolution

Many attractions from ancient times are still popular today. Older attractions such...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

Benckendorff, P. 2006 Attractions Megatrends. In Tourism Business Frontiers: Consumers, Products and Industry, D. Buhalis and C. Costa, eds., pp.200-210. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Google Scholar  

Gunn, C. 1988 Vacationscape: Designing Tourist Regions. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Leask, A. 2008 The Nature and Role of Visitor Attractions. In Managing Visitor Attractions: New Directions, A. Fyall, B. Garrod, A. Leask and S. Wanhill, eds., pp.16-37. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Leiper, N. 1990 Tourist Attraction Systems. Annals of Tourism Research 17:367-384.

Article   Google Scholar  

Lew, A. 1987 A Framework of Tourist Attraction Research. Annals of Tourism Research 14:553-575.

Lew, A. 2000 Attraction. In Encyclopedia of Tourism, J. Jafari, eds., p. 35-37. London: Routledge.

Pearce, P. 1991 Analyzing Tourist Attractions. Journal of Tourism Studies 2:46-55.

Swarbrooke, J. 2002 The Development and Management of Visitor Attractions. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Wall, G. 1997 Tourist Attractions: Points, Lines, and Areas. Annals of Tourism Research 24:240-243.

Wanhill, S. 2008 Interpreting the Development of the Visitor Attraction Product. In Managing Visitor Attractions: New Directions, A. Fyall, B. Garrod, A. Leask and S. Wanhill, eds., pp.3-15. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

UQ Business School, The University of Queensland, GPN3 (Bldg 39A), St Lucia, 4072, Brisbane, Australia

Pierre Benckendorff

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pierre Benckendorff .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

School of Hospitality Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA

Jafar Jafari

School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

Honggen Xiao

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 © Crown

About this entry

Cite this entry.

Benckendorff, P. (2014). Attraction, tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_12-1

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_12-1

Received : 30 September 2014

Accepted : 30 September 2014

Published : 19 September 2015

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Online ISBN : 978-3-319-01669-6

eBook Packages : Springer Reference Business and Management Reference Module Humanities and Social Sciences Reference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

• English (CA)
• Deutsch (DE)
• Deutsch (CH)

8 types of tourism that you need to know

The three tourism categories, domestic tourism, inbound tourism, outbound tourism, the 8 types of tourism according to motivation, business tourism.

• Meet with business partners or prospects
• Attend an event, conference, or trade show
• Visit another office location of the same company

See how to save money on business travel

Leisure tourism, shopping tourism, cultural tourism, sports tourism, rural tourism, mountain tourism, urban tourism, many people travel – but for completely different reasons.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
• Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

5 inefficient processes affecting your business and how to fix them

Duty of care in the workplace: everything you need to know

CEO Roles and Responsibilities: conquer your role as CEO

• Business Travel Management
• Offset Carbon Footprint
• Flexible travel
• Travelperk Sustainability Policy
• Corporate Travel Resources
• Corporate Travel Glossary
• For Travel Managers
• For Finance Teams
• For Travelers
• Thoughts from TravelPerk
• Careers Hiring
• User Reviews
• Integrations
• Privacy Center
• Help Center
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Modern Slavery Act | Statement
• Supplier Code of Conduct

The 21 Different Types of Tourists

There are different types of tourists around the world. These tourists typically specialize in a single type of tourism such as cultural holidays so they can be easily categorized.

While many tourists are generally interested in multiple aspects of holidaying, some simply prefer to stay in line with very specific interests as follows.

Table of Contents

1. Adventure tourists

Adventure tourists are considered the most daring out there. These people are very active and they breathe experiences. Adventure tourists can be locked in a resort for a couple of weeks as this would simply ruin their vacation. They need action, change of scenery, meeting new people, and experiencing new things.

But what is adventure tourism? This style of tourism often involves outdoor adventures such as safari escapes, or desert dirt bike rides. It can involve any activity that is considered adventurous.

Adventure tourists are known for their high interest in getting into new experiences. If many tourists aren’t willing to travel far for their passions, this can be different for adventure tourists.

For example, some of the most unique swimming with the sharks’ experiences are very remote. Yet, adventure tourists always travel to these locations for the experience.

The most important word to describe these tourists is ‘experience’. All adventure seekers are normally interested in the experience more than being interested in simple everyday activities that are repetitive and monotone.

Adventure tourists aren’t afraid of looking beyond comfort as well. These holidaymakers aren’t always seeking to sleep in the most luxurious hotels. They might even sacrifice personal comfort for the awaiting experience.

2. Backpack tourists

Backpack tourists are typically frugal and interested in multiple aspects of tourism. As their category name suggests, these tourists are normally only traveling with a backpack. This is where they keep clothes, shoes, sunglasses, charges, and even food. Traveling with a backpack isn’t easy. You have to carry it around with you all day.

So why do backpack tourist numbers increase year by year if it’s so difficult to carry a backpack all day? The first reason has to do with economics. It’s simply more affordable to stay in backpack hostels and bed and breakfasts than to stay in typical hotels. It’s also less worrying as these tourists have all their belongings with them at all times.

Most importantly, backpack tourism is fun. Those into this type of holidaymaking aren’t afraid to put on sports shoes and comfortable clothing and get moving. They can see and experience multiple other aspects of their traveling location compared to other tourists.

Backpack tourists also differentiate themselves from adventure tourists as they can be into different aspects such as seeing cultural landmarks and even traveling for good restaurants. They can combine all aspects of tourism with an adventure into a unique budget-friendly type of holidaymaking.

Shortly called ‘backpackers’ these tourists are seen everywhere from busy city streets to remote mountain paths. They are generally highly self-driven and they require minimum guidance to get around as they like to plan.

3. Business tourists

Business tourists are a bit more difficult to stop compared to backpackers. Normally traveling for work purposes, business tourists are mostly interested in their work duties. Of course, things change during the day when these work duties are over.

Known for their tight schedule, business tourists are typically interested to discover the area where they need to work for a while. This means they can jump into the typical tourist attractions, check out local museums, restaurants, and parks.

Business tourists are normally blessed when it comes to expenses. Most business tourists have their transport and accommodation costs covered. This then means they might have money to get into shopping or to other activities that aren’t specifically free.

Those who travel for business are rarely called tourists, however. It’s only the group that has the time to become part-time tourists that are lucky enough to discover new places. There are plenty of professionals traveling for business with no time for holidaying.

New York is the number one business tourist destination. Known for its high number of business and economic development, the city also offers plenty of world-class landmarks to visit, making it the perfect stop for business tourists.

4. Cruise tourists

A special type of tourist is only interested in going on a cruise. Many cruise tourists are seniors and seeing the world from a cruise ship is often a yearly holiday for them. Carnival Cruises and other similar companies offer complete tourist packages for these seniors. Almost all of them have the freedom to choose which countries they want to visit as cruises take tourists on different types of tours.

Some cruises are only bound to the Gulf of Mexico. Others travel around Central and South America. There are also very popular Mediterranean cruises for those who want to travel along Southern Europe’s coast from Portugal to Greece with stops in Spain, France, and Italy.

The main benefit of these cruises is they allow their customers to see different countries as special port stops are planned along the route.

Cruise tourists have also been known to be among those who love long holidays the most. There are plenty of cruses that last more than a month and this type of adventure can certainly count as the summer holiday.

Cruise tourists generally travel in couples or small groups. It’s rare to find solo cruise tourists. Most cabins available on cruise ships are for couples. This is why they can be the ideal type of escape for tourists and couples who want to relax for a few weeks.

Most cruise tourists appreciate good food, drinks, and the ability to socialize on the ship. This is why all cruise ships offer one or multiple restaurants, a common socializing area, a sunbathing deck, music nights, and even casino nights. This is why some tourists even prefer not to step off the ship even when docked as all amenities are covered for them.

5. Cultural tourists

Culture is a sub-niche of traveling. Culture travelers differentiate themselves considerably from others as they choose different destinations to the typical beach resort escape. They might even travel to the same places as others but they visit different attractions.

As their name suggests, cultural tourists are into the culture. This vast area of interest typically covers, history with its museums, education with learning opportunities, ethnographies with its traditions, etc. Being a cultural tourist means you check out all of the cultural attractions of your destinations such as theatres, cinemas, and old cathedrals.

A cultural tourist is typically traveling at a slow pace so there’s sufficient time to admire and participate in different cultural events. Most cultural tourists can be seen in museums. Offering a glimpse into the history of an area, museums are ideal for cultural tourists as they often meet other tourists from around the world also interested in culture.

Cultural tourism flourishes in historically-rich cities and countries. Italy, France, and England are some of the most visited cultural hubs around the world. Italy’s renascence period with its painters, sculptors, and architects still attracts millions of tourists from around the world. These tourists are there to see these aspects that are unique to Italy as they can’t be reproduced anywhere else.

Being a cultural tourist also has its downsides. As every place is unique, cultural tourists typically want to visit more places that require a considerable budget. Visiting London is an experience that is certainly enriched by visiting other British cultural hubs such as Durham or Oxford. All of these cities can offer a combined cultural vacation of at least a week.

6. Domestic tourists

One of the main categories of holidaymakers is represented by domestic tourists. These travelers are typically interested in what their native countries have to offer. Domestic tourism means discovering locals places within the country.

Domestic tourists travel by airplane, car, bicycle, or they even hitchhike. This is one of the most important aspects when it comes to discovering and rediscovering your own country.

All domestic tourism is typically based on the same rules and international tourism, with a busy season where an influx of travelers is expected. For most tourists, it is also a good opportunity to look at what makes their country great.

Domestic tourism incorporates all other types of tourism. Its sub-niches include cultural domestic tourism, culinary domestic tourism, adventure domestic tourism, leisure domestic tourism, etc.

Domestic tourists are also typically interested in multiple aspects of their travels. Visiting a city or a region is typically accompanied by discovering its main touristic attractions and things to do.

7. Eco-tourists

Eco tourists are a growing niche of travelers highly preoccupied with sustainability, ecology, and general nature care. This type of tourism is growing fast around the world and it has a minimalistic approach with a reduced impact on the environment.

Riding dirt bikes through green fields is not ecotourism. But cycling through rural areas is considered eco-tourism, with its care for nature.

Most eco-tourists travel by car or plane to a certain destination. But they can also travel by bike or even walk multiple days to reach a destination or to experience all that it has to offer.

Rural Italy offers great world-class eco-tourism destinations. Small family farms here show tourists how to live like a local, cook like a local, and even how to care for animals.

There’s a modern side to eco-tourism as well. All types of reduced environmental impact technologies such as e-bikes are included in guided eco-tourism tours.

Most eco-tourists appreciate a way of life that cares for nature and what it has to offer. This is why excessive waste isn’t characteristic to these types of tourists which tend to be the best when it comes to not leaving traces of their visit even when out in nature.

Eco tourists are also smart when it comes to limiting the resources they need on holiday. This is why this type of tourism is often characterized as affordable. But it can still be expensive with the exception that these types of eco-tourists know how to make the most from very few resources.

8. Food tourists

Food tourists are a special type of gourmand holidaymakers. Food tourist travels their country and other countries to eat diverse foods. This type of tourism is flourishing in the conditions in which foods become more standardized in developed nations and since certain meals can only be experienced among the locals who make them often.

Among food tourists, there are plenty of sub-divisions such as vegan food tourists or Asian food tourists. All of them are interested in very specific aspects of food. But most food tourists have an open mind to all types of foods and countries.

Cultures influence food considerably. This is why learning about culture often means tasting the food it makes and seeing what characterizes its delicious taste.

Food tours are now offered constantly by travel agents. Some of the best food travel destinations are those in South East Asia. Thailand is one of the specific destinations for good affordable food. Italy is also known for its rich culinary history and people from all over the world make it here to eat unique pizza and pasta.

But food tourists can also travel by themselves. To be considered a food tourist, travelers have to specifically set out to a certain destination for its food. But food tourists can also be found inside the country. Seattle and New York are cities with a rich culinary history.

Texas is known as the state to be in when it comes to stakes. People travel to these locations to eat the best foods as made by those with cooking experience.

Food tourists are also responsible for making various restaurants famous. For example, some of the best Michelin-star restaurants in Spain and the world are located in often isolated locations in small towns and even in villages.

Food tourists travel long distances to reach these restaurants. Once there, they get to eat the food made by famous chefs and they often taste delicious meals made with entirely local ingredients. These tourists are generally known for a culinary passion.

9. Generalists

Generalist tourists are a combination of all types of tourists. These travelers set out to a certain destination with an open mind to experience as much as it has to offer. A generalist tourist can look at a certain style of architecture one day and be interested in the food of a city the next day.

All generalist tourists are typically looking into a holiday experience. This means accommodation and even traveling to multiple places within the region is of interest.

Most holidaymakers are generalists. They travel to different locations with a plan to see its tourist attractions, check out its museums, and even get immersed in unique experiences.

Generalist tourism isn’t characterized by traveling to certain destinations or in a given timeframe. It is characterized by the general will to travel. This is why it can look very different from one tourist to another.

Those who like to travel often describe themselves as tourists, but this generally involves being a generalist tourist.

10. Holiday tourists

Holiday tourists are those travelers that mainly go on holidays when traveling. A holiday is typically a period of at least a few days to relax away from home. Holiday tourists are the most popular type of travelers, especially among families.

Holidays are planned once or multiple times per year and this means taking time away from work and typical chores to travel.

You can see holiday tourists especially around resorts, beaches, camps, and all other locations typically associated as touristy. Florida is a good example of a holiday tourist state. It attracts people from all around the world who say the visit to the sunny state is a ‘holiday’.

The English expression ‘I holiday in’ refers to taking a yearly vacation in a certain location. This is why holiday tourists are those travelers who are typically on a longer vacation, typically the summer vacation which is the longest for most.

Holiday tourists can travel both by themselves and in groups. A holiday can be taken as a way to relax for health purposes. A doctor can recommend going on a holiday for patients under constant stress. Going on holiday is seen as taking a few days up to a few weeks off to relax completely and to have the occasion to reduce stress by worrying less.

Those on holiday are typically using the term in different situations. But their expressions can sometimes be confusing. ‘Holiday food’ is the food made at home, typically during religious celebrations such as Christmas or Easter. Holiday food is rarely used to refer to the meals consumed while away on a summer holiday.

11. International tourists

Most tourists are willing to travel to almost any location. But among general travelers, there’s a distinct category only willing to travel abroad. Many reasons make international tourists only consider holidaying abroad.

Among them is the experience of visiting most tourist attractions in their own countries. Another reason can be the appeal of a certain destination, particularly for its popularity.

International travel is at an all-time high in recent years. With the advent of low-cost air travel companies, the opportunities and the cost of international travel are in the favor of travelers. A large percentage of international tourists are planning their holidays accordingly as this is the type of travel that mostly rewards those who plan.

The perks of proper planning for international tourists include finding the lowest airplane ticket fares and the best accommodation prices. International travel can also be subject to extensive paperwork such as visa applications, proof of income, proof of residency, etc. While highly rewarding, international tourism can also require a bit more preparation than domestic tourism.

International tourists are also some of the most open when it comes to travel destinations. From the classic locations such as France and Spain to the most remote international travel locations such as Iceland, these travelers are typically willing to make an effort to reach the destination.

One of the perks of international travel is getting immersed in different cultures. This can be a bit more difficult to achieve with domestic travel. Major travel channels now recommend remote international travel due to the current pandemic. This is why Antarctica is one of the most remote international travel locations that gets recommended today.

12. Leisure tourists

Leisure tourists are a type of generalist travelers. These tourists are interested in taking a break from reality, seeing new places, eating new foods, experiencing new adventures, but without sacrificing rest and comfort.

Unlike backpackers or adventure tourists, leisure tourists also feel the need to relax while traveling. This is what makes them even more interested in locations with good accommodation options.

Leisure tourists are generally characterized by a slower pace of travel compared to adventure tourists. They like visiting the most popular touristic areas in their destination. Cultural experiences can’t be overlooked by these tourists as well.

Apart from visiting landmarks, leisure tourists also appreciate good diverse food options. All in all, these types of tourists are among the most proficient when it comes to making the most of a trip and coming back come reinvigorated.

13. Medical tourists

Medical tourists are known as patients who travel for healthcare purposes. Both incoming and outgoing patients have been increasing in the US. There are a few factors that influence these two trends.

Incoming patients to the US are typically those coming for a very specific medical intervention. The high number of specialized doctors in the US makes it an attractive country for those coming from smaller countries where there isn’t a great selection of doctors or where there are no proven interventions for a certain condition.

Outgoing US patients are leaving for other smaller countries to get cheaper and often free medical healthcare. Medical insurance costs are constantly rising in the US and this makes it the country almost impossible to get medical treatment for those with a certain condition that isn’t covered by insurance.

US citizens prefer to travel as little as possible to get medical healthcare. Most don’t head to Europe but rather to Central and South America. Costa Rica is the main destination for US medical tourists. Patients head to the country for a few weeks and even for a few months. They might be recommended a rest period under supervision for a certain medical intervention.

The number one reason for US medical tourists outside of the country is dentistry work. All dentistry interventions in the US are considered among the most expensive in the world. It’s a routine to see US citizens traveling abroad only for a few days to get work done on teeth and for other oral care interventions.

Mexico is another popular destination for US citizens seeking to travel to get better healthcare. The proximity of the country, its low prices, and high numbers of doctors and clinics make it a viable option for medical tourists.

While further away from the US, India is also a top destination for medical tourists. Doctors here are some of the best-trained in the world. Since most also speak English, their medical services become tempting to US citizens. Singapore also gets a high influx of US medical tourists. Some of the world’s largest hospitals and some of the top-level doctors here make the small country highly attractive for patients who need complex medical treatment from around the world.

14. Reflective tourists

Reflective tourists are characterized by the wish to travel and learn. It can be said learning has multiple faces in the case of these travelers. Tourists can travel to learn more about a place but they mostly travel to learn more about their heritage, where they come from, and the culture of their genealogy.

Europe is the main destination for reflective tourism. The continent has been known for waves of mass-level migration, especially to North and South America. This is why a rising number of reflective tourists make their way to Europe each year.

But what do these tourists do that others don’t? Reflective tourists are normally interested in culture hotspots. They visit museums, churches, theatres, exhibitions, stadiums, etc. These are all part of a wider spectrum of cultural attractions.

But reflective tourists can also dig a bit deeper into their family’s history. They might even visit local administration to get a trace of their lost relatives and get in contact to learn more about their family’s genealogy.

Reflective tourists are increasing in places such as Spain and Italy. Largely impacted by mass migration over a century ago and even today, these countries have been the main attraction for reflective tourists from the US, Canada, and Argentina.

Many of these countries even have tourism agencies specialized in offering services for reflective tourists on discovery or rediscovery trips.

15. Religious tourists

Religious tourists are one of the largest groups of travelers. These types of tourists are normally interested in heritage historic places of worship tied to their religion. Religious tourism is growing year by year but it isn’t new. Old pilgrimages were made thousands of years ago such as the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Religious tourists can be split according to specific religions and branches within a religion. Jews are normally interested in traveling to Israel. Even Jews who aren’t into tourism are typically interested in visiting Israel at least once.

Jews also travel to other Jewish communities around the world frequently. They can even pitch in to build new Synagogues around the world or to restore historic places of worship.

Christians travel to Israel as well. They visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem mostly, without any particular interest in larger cities such as Tel Aviv. Christians also visit cathedrals, churches, and monasteries around the world.

Christian tour operators organized different circuit visits to specific countries where tourists get to see some of the most important Christian landmarks of the area.

Furthermore, Christians also organized mass pilgrimage events around the world. Other popular Christian destinations include The Vatican, especially for Catholic Christians.

Millions of Muslims visit Mecca each year. The celebrations here are normally held throughout the year. Located in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is a place of worship with strict rules. Pilgrims here aren’t allowed to drink alcohol, according to Muslim tradition.

16. Rural tourists

Rural tourists are normally interested in traditional villages. These types of tourists exist around the world. Rural tourism is completely dead in some areas around the world but it is also very popular in other areas.

Locronan in the Frances Britany region is the country’s main rural hotspot. It enjoys easy access from mainland Europe. Broad Campden in England’s Gloucestershire region is one of the most visited classic villages in the country and the world.

Its small streets, traditional homes, and relaxed way of life make it a high attraction for many of those interested in traveling away from large cities.

The perks of rural tourism include a slower way of traveling. It also allows tourists to meet the locals and improve socializing opportunities. Staying in rural areas also means enjoying different hotels. Far away from cities, the rural hotel often offers more wide-open spaces which encourage walks and time spent outdoors.

Rural tourists also have a few drawbacks to face. For example, there are not many great public transport links to some small villages around the world. This is why renting a car is often a must when it comes to making it to some of these remote towns and villages.

Rural tourism depends on your means of transport but this is what also protects it from becoming overly popular to a dangerous extent.

17. Romantic tourists

Romantic tourists are some of the most relaxed when it comes to traveling. It’s often as much about the journey as it is about the destination with these tourists. Most couples into romantic tourism love gateways.

This is why those into this type of travel typically love to get out more, to explore, and not to be rushed as being away on holiday is all that matters.

Paris is the capital of romantic tourism. Walking the streets of this city is almost an experience worth the trip on its own. With plenty of romantic sights and great street-side cafes, couples can get to spend more time together in a relaxed atmosphere here.

Venice is another popular hotspot for couples. This is where tourists come to experience romantic gondola rides. Almost all of the couples here come to see the canals of the city. But there are plenty of other attractions for these tourists here.

Romantic tourists typically holiday through the year. According to tradition, the honeymoon is the most sought after the period for romantic gateways. Newlywed couples typically go away for a few weeks on the honeymoon, typically to one or multiple romantic destinations.

The specifics of this type of tourism are tied to accommodation requirements, good food, possible shopping opportunities, and the ability to go on long walks. Since romantic tourists like long walks, the most important aspect when choosing a destination is safety, especially for evening time walks.

18. Senior tourists

Seniors love to travel. Since they’ve reached an age when they don’t have to take care of the children or when they don’t have to go to work, seniors can often go on longer holidays further away from home.

Tourism for seniors is increasing in popularity. Two separate types of tourists can be found among them. Couples and group senior tourists are the two main types of travelers seen among the elderly.

Senior couples prefer romantic relaxing locations. Being out in nature or even visiting some of the most important tourist cities around the world are attractive proposals to senior tourists.

Group senior tourists are also popular. Seen in every large city around the world, these groups travel together, they eat in the same places, and they visit the same attractions.

The benefits of traveling in groups as seniors include better safety, the opportunity to socialize, a pre-planned trip, and plenty of opportunities to have fun.

19. Slow-paced tourists

Slow-paced tourists are travelers who like to stay more in a certain location. Instead of spending two days in a city or village, these tourists can spend up to a week in a location. Slow-paced tourism can expand to holidays that take up to a month or even two months.

The benefits of slow-paced tourism are that it allows further discovery opportunities and more socializing opportunities. Slow-paced tourism is ideal for those interested in a cultural or discovery type of experience.

Villages in Germany are known for slow-paced tourism. People come here to see various traditions. They see livestock and farming that typically requires a slower pace of travel.

The benefits of slow travel are that it allows a deeper understanding of a certain culture. But even these types of travelers can be split into multiple sub-categories.

For example, slow-paced tourists can be interested in only visiting a country in appreciation for a certain personality. Slow-paced tourism developed the sub-niche of Shakespeare fans tourism in England.

20. Special interest tourists

Special interest tourists generally visit a location for one thing only. This can be anything from a sports adventure opportunity or to visit a famous landmark. Examples of special interest tourists are seen all across the world.

Most special interests are tied to a historic location, a sports occasion, an individual, or a religious significance place. For example, tourists only go to Santiago de Compostela to visit the city’s cathedral. The same one-attraction or one-activity type of tourism is seen all around the world.

21. Sports tourists

Sports tourism is at an all-time high. This type of tourism isn’t new, but the rise of sports and sports personalities makes people travel. Sports tourists often travel with their teams. Baseball fans and football fans often travel to support their teams.

But these tourists can also travel without a specific sporting event in mind. They can travel to see stadiums or they can travel to see important places in sports.

One of the most visited stadiums in the world is Camp Nou in Barcelona. This is the home of the most popular sports team in the world, FC Barcelona. The stadium sees millions of tourists per year. A large number of them only come here to see the stadium and the place where their favorite football players play.

Sports tourism has plenty to offer all around the world. The second most popular football team in the world is FC Liverpool. Its stadium is normally visited by thousands of tourists and football fans from around the world even when it’s not a match day. Groups are split into hourly visits and they get to visit the stadium in a 1-hour tour.

But the most important type of sports tourists is the traveler going to a certain event. In the US, sports tourists are best represented by Superbowl fans. This is where travelers from all around the country try to reach the finals, an event which is often quite expensive and difficult to get into.

A similar event is seen in Europe with the final Champions League game where sports fans from around the continent fight to get tickets to the event and to fly to the destination stadium for the big game.

The drawbacks of sports tourism are the lack of diversity outside stadiums, sports museums, and sporting events. Most of the tourists interested in a particular part of sports are normally reserved when it comes to traveling for other sports attractions such as small private sports memorabilia collections.

Unlike other tourists, sports tourists are known to spend a lot on events. Most sports events worth traveling for are known for their high ticket prices.

This is why sports fans typically have to start saving sooner compared to other tourists, especially since accommodation prices are higher in the period of a large nearby sporting event.

Saving up is mandatory for these tourists who need to spend more than others to reach a destination.

Related posts:

What Are the Types of Attractions in Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

Tourism is one of the most significant industries worldwide, with millions of people traveling every year to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. As a tourist destination, it’s essential to understand the different types of attractions that visitors seek.

Attractions are the primary motivators for tourism, and understanding them can help destinations develop marketing strategies to attract more visitors. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of attractions in tourism.

Natural Attractions

Natural attractions are some of the most popular tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. These are natural sites that showcase the beauty and diversity of nature.

Examples include beaches, mountains, waterfalls, forests, national parks, and wildlife reserves. Natural attractions provide opportunities for tourists to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, swimming or simply enjoying scenic views.

Cultural Attractions

Cultural attractions offer visitors a glimpse into a country’s history and heritage. These sites include museums, art galleries, historical monuments and landmarks such as temples or churches. Cultural attractions allow tourists to learn about a country’s traditions and customs while also providing opportunities to interact with locals.

Entertainment Attractions

Entertainment attractions offer visitors exciting experiences that provide fun and entertainment. Examples include theme parks, water parks or amusement parks where visitors can enjoy thrilling rides or shows. Entertainment attractions are suitable for families with children who want to have fun together.

Adventure Attractions

Adventure attractions provide tourists with adrenaline-pumping experiences that test their limits. Examples include bungee jumping, skydiving or white-water rafting. These activities are perfect for thrill-seekers who want to challenge themselves physically and mentally.

Shopping Attractions

Shopping is one of the top activities for tourists all around the world. Shopping centers or markets offer a variety of products ranging from souvenirs, handicrafts, and luxury items. Shopping attractions are perfect for those who want to indulge in retail therapy while exploring new places.

Culinary Attractions

Culinary attractions offer tourists a chance to explore a country’s cuisine and culinary traditions. Food tours, cooking classes or restaurant hopping are some of the activities that tourists can enjoy. Culinary attractions provide an immersive experience for visitors who want to taste local dishes and learn about the cultural significance of food.

In conclusion, there are various types of attractions that draw tourists to different destinations worldwide. Natural attractions offer breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

10 Related Question Answers Found

What are the four types of attraction in tourism, what are the types of events in tourism, what are the types and characteristics of tourism, what are primary attractions in tourism, what is tourism and types of tourism, what is human attraction in tourism, what are the different segments of tourism, what are different types of tourism, what are the different types of tourism, what is attraction in tourism and its types, backpacking - budget travel - business travel - cruise ship - vacation - tourism - resort - cruise - road trip - destination wedding - tourist destination - best places, london - madrid - paris - prague - dubai - barcelona - rome.

© 2024 LuxuryTraveldiva

21 Fascinating Types of Tourists Around The World

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

There are so many different types of tourists around the world and it is important that we understand the different types of tourists in order to be able to ensure that the tourism industry meets their needs. Heck, it wouldn’t make sense to try to sell kids clubs tickets to tourists are are mostly elderly and without young children, just as it wouldn’t make much sense to sell  volunteer tourism  trips to tourists who just want to relax by the poolside for their annual vacation!

From a tourism management perspective, we need to understand the different types of tourists so that we can provide each tourist type with the products and the services that best suit their needs and  demands . So in this article I will introduce you to the the major types of tourists, are you ready to learn more? Read on….

Cohen’s types of tourists

Cohen’s tourist typology was one of the first major typologies developed in the travel and tourism industry. Cohen said that types of tourists can be put into four categories- I have explained these briefly below (if you want a more comprehensive explanation, read my article on  Cohen’s tourist typology ).

Drifters typically have an authentic and deep  immersive tourism  experience, opting for staying with members of the local community rather than in hotels and spending their time in the local community. They seek adventure and plan their own itineraries. This type of tourist always opts for novelty over familiarity- you won’t see a Drifter eating in McDonalds or shopping in Zara! The Drifter is the type of tourist that is least connected with the mass tourism industry.

The Explorer

Explorers also seek novelty over the familiar, however these types of tourists do often have a little more interaction with the commodities associated with the tourism industry. For example, an Explorer may travel independently and enjoy an immersive cultural experience, but they may rest their head on a hotel pillow at the end of the day. This type of tourist will generally eat and shop local, but don’t be surprised if they enjoy a Big Mac from time to time too.

The Individual Mass Tourist

The Individual Mass Tourist seeks the familiar rather than the new. These types of tourists want familiar food, they want to be able to communicate in a familiar language and they want to stay in  types of accommodation  that they are familiar with. However, the Individual Mass Tourist is not constrained by the likes of group tours and activities- yes, they may book their holiday through a travel or use a local tour guide, but they will typically opt for solo travel over group tours.

The Organised Mass Tourist

The Organised Mass Tourist seeks the familiar, typically as part of an organised group. These types of tourists seek the familiar over novelty every time and they are often found with tour guides and undertaking group tours. The Organised Mass Tourist will generally have an itinerary or a plan and they will stick to it.

Plog’s types of tourists

Stanley Plog is another tourism academic who categorised types of tourists in his model of Allocentricity and Psychocentricity. Essentially, he grouped tourists into three types and then mapped this to the way that a destination may rise and fall in popularity. I won’t go into the details of Plog’s theory here, but if you do want to learn more you can head on over to my article ‘ Plog’s model of allocentricity and psychocentricity: Made easy ‘

Allocentric tourists

According to Plog, the allocentric tourist is most likely associated with destinations that are un(der)developed. These types of tourists might be the first tourists to visit an area. They may be the first intrepid explorers, the ones brave enough to travel to the ‘unknown’. Allocentric tourists like adventure. They are not afraid of the unknown. They like to explore.

Allocentric tourists are often found travelling alone. They are not phased that the destination they are visiting doesn’t have a chapter in their guidebook. In fact, they are excited by the prospect of travelling to a place that most people have never heard of!

Psychocentric tourists

Psychocentric tourists are the opposite to allocentric tourists. Psychocentric tourists are most commonly associated with areas that are well-developed or  over-developed for tourism . Many people will have visited the area before them- it has been tried and tested. These tourists feel secure knowing that their holiday choice will provide them with the comforts and familiarities that they know and love.

Psychocentric tourists travel in organised groups. Their holidays are typically organised for them by their  travel agent . These travellers seek the familiar. They are happy in the knowledge that their holiday resort will provide them with their home comforts. The standard activity level of psychocentric tourists is low. These types of tourists enjoy holiday resorts and  all inclusive packages . They are components of  enclave tourism , meaning that they are likely to stay put in their hotel for the majority of the duration of their holiday. These are often repeat tourists, who choose to visit the same destination year-on-year.

Mid-Centric tourists

Mid-centric tourists fall somewhere in the middle- these types of tourists like some adventure, but also some of their home comforts. Perhaps they book their holiday themselves through dynamic packaging, but then spend the majority of their time in their holiday resort. Or maybe they book an organised package, but then choose to break away from the crowd and explore the local area.

Types of tourists by destination type

It is common for types of tourists to be grouped by the destination type. This typically encompasses four major categories, as I have explained below.

Domestic tourists

Domestic tourism  is the act of travelling for business or leisure within one’s home country.  According to the UNWTO , a person must be away from their usual place of residence (but still in their home country) for at least one night to qualify as a domestic tourist.

Popular destinations for domestic tourism include the USA, India and China . This is because they are big countries with a variety of tourist experiences to offer.

International tourists

International tourism  is the act of travelling overseas for business or leisure. International tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. Which tourists visit which destinations is determined by a number of different factors, such as distance to travel, cost of living in the  traveller generating region and the tourism destination region , the tourist ‘s culture, disposable income and a range of other factors.

Inbound tourists

Inbound tourism  is the act of someone travelling to a country other than that of where they live for the purpose of tourism.

Many countries around the world rely on inbound tourism. Inbound tourism is often seasonal, meaning that many destinations will have evident peak, shoulder and low seasons. This is often dependant on weather conditions (for example sun or snow ) and school and public holidays.

Outbound tourists

Outbound tourism  is the act of travelling ‘out’ of your home country for the purposes of tourism. Outbound tourism does not include the purchasing of good or services before or after the trip within the tourism generating country.

The terms outbound tourism and inbound tourism are often used interchangeably. This is because a tourist who is travelling internationally is both an outbound tourist (because they travel OUT of their home country) and an inbound tourist (because they travel IN to another country).

Types of tourists by tourism type

Many people will differentiate types of tourists according to the type of tourism that they are undertaking. Whilst this  can  be useful, it can also become rather complication when you consider how many different types of tourism there are! Below I have outlined some of the most common types of tourists according to tourism type, but I do suggest that you also take a look at this article, which outlines  150 different types of tourism !

Sustainable tourists

Sustainable tourism is one of the most important types of tourism, if not THE most important type of tourism that there is and more and more tourists are embracing sustainable tourism nowadays than ever before.

Sustainable tourism , also often referred to as  responsible tourism , relies on the premise of taking care of the environment, society and economy. Sustainable tourism principles intend to minimise the negative impacts of tourism, whilst maximising the positive impacts.

Ethical tourists

Ethical tourism  refers to tourism that benefits the people and the environment involved. It is closely aligned with the concepts of sustainable tourism and responsible tourism. Many tourists now seek advice on  how they can be ethical tourists  and implement this into their travel decisions and behaviours.

Experiential tourists

Experiential tourism  is derived from the concept of experiential learning, whereby a person learns and creates meaning through their experiences. Therefore, these types of tourists focus on immersion with a particular destination, its culture, people, customs and histories. Experiential tourism is popular amongst backpackers, students and tourists looking for an authentic and deep travel experience.

Adventure tourists

Adventure tourism  is one of the most exciting types of tourism. Adventure tourism is tourism which involves a degree of risk. It typically requires specialist skills or physical exertion. Adventure tourists might go rock climbing, skydiving, white water rafting, mountain climbing, zip-lining and paragliding, to name just a few examples.

Dark tourists

Dark tourism , also known as black tourism, thanatourism or grief tourism, is tourism that is associated with death or tragedy.

The act of dark tourism is somewhat controversial, with some viewing it as an act of respect and others as unethical practice. Popular dark tourism attractions include Auschwitz, Chernobyl and Ground Zero. Lesser known dark tourism attractions might include cemeteries, zombie-themed events or historical museums.

Cultural tourists

Cultural tourism  is the act of travellers visiting particular destinations in order to experience and learn about a particular culture. This can include many activities such as; attending events and festivals, visiting museums and tasting the local food and drinks. Cultural tourism can also be an unintentional part of the tourism experience, whereby cultural immersion (with the local people, their language, customs, cuisine etc) is an inevitable part of a person’s holiday.

Ecotourists

Ecotourism  is a form of tourism directed at preserving fragile environments and eco-systems. Ecotourism commonly occurs in threatened natural environments, where the intention is to provide conservation. Ecotourism efforts include building tourist facilities that have minimal impact on the natural environment, adopting the use of products such as compost toilets or solar-powered electricity.

Ecotourism has become somewhat of a ‘buzz word’ in recent years and is closely related to the concept of  sustainable tourism .

Medical tourists

Another type of tourist that is increasing rapidly are Medical tourists.  Medical tourism , also known as health tourism, refers to the act of travelling to another destination for the purpose of medical treatment. Motivations of medical tourists may include reduced costs for treatments or higher quality of provision. Medical tourists may seek life-saving treatments unavailable to them at home, cosmetic surgery or dental procedures amongst a range of other medical needs. Popular destinations include India , Turkey and Panama.

Religious tourists

Religious tourism , also known as faith tourism, refers to the act of travelling for the purposes of religious pilgrimage, missionary, or interest. A branch of  cultural tourism , religious tourism constituted some of the earliest tourism forms. Not all religious tourists conform to beliefs of or religious practices of the attractions/destinations that they are visiting which can cause conflict between visitors and worshippers. Popular religious tourism destinations include Israel, Mecca and Varanassi.

Business tourists

Business tourism , or business travel, is one of the most important types of tourism there is, because it is so big! Business tourism is essentially a form of travel which involves undertaking business activities that are based away from home.

Business tourism activities includes attending meetings, congresses, exhibitions, incentive travel and corporate hospitality.

The traveller versus tourist debate

I would like to finish off this article by paying reference to a debate that I see referenced a lot by my fellow travel bloggers- the tourism versus traveller debate- and I would like to debunk it.

There are many people who claim that they are not a tourist, but instead they are a ‘traveller’. They claim that this is because they enjoy immersing themselves into the local culture and avoiding  mass tourism  places. However, I would like to point out (as I explain in more detail in my article on the  definition of tourism ), that these people are indeed tourists, just as much as anyone else is a tourist.

As I have demonstrated throughout this article, there are many different types of tourists- yes, some enjoy local experiences and avoiding packaged, commodified and mass tourism products, and other types of tourists are at their happiest while sipping a cocktail by the pool in their  all inclusive holiday resort . It doesn’t matter exactly what we do on our travels- if we are travelling away from home to see and experience new and different places, we are tourists.

Types of tourists- further reading

If you enjoyed this article outlining the different types of tourists, I am sure that you will enjoy these articles too!

• What is alternative tourism and why is it growing so fast?
• Where to find a job in travel and tourism
• The fascinating history of tourism
• What is a workation and why should you take one?

Liked this article? Click to share!

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Chapter 6. Events, Culture, Heritage, and Sport (Entertainment)

6.3 Attractions

As a broad definition, tourist attractions are those places of culture, heritage, nature, or activities that draw people to visit. When the Canadian Tourism Commission, now Destination Canada, planned a survey of Canada’s tourist attractions in 1995, there was no official definition of tourist attractions . After consultation, federal, provincial, territorial, and industry stakeholders agreed on a working definition: “places whose main purpose is to allow public access for entertainment, interest, or education” (Canadian Tourism Commission, 1998, p. 3).

Five major categories were established:

• Heritage attractions: focus on preserving and exhibiting objects, sites, and natural wonders of historical, cultural, and educational value (e.g., museums, art galleries, historic sites, botanical gardens , zoos, nature parks, conservation areas)
• Amusement/entertainment attractions: maintain and provide access to amusement or entertainment facilities (e.g., arcades; amusement, theme, and water parks)
• Recreational attractions: maintain and provide access to outdoor or indoor facilities where people can participate in sports and recreational activities (e.g., golf courses, skiing facilities, marinas, bowling centres)
• Commercial attractions: retail operations dealing in gifts, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs that actively market to tourists (e.g., craft stores listed in a tourist guide)
• Industrial attractions: deal mainly in agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing products that actively market to tourists (e.g., wineries, fish hatcheries, factories)

The term “attraction” can convey a negative meaning. Something becoming a tourist attraction can imply a site that has been commercialized and, likely, negatively impacted by tourism. In addition, attraction typically denotes pleasure and fun, like an amusement park. The term becomes inappropriate, as does ‘entertainment’ when we speak of learning about other cultures and contested histories. For example, the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, in New Denver, BC is a National Historic Site of Canada, and tells the history of Japanese-Canadian internment during the Second World War. Another example may be an Indigenous art gallery, with many objects representing the spiritual beliefs and history of a people’s ancestors. Although both examples are technically sites of interest to tourists and therefore attractions, the mandate, approach, and design of the visitor experience varies from site to site.

To exist, these attractions often need to generate revenue to pay for site operations, to pay for staff, and to run educational programs. The sector involves a range of organizations, some privately owned, while others are government-funded, or non-profit. Revenue to culture- and nature-based sites has the added benefit of supporting their preservation as well as to build awareness and a deeper understanding in the public. In the case of Indigenous heritage sites, visitation can also lead to an opportunity for reconciliation. However, the cost of an attraction, such as a museum, gallery, or park, is typically only a fraction of the total travel cost.

The rest of this chapter explores various types of attractions in more detail.

Cultural/Heritage Tourism

The phrase cultural/heritage tourism can be interpreted in many ways. Destination Canada, formally the Canadian Tourism Commission has defined it as tourism occurring “when participation in a cultural or heritage activity is a significant factor for traveling. Cultural tourism includes performing arts (theatre, dance, and music), visual arts and crafts, festivals, museums and cultural centres, and historic sites and interpretive centres” (LinkBC, 2012). Food is also an integral part of the cultural tourism scene.

Take a Closer Look: The First Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions

In 2018, the Department of Canadian Heritage released its Survey of Heritage Institutions, which provides aggregate financial and operating data to governments and cultural associations. It aims to gain a better understanding of not-for-profit heritage institutions in Canada in order to aid in the development of policies and the administration of programs. View the full version of the report at Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions: 2017 [PDF] .

A 2018 Government of Canada survey of heritage institutions found:

• Revenues for all non-profit heritage institutions in Canada exceeded $2.5 billion in 2015, a 23% increase over 2011. British Columbia was ranked fourth in earnings, at $225 million or 9% of the national total
• Three provinces — Ontario (43%), Quebec (25%), and Alberta (9%) — had the largest share of heritage institutions
• Museums generated the most revenue for the heritage sector, at $1.1 billion (44%) in 2015, followed by art galleries (22%), archives (15%), zoos and gardens (13%) and finally historic sites (6%). Accounting for various levels of government, they contributed an additional $1.3 billion in 2015
• Roughly 50% of heritage institutions charged admission, and the average adult entry fee was $9.91 in 2015

In 2015, the heritage sector employed over 36,300 people, an increase of 15% since 2011. Volunteers at heritage institutions outnumbered paid staff by approximately three to one, with approximately 115,650 volunteers. The amount of time they donated (over 6.6 million hours) contributed to huge savings for institutions. These statistics indicate that volunteerism is a critical success factor for Canadian heritage institutions.

Overall physical attendance at heritage institutions totalled over 75 million visits in 2015, an increase of 34% from 2011. In addition, as museums and galleries digitize their holding for online access, heritage experienced some 200 million virtual visitors.

Performing Arts

Performing arts generally include theatre companies and dinner theatres, dance companies, musical groups, and artists and other performing arts companies. These activities and entities contribute to a destination’s tourist product offering and are usually considered an aspect of cultural tourism.

British Columbia has 4.7% of the total number of cultural workers in Canada, the second highest concentration, of which performing arts represents some 55% (Hill Strategies, 2019, p.1). Across Canada, there are 726,600 cultural workers.

Spotlight On: Made in BC

Made in BC: Dance On Tour is a not-for-profit organization committed to bringing touring dance performances, dance workshops, and other dance events to communities around British Columbia for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. Originally intended to showcase BC performers, it also brings touring groups from other regions to the province. For more information, visit the Made in BC website.

Art Museums and Galleries

Art museums and galleries may be public, private, or commercial. Both art museums and public galleries present works of art to the public, exhibiting a diverse range of art from more well-known artists to emerging artists. Exhibitions are assembled and organized by a curator who oversees the installation of the works in the gallery space. However, art museums and public galleries have different mandates, and therefore offer different visitor experiences.

Art museums collect historical and modern works of art for educational purposes and to preserve them for future generations. Public galleries , on the other hand, do not generally collect or conserve works of art. Rather, they focus on exhibitions of contemporary works as well as on programs of lectures, publications, and other events.

A few examples of the art museums and public galleries in BC are the Vancouver Art Gallery , the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria , Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George , and the Kelowna Art Gallery .

Many of the smaller galleries have formed partnerships within geographic regions to share marketing resources and increase visitor appeal. One example includes the self-guided Art Route Tour in Haida Gwaii.

The term museum covers a wide range of institutions from wax museums to sports halls of fame. No matter what type of museum it is, many are now asking if museums are still relevant in today’s high-tech world. In response, museums are using new technology to expand the visitor experience. One example is the Royal BC Museum, which hosts an online Learning Portal, lists recent related tweets on its home page, and is home to an IMAX theatre playing IMAX movies that relate to the museum exhibits.

Spotlight On: Canadian Museums Association

The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is the national organization for the advancement of Canada’s museum community. The CMA works for the recognition, growth, and stability of the sector. Canada’s 2,500 museums and related institutions preserve Canada’s collective memory, shape national identity, and promote tolerance and understanding. For more information, visit the Canadian Museums Association website .

Data from the 2011 Survey of Heritage Institutions in Canada found that attendance at heritage institutions totalled over 75 million visits in 2015, up 34% since 2011. Of that number, there were 14.1 million to art galleries, 15.4 million to heritage sites and another 31 million visits to museums being the most popular (Government of Canada, 2017).

Spotlight On: British Columbia Museums Association

Founded in 1957 and incorporated in 1966, the British Columbia Museums Association (BCMA) provides a unified voice for the institutions, trustees, professional staff, and volunteers of the BC museum and gallery community. For more information, visit the British Columbia Museums Association website .

British Columbia is home to over 200 museums, including Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology and Victoria’s Royal BC Museum, both with impressive displays of Indigenous art and culture. Smaller community museums include the Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster, and the Zeballos Heritage Museum.

Botanical Gardens

A  botanical garden is a garden that displays native and non-native plants and trees. It conducts educational, research, and public information programs that enhance public understanding and appreciation of plants, trees, and gardening (Canadensis, 2014).

Canadian botanical gardens host an estimated 4.5 million visitors per year and are important science and educational facilities, providing leadership in plant conservation and public education (Botanic Gardens Conservation International, 2014). British Columbia is home to notable botanical gardens such as Vancouver’s Stanley Park, The Butchart Gardens near Victoria, UBC’s Botanical Garden, and VanDusen Botanical Garden, to name just a few.

Zoos all over the world are facing many challenges. An article The Atlantic entitled “Is the Future of Zoos No Zoos at All?” discusses how the increased use of technology by biologists, such as habitat cameras (nest cams, bear den cams), GPS trackers, and live web feeds of natural behaviours, has transformed the zoo experience into “reality zoo TV” (Wald, 2014). There is also growing opposition to zoos from organizations such as PETA, who claim that zoo enclosures deprive animals of the opportunity to meet their basic needs and develop relationships (PETA, 2014).

Spotlight On: Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums

Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) was founded in 1975. It represents the 33 leading zoological parks and aquariums in Canada and promotes the welfare of, and encourages the advancement and improvement of, related animal exhibits in Canada as humane agencies of recreation, education, conservation, and science. For more information, visit the Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums website .

Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) work in support of ethical and responsible facilities. Examples of CAZA members in BC include the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and the Vancouver Aquarium (Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, 2014).

Canadian zoos with high attendance levels include the Toronto Zoo with over 1.3 million guests in 2010 (Toronto Zoo, 2010), and the Vancouver Aquarium with over 1 million visitors in 2013 (Vancouver Aquarium 2013). In 2013, the Calgary Zoo employed almost 300 full- and part-time staff and an additional 99 seasonal employees (Calgary Zoo, 2013).

Amusement and Theme Parks

While cultural and heritage attractions strive to present information based on historic and evolving cultures and facts, amusement parks are attractions that often work to create alternate, fanciful realities. Theme parks have a long history dating back to the 1500s in Europe, and have evolved ever since. Today, it is hard not to try to compare any amusement park destination to Disneyland and Disney World. Opened in 1955 in sunny California, Disneyland set the standard for theme parks. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver is considered one of BC’s most recognizable amusement parks and recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary (PNE, 2015).

Canada’s ability to compete with US theme parks is hampered by our climate. With a much shorter summer season, the ability to attract investment in order to sustain large-scale entertainment complexes is limited, as is the market for these attractions. It’s no wonder that in 2011 profitable Canadian amusement parks only saw an average net profit of $73,200, with 34% of firms failing to turn a profit that year. BC has only 22 amusement parks, and more than half of these are considered small, with under 100 employees (Government of Canada, 2014d).

Spotlight On: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. Dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry, it represents more than 4,300 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 97 countries, including most amusement parks and attractions in the United States. For more information, visit the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions website .

Motion Picture and Video Exhibitions

The film industry in Canada, and particularly in BC, has gained international recognition in part through events such as the Toronto International Film Festival , Montreal World Film Festival, and Vancouver International Film Festival . According to the Motion Picture Association — Canada (2013) these festivals attracted an estimated audience of 1.9 million in 2011, as well as over 18,000 industry delegates. Festival operations, visitor spending, and delegate spending combined totalled $163 million that year and generated 2,000 jobs (full-time equivalents).

There are no statistics available on film-induced tourism in Canada, but several notable feature films and television series have been shot here and have drawn loyal fans to production locations. In BC, some of these titles include Reindeer Games and Double Jeopardy (Prince George), Roxanne (Nelson), The Pledge (Fraser Canyon), Battlestar Galactica (Kamloops), The Twilight Saga , Smallville , and Supernatural (Greater Vancouver).

Spotlight On: The Whistler Film Festival

Founded in 2001, the Whistler Film Festival has grown to become one of Canada’s premier events for promoting the development of Western Canada’s film industry and an emerging venue in the international circuit. The festival, held during the first weekend in December, attracts an audience of over 8,200 and more than 500 industry delegates to the ski resort of Whistler, British Columbia, for seminars, special events, and the screening of over 80 independent films from Canada and around the world. For more information, visit the Whistler Film Festival website .

Spectator Sports and Sport Tourism

Spectator sports and the growing field of sport tourism also contribute significantly to the economy and have become a major part of the tourism industry. According to the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (2013), sport tourism is any activity in which people are attracted to a particular location to attend a sport-related event as either a:

• Participant
• Visitor to sport attractions or delegate of sports sector meetings

In 2012, the sport tourism industry in Canada surpassed $5 billion in spending. The domestic market is the largest source of sport tourists, accounting for 84% of all spending, followed by overseas markets (10.8%) and US visitors (5.3% of sport tourism revenues) (Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, 2014).

Spotlight On: Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance

The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) was created in 2000 to market Canada internationally as a preferred sport tourism destination and grow the sport tourism industry in Canada. The purpose of the alliance was to increase Canadian capacity to attract and host sport tourism events. The alliance has over 400 members including 142 municipalities, 200+ national and provincial sport organizations, and a variety of product and service suppliers to the industry. For more information, visit the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance website .

In British Columbia, sport tourism is supported through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, which invests in event hosting and the ViaSport program (formerly known as Hosting BC). Building on the success of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the program has a goal to maintain BC’s profile and reputation as an exceptional major event host. One success story is Kamloops, dubbed the Tournament Capital of Canada, which has made sport tourism a central component of its economy and welcomes over one million visitors to its tournament centre facility each year. And since 1977, the BC Winter and Summer Games have moved around the province, drawing attendees and creating volunteer opportunities for up to 3,200 community members.

Take a Closer Look: The Sport Tourism Guide

The Sport Tourism Guide   from Destination BC’s Tourism Business Essentials series covers topics including understanding sport tourism, industry trends, event bidding and hosting, balance sheets, economic impacts, case studies, best practices, and links to additional information. For more information, read the Sport Tourism Guide [PDF] .

According to the Canadian Gaming Association, gaming is one of the largest entertainment industries in Canada. It has larger revenues than those generated by magazines and book sales, drinking establishments, spectator sports, movie theatres, and performing arts combined (Canadian Gaming Association, 2011).

In 2017, the association released an national economic benefits report stating that the industry produced a total of $17.1 billion in annual revenue and reinforced that gaming is an important employer in addition to providing significant economic returns to Canadians (Canadian Gaming Association, 2017).

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is a Crown Corporation that manages socially responsible gaming in BC. According to the BC Lottery Corporation in 2019, the BCLC, via multiple betting channels and distribution channels, provided:

• 17 casino facilities
• two main horse racetracks
• approximately 3,528 lottery outlets (retailers)
• 3 bingo halls including 18 community gaming centres (or CGCs)

Gaming at these facilities and online generated $1.4 billion in net tax revenue to the province of BC, which was reinvested into the heath care system and distributed to communities through a series of grants (BC Lottery Corporation, 2019).

Spotlight on: The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC)

The  BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is a provincial Crown corporation that operates under the provincial Gaming Control Act. It is responsible for operating lottery, casino, online, and bingo gaming in BC. For more information, visit the BC Lottery Corporation website .

The gaming industry is growing and the BCLC monitors the marketplace, noting that consumer behaviour and expectations are shifting. Advances in technologies allow consumers to enjoy more digital gaming experiences while those looking for more social interaction can enjoy land based casino gambling with enhanced amenities such as expanded food and beverage options. (BC Lottery Corporation, 2019).

Agritourism, Culinary Tourism, and Wine Tourism

Let’s now have a closer look at the world of farms, food and wine in the entertainment and tourism industries.

Agritourism

The Canadian Farm Business Management Council defines agritourism as “travel that combines rural settings with products of agricultural operations within a tourism experience that is paid for by visitors” (SOTC, 2011). In other words, rural and natural environments are mixed with agricultural and tourism products and services.

Agritourism products and services can be categorized into three themes:

• Fixed attractions such as historic farms, living farms, museums, food processing facilities, and natural areas
• Events based on an agricultural theme such as conferences, rodeos, agricultural fairs, and food festivals
• Services such as accommodations (B&Bs), tours, retailing (farm produce and products), and activities (fishing, hiking, etc.) that incorporate agricultural products and/or experiences

The local food movement is growing in popularity; agritourism presents a great opportunity to use farm resources to create experiences for visitors, whether they be for entertainment, education, or as venues for business/meeting events. In BC, examples of agritourism businesses include Salt Spring Island Cheese, and the Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm near Kelowna (HelloBC, 2014).

The three primary agricultural regions in BC are:

• The Fraser Valley (outside of Vancouver)
• The Cowichan Valley (on Vancouver Island)
• The Okanagan Valley (in the southern central part of BC)

A number of self-guided circle tours and other experiences are available in these and other areas, including annual festivals and events. Some examples of farm tours can be viewed at the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation .

Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism refers to “any tourism experience in which one learns about, appreciates, and/or consumes food and drink that reflects the local, regional, or national cuisine, heritage, culture, tradition, or culinary techniques” (Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, 2013). The United Nations World Tourism Organization has noted that food tourism is a dynamic and growing segment, and that over one-third of tourism expenditures relate to food (UNWTO, 2012).

Culinary tourism in Canada began to gain traction as a niche in 2002 when Destination Canada, formerly the Canadian Tourism Commission, highlighted it within the cultural tourism market. According to a Ryerson University study, the average culinary tourist spends twice the amount of a generic tourist (Grishkewich, 2012).

For examples of farm fresh meals, artisan drinks etc. visit the Hello BC visitor web page Food, Drink and Wellness . Organizations such as the UNWTO see food-making and wine-making as a key part of maintaining and preserving cultural traditions in addition to promoting local economic development. Culinary (or sometimes referred to as gastronomy) tourism and wine tourism are closely related and often promoted together. Wine tourism will be explored next.

Wine Tourism

The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) defines wine tourism as the “tasting, consumption, or purchase of wine, often at or near the source, such as wineries.” It also includes an educational aspect and festivals focusing on the production of wine (Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, 2014).

According to the 2015 Wine Tourism in Canada report [PDF] , Canada welcomes over 3 million visitors annually to 550 Canadian wineries with an annual annual economic impact worth 6.8 billion. Nationally three key grape regions exist: British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia with the majority of production in Ontario and British Columbia (Canadian Vintners Association/Tourism Industry of Canada, 2015).

Similar to France’s AOC and Italy’s DOC wine production quality controls, BC and Ontario use VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) to assure quality and knowledge the wine is grown and produced.

The BC wine industry has grown significantly since the 90’s when only around 17 wineries were in existence. Today, there are more than 280 wineries in BC, ranging from small family-run vineyards to large estate operations. According to the British Columbia Wine Institute’s quick facts , BC’s wine industry generated $2.8 billion in 2019 to the provincial economy and welcomes over a million visitors annually (British Columbia Wine Institute, 2020).

Canada makes great wine, which is a surprise to many international visitors. Many think of Canada as cold and snowy and just too cool to produce great wine. However, BC’s combination of extreme heat during the warmer months and cooler winters creates intense, fruit forward quality wines. BC wines receive many prestigious international wine awards (British Columbia Wine Industry, 2019).

Take a Closer Look: Wine & Food Tourism Strategy 2016-2019

For more information on the wine and food sectors in British Columbia, read this 2016 report that speaks to the wine and food tourist, industry key insights and other important information: British Columbia Wine Institute Wine and Food Tourism Strategy 2016–2019 [PDF] found on the Wines of British Columbia website .

Industry experts agree that agritourism , culinary tourism , and wine tourism will continue to attract lucrative visitors and play a growing role in BC’s tourism economy.

A places of interest that pulls visitors to a destination, open to the public for entertainment or education.

A garden that displays native and/or non-native plants and trees, often running educational programming.

When tourists travel to a specific destination in order to participate in a cultural or heritage-related event.

Museums that collect historical and modern works of art for the educational purposes and to preserve them for future generations.

An art gallery that does not generally collect or conserve works of art. Rather, it focuses on exhibitions of contemporary works, as well as programs of lectures, publications, and other events.

Any activity in which people are attracted to a particular location as a participant, spectator, or visitor to sport attractions, or as an attendee of sport-related business meetings.

The crown corporation responsible for operating casinos, lotteries, bingo halls, and online gaming in the province of BC.

Small-scale gaming establishments, typically in the form of bingo halls.

Tourism experiences that highlight rural destinations and prominently feature agricultural operations

Tourism experiences where the key focus is local and regional food and drink, often highlighting the heritage of products involved and techniques associated with their production.

Tourism experiences where exploration, consumption, and purchase of wine are key components.

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.

Share This Book

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

Written by Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks and natural attractions, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Consequently, the most popular things to do in Tanzania and the reason many people visit the country, are safaris and wildlife-related adventures .

Most visitors will find themselves passing through Dar es Salaam and heading out to the wilderness areas and other destinations. For those who want to spend some time soaking up the sun, the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar beckon.

Off Pemba and Mafia islands is another kind of natural wonder, appreciated by scuba divers and snorkelers who come here from around the world to experience the coral gardens, colorful fish, and crystal clear waters.

Explore your options and discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Tanzania.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro

2. serengeti national park, 3. zanzibar beaches, 4. ngorongoro conservation area, 5. lake manyara national park, 6. mafia island, 7. tarangire national park, 8. pemba island, 9. stone town, 10. selous game reserve, 11. arusha national park, 12. ruaha national park, 13. gombe stream national park, 14. katavi national park, 15. lake victoria, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to take a safari in tanzania, where are the best beaches in tanzania.

Highlights : A snowcapped mountain in the tropics, six-day hiking trips to the top

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak (5,895 m) and Tanzania's most iconic image.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this beautiful snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time, although the best period is from late June to October, during the dry season.

Kilimanjaro, a World Heritage Site, was formed over 1 million years ago by volcanic movement along the Rift Valley. Three volcanic cones — Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi — came to be about 750,000 years ago. The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo, which is one of the Seven Summits of the world .

The mountain rises from farmland on the lower level to rainforest and alpine meadow, and then barren lunar landscape at the peaks. The slopes of rainforest are home to buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, elephants, and eland. The alpine zone is where bird watchers will find an abundance of birds of prey.

Although no immediate project is in the works, in late 2020 the government approved a plan to build a cable car on Mt. Kilimanjaro. If constructed, it would take visitors to 3,700 meters above sea level.

Highlights : Big Five wildlife spotting, wildebeest migration, 500 species of birds, UNESCO World Heritage Site

The world-famous Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with millions of animals living here or passing through in search of fresh grasslands. It's most famous for the annual wildebeest migration but you can also see the Big Five here, and nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded on the Serengeti.

As the second largest national park in Tanzania , the Serengeti attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. The best months for wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park are between June and September . The wet season is from March to May, with the coldest period from June to October.

The annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle takes place in May or early June. This migration is one of the most impressive natural events and the primary draw for many tourists.

Read More: Best Game Reserves in Africa

Highlights : Stunning white-sand beaches, warm water, historic Stone Town

The island of Zanzibar, also called Unguja, is a major holiday destination in Tanzania and is known for its beautiful beaches.

Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, this island has some of the best beaches in the world. The surf varies depending on what side of the island you are on, but visitors will find soft white sand and clear shallow water, along with traditional boats lining the shore.

The island has some spectacular accommodation options, with pools, luxury suites, and fine dining. One of the best is the new Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa on Muyuni Beach in Matemwe with 250 suites, four restaurants, its own beach, protected reef, and spectacular pool area.

The historic city of Stone Town, known for old Arabian townhouses, narrow alleyways, and a busy port, is located in the heart of Zanzibar.

Read More: Best Beaches in Africa

Highlights : Incredible numbers of animals in a stunning natural environment, Olduvai Gorge

Located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is one of Tanzania's most popular wildlife viewing areas. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water, which draws thousands of animals who stay in this area rather than migrating.

Visitors come here primarily for viewing large animals and bird watching. Thousands of animals can be seen on the crater floor, including lions, elephants, rhinos, Thomson's gazelles, and buffaloes, but wildebeests and zebras account for over half of the animals that call the Ngorongoro Crater home.

Bird watching is superb, especially around Lake Migadi , which attracts flocks of flamingoes to the shallows. Hippos are content to submerge themselves during the day and then graze in the nearby grass in the evening.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact ancient caldera in the world, nearly three million years old. The Ngorongoro volcano was one of the world's tallest mountains before it exploded and collapsed.

Olduvai Gorge

Also of interest in the conservation area is the Olduvai Gorge. This important archeological site has revealed ancient skull and bone fragments that have delivered critical information about early mankind.

The Olduvai Gorge is an archeological site situated on a series of fault lines, where centuries of erosion have revealed fossils and remnants of early mankind. As early as 1911, a German professor found some fossil bones while looking for butterflies in Olduvai Gorge.

In a later expedition, the Leakeys collected skull fragments, a skull, and bones determined to be approximately 2 million years old. Tools and hunting weapons from 1 to 1.5 million years ago were also discovered in Olduvai Gorge.

Another exciting find were the famous footprints of a man, woman, and child at Laetoli, near Olduvai . These and other discoveries provide more evidence to the theory that at least three hominid species were in this region over two million years ago.

Highlights : Thousands of flamingos, baboons, elephants, giraffes, canoeing

The spectacular Lake Manyara National Park is comprised of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Two-thirds of the park is covered by water and Lake Manyara is host to thousands of flamingoes, at certain times of year, as well as other diverse bird life.

The highlight of Lake Manyara Park is the large population of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and hippos, which can be observed at a much closer range than in other parks. This park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons in the world .

Wildlife drives, canoeing (when water levels are high enough), mountain bike tours and bird watching are the most popular things to do in Lake Manyara National Park.

Highlights : Incredible reefs, 400 species of fish, offshore fishing for gamefish

Mafia Island draws divers and snorkelers from around the world to the undersea world protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. The best months for diving are October to March but the best weather on Mafia Island is May to October. March and April are months of heavy rain.

The gorgeous Mafia Island Marine Park has coral gardens, an abundant variety of fish, and a relaxed diving atmosphere. Countless birds and over 400 species of fish can be seen in the area. Mafia Island is also a traditional breeding site for the green turtle, which is unfortunately endangered.

Mafia is also a desirable location for deep-sea fishing , especially tuna, marlin, sailfish and other big-game fish.

This island paradise first saw settlers in the 8th or 9th C, but Mafia became a more important settlement during the 12th to 14th C when it held a key position in the East African trading routes.

Highlights : Giant baobab trees, rivers, large elephant population, 300 species of birds

Tarangire National Park , established in 1970, is a fantastic area for wildlife viewing. It is best visited in the dry season from July to September when the animals gather along the river.

During the dry season, Tarangire National Park has one of the highest concentrations of migratory wildlife . Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the lagoons. The park is also known for its large population of elephants , and the baobab trees that dot the grassy landscape.

The park is excellent for birdwatching , with more than 300 species recorded in Tarangire. These species include buzzards, vultures, herons, storks, kites, falcons and eagles.

Highlights : Amazing scuba diving, mountain biking, white sand beaches, warm shallow water

Pemba Island is the northernmost island in the Zanzibar archipelago. Around Pemba are many desert islands and some of the best scuba diving in the Indian Ocean , with visibility that is unparalleled. Coral gardens, colorful sponges and sea fans are all found in the underwater haven. The city of Chake Chake , the main population center of Pemba, is a popular base for scuba divers.

Pemba is less visited than Zanzibar and as a result has a more laidback atmosphere. The island is hilly with deep valleys and it has become popular with mountain bikers who are drawn to the 1,000-meter peaks. Just offshore, one spot not to miss is Misali Island Beach. This incredible white-sand beach is on an uninhabited tropical island.

Pemba is a major world clove producer and is also well known for the juju traditions of medicine and magic. People come from throughout East Africa to learn from the voodoo and traditional healers or seek a cure.

Highlights : Historical 19th-century homes and buildings, winding alleys, ornate doors, UNESCO World Heritage site

Stone Town is the cultural heart of Zanzibar and little has changed in the last 200 years. The grand old Arabian homes lining the narrow streets and winding alleys give the city its own unique charm.

The majority of homes in Stone Town were built in the 19th C when Zanzibar was one of the most important Swahili trading towns in the Indian Ocean. Visitors will notice the bras-studded, intricately carved wooden doors on many of the houses.

As the world's oldest functioning Swahili city , many of the landmarks in Stone Town have been restored to their original glory. Some of the historic buildings are now museums and tourist attractions. The town also has a couple of interesting old churches of historical significance.

A walk along Creek Road takes visitors to the original Stone Town area and the location of the Darajani Market , Beit el-Amani , City Hall , and the Anglican Cathedral .

Some of the other key highlights include the Forodhani Gardens , the Old Dispensary with its carved wooden balconies, the former home of the sultans known as Beit el-Sahel or the People's Palace , the Hamamni Persian Baths built in 1888, and the oldest structure in Stone Town, the Old Fort .

Highlights : Rufiji River, 350 species of birds, impressive numbers of hippos

Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa . Established in 1922, it covers 5% of Tanzania's total area. The southern area is a forbidden zone that is undeveloped, heavily forested, and contains a series of steep cliffs.

Travelers are limited to the area north of the Rufiji River. This area of the Selous Game Reserve has large open grassland, woodlands, rivers, hills and plains. The best time to visit is July through October .

The Rufiji River bisects the Selous Game Reserve and has the largest catchment area of any river in East Africa. The river is an important feature of the reserve providing the opportunity to watch the diverse water-based wildlife.

A broad range of wildlife can be found including elephants, hippos, and rhinos as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard, and cheetah. The diversity of bird life in Selous includes over 350 recorded species.

Highlights : Multiple climatic zones, climbing opportunities on Mount Meru, Colobus monkeys

Arusha National Park , although smaller than most in Tanzania, has a range of habitats that consist of the forest of Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast section of the park, and Momella Lakes, a series of seven crater lakes.

Black and white Colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the forested area while the marshy floor of the crater is dotted with herds of buffalo, zebra, and warthog. Momella Lakes is home to a large selection of resident and migrant waterbirds. People come here to see wildlife and also to climb Mount Meru .

Mount Meru is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania . The summit is reached by a narrow ridge, which provides stunning views of the volcanic cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. The ascent is steep but the route passes through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland.

Highlights : Remote and pristine, high concentration of elephants, the Great Ruaha River

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest park , home to large herds of buffalo and gazelle, and has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania .

The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of Ruaha National Park, providing magnificent wildlife viewing on the banks. The river also provides much of the electricity to Tanzania through a hydroelectric dam at Kidatu.

Ruaha National Park is the least accessible park in Tanzania and as a result, the landscape remains relatively untouched. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 species of birds that are not found in northern Tanzania, and the river, spectacular gorges, and majestic trees are especially appealing to photographers.

Highlights : The best place to see chimpanzees in Tanzania, hiking, waterfalls

Gombe National Park, also sometimes called Gombe Stream National Park , is primarily for those who want to get a little off the beaten track and see chimpanzees .

This is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania and is famous for the work of Jane Goodall . This British researcher arrived in 1960 to study wild chimpanzees and her work turned into what would become the longest-running behavioral research program of its kind in the world.

Guided walks take visitors into the forest to observe chimps in the wild. Many species of primates and mammals live in the park. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the tropical forest, including barbets, starlings, sunbirds, crowned eagles, kingfishers and the palm-nut vulture.

Hiking and swimming are other popular activities; a trail leads into the forest to a waterfall in the valley.

Highlights : High concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and wading birds; Katuma River

Katavi National Park is located in a remote region offering unspoiled wilderness. A predominant feature in Katavi is the enormous flood plain, split by the Katuma River and several seasonal lakes.

The lakes support enormous groups of hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 species of birds . One of the spectacles in Katavi is the hippos at the end of the dry season, when as many as 200 try to squeeze into a pool of water. The male rivalry heats up causing territorial fights.

The dry season brings Katavi National Park to life, herds of impala, reedbuck, lions, zebras and giraffes can be seen at the remaining pools and streams. Thousands of elephants and buffaloes also converge on the park when the flood waters retreat.

Highlights : Offshore islands are wildlife sanctuaries

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and is bordered by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

This lake is the source of the White Nile and provides an income for millions of residents along its shores. The Tanzanian section of Lake Victoria is one of the least visited regions in the country, however the towns of Bukoba, Musoma and Mwanza have a number of tourist attractions.

Near Mwanza and Musoma are many islands, some have become wildlife sanctuaries. Bird watching and fishing trips are popular excursions, and boat trips or hikes can be arranged around Lake Victoria.

Rubondo Island National Park, which includes several other smaller islands, is on the southwest shores of Lake Victoria.

Read More: Best Lakes in Africa

The best time to take a safari in Tanzania depends on the park you are visiting. For Tarangire National Park and the Selous Game Reserve, July through October is the best time to visit. If you are heading to Katavi National Park, plan for August through October. Serengeti National Park sees most of its visitors from June through September, although the high concentration of animals year-round makes any time good. That said, most people don't visit in the rainy season of March and April.

The best beaches in Tanzania are located on the island of Zanzibar, where you'll find impossibly white sands lapped by turquoise waters. Some of the top beaches include Nungwi Beach; Kendwa Beach; and Paje Beach, one of the top kiteboarding beaches on the island. Other notable runners-up are located on Pemba Island (Misali Island beach), and on Mafia Island (Utende Beach).

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Games Reserves and Safari Lodges: Africa has a large number of game reserves to choose from, which can make planning your trip a little daunting. To narrow your search, see our list of the Best Game Reserves in Africa . If South Africa is a destination you are considering visiting, have a read through article: Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa .

Exploring Africa: While Tanzania is one of the top places to visit in Africa, you can find wonderful sites, attractions, and more wildlife experiences in neighboring Kenya . Similarly, South Africa is a country you'll want to make a return trip to before you even leave.

More on Tanzania