Tourism Typology: 6 Different Types of Tourists

Tourism refers to the temporary short-term movement of people to destinations outside the places where they normally live and work, as well as their activities while they are at these destinations.

Tourists are those who travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.


Types of Tourism

Depending on the destination and alternative forms of tourism, there are two main categories of tourism. International and domestic tourism are two different subcategories of tourism.

International Tourism

International tourism is the practice of traveling to other nations. One needs a valid passport, visa, health records, foreign currency, etc. to go to another nation.

International tourism is divided into two types; Inbound Tourism & Outbound Tourism.

  • Inbound Tourism

This is about foreign visitors entering a specific nation. Inbound tourism is when a person travels from their nation or host country to another country.

For instance, when a traveler of Indian descent travels to Japan, it counts as inbound tourism for Japan because foreigners travel there.

  • Outbound Tourism

This is a reference to visitors who are crossing international borders. Because they are leaving their home nation when they travel abroad, visitors are engaging in outbound tourism.

For instance, when a tourist from India visits Japan, Japan experiences inbound tourism while India experiences outbound tourism.


Domestic Tourism

Domestic tourism is the practice of travelers traveling within their nation. Since formal travel documents and time-consuming procedures like required health checks and foreign exchange are not necessary, domestic travel is simpler. In general, language barriers and complications with currency conversion are nil in domestic travel.


Types of Tourists

According to the needs and purpose of their travel, tourists are mainly classified into 4 major types:

  1. Business and professional tourists
  2. Leisure and holiday tourists
  3. Tourists traveling to visit friends and relatives
  4. Youth tourists, including backpackers and gap year travelers

Business and Professional Tourist

  • Business Tourist:

Business tourists are those who travel for the purpose of conducting business discussions, meetings, and conferences as well as those who stay in a foreign country for an extended period of time to promote their businesses. The world of business and the workplace are tied to travel.

  • Education Tourist:

Travelers who want to learn more about the history or culture of other countries or locations are known as education tourists.

  • Incentive Tourist:

They are those who achieve the objectives established by their employer and are rewarded with paid time off.
One example is a salesperson who sells most of the products receiving a holiday package.

  • Health or medical Tourist:

They travel because the medical facilities and treatments they require are far from where they live.


Leisure and Holiday Tourists

  • Adventure Tourist:

They go on vacation to explore regions that may be dangerous or to engage in physical or outdoor activities.

  • Cultural Tourist:

They travel to attend festivals associated with many cultures. They would wish to visit the nation’s World Heritage Sites.

  • Eco-tourist:

They travel to experience nature.

  • Leisure Tourist:

They travel to have some rest and relax and have a break from the usual routine.

  • Religious Tourist:

They travel to see and experience places of religious importance.

  • Shopping Tourist
  • Sport and Recreational Tourist
  • Special Interest Tourist

Tourists traveling to visit friends and relatives

They travel in order to see individuals who are far from their homes and to stay in touch with their friends and family.


Youth tourists, including backpackers and gap year travelers

  • Backpacking or youth tourist

They have little luggage, are on a budget and want to experience adventure, tend to travel independently.

  • Gap year travelers

They travel, work, earn money, learn new skills, or volunteer in another country.


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