What is tourism?

Tourism  is what people do when they visit a place outside their usual environment. By some accounts, tourism is the world’s biggest industry. According to The World Tourism Organization, it employs up to 10% of the world's workforce. But what e xactly is this phenomenon we call tourism? Simply put :   «T ourism is what people do when they visit a place outside their usual environment. »   I t is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon that is steadily getting more attention in international research communities. As a field of study, it is concerned with the following key questions: Who? (t ravels) W here? Why? When? H ow?   As with most topics of interest, there are many ways of defining tourism, however, and various definitions have been put forward to serve various purposes. But one thing everyone agrees to is that tourism has to do with travel - i.e. movement between relatively distant locations. But not all forms of travel are considered touris...
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6 types of natural tourist attractions

If you are involved in tourism management or sales, you need to know what kind of tourist attractions are available at the destination you are promoting. Tourist attractions are commonly classified as either natural or cultural, and natural attractions are attractions where the basic resources are not man-made, but naturally occurring at the destination. In this article, we will look at six categories of natural attractions that will help you understand the resource base of a tourist destination.



Natural tourist attractions usually fall within one of these six categories:

 

1. Topography

Topography refers to the physical features of a landscape, such as its mountains, valleys, plains, and caves. Such features can be attractive or interesting to visiting tourists for a variety of reasons, including their natural beauty, uniqueness, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities.

 

2. Climate

The prevailing weather conditions of a particular area can also be a natural tourist attraction. For example, tropical climates can attract visitors seeking warm and sunny beaches, while cooler climates can attract visitors interested in outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding. Since climate is related to seasons, the attractiveness of different places often varies throughout the year.

 

3. Hydrology

This refers to the presence of water features such as lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and oceans. These features can offer opportunities for water sports such as swimming, surfing, and kayaking, as well as opportunities to observe spectacular scenery. For example, Niagara Falls in Canada and the USA is a famous natural tourist attraction due to its stunning beauty and the opportunity to see the falls up close.

 

4. Wildlife

Many people are drawn to natural areas because of the wildlife that inhabit them. This can include land animals such as lions, tigers, and elephants, as well as marine animals such as whales and dolphins. Wildlife safaris are a popular activity for tourists in Africa and other parts of the world where exotic animals can be observed in their natural habitat.

 

5. Vegetation

The presence of unique plant life can also be a natural tourist attraction. For example, the Amazon rainforest in South America is known for its biodiversity and unique plant species, and attracts visitors who want to see these plants up close. Flora and fauna can be of interest to visitors either for mere observation and appreciation, or for consumption such as fishing, hunting or gathering.

 

6. Location

Some natural tourist attractions are notable simply because of their geographical location on the map. Places that are located furthest north, south, east or west, or highest, lowest, deepest or in the middle, often have a significant draw on travelers. Any position that has an extreme position on the map of a country, a continent, or the world, can be of interest to tourists seeking to visit significant geographical locations. Examples include North Cape in Norway and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

 

For many of these categories, the attractions may be either permanent or temporary. Some examples of temporary or ephemeral natural tourist attractions are:

 

·        Flower blossoms and autumn foliage

·        Animal migrations and mating seasons

·        Bioluminescent plankton and insects

·        Aurora borealis and aurora australis

·        Ice caves and calving glaciers

·        Geysers and volcanic eruptions

 

Additionally, there are natural phenomena that can occur anywhere and add to the touristic experience of a place, such as a full moon, rainbow or thunderstorm.



6 types of natural tourist attractions

In a world increasingly dominated by concrete jungles, the allure of natural tourist attractions has never been more potent. These attractions, ranging from towering mountains to serene beaches, from sprawling forests to mesmerizing deserts, offer an escape from the monotony of urban life and a chance to reconnect with Mother Nature. Knowing these six types of natural tourist attractions is not just about planning and selling tourism products. It’s about appreciating the diversity and beauty of our planet. Each type of attraction offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the intricate and awe-inspiring systems that govern life on Earth.


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