are tourism and leisure the same

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Chapter 1. History and Overview

1.1 What is Tourism?

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

Definition of Tourism

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

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

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

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

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

Definition of Tourist and Excursionist

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

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

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

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

Spotlight On: United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

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

NAICS: The North American Industry Classification System

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

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

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

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

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

Long Descriptions

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

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

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

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

Post-departure, tourists use the transportation sector.

[Return to Figure 1.2]

Media Attributions

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

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

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

Moving between different locations for leisure and recreation.

The accommodations and food and beverage industry groupings.

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

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

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

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

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What Is the Difference Between Tourism and Recreation?

By Robert Palmer

Are you confused about the difference between tourism and recreation? While both concepts involve leisure activities, they are not interchangeable terms. In this article, we will explore the difference between tourism and recreation and help clarify any confusion.

What is Tourism?

Tourism is the practice of traveling for pleasure or business purposes. It involves visiting new places, experiencing different cultures, and engaging in leisure activities. The primary goal of tourism is to have an enjoyable experience while exploring new destinations.

Tourism can take many forms, such as:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting historical landmarks
• Participating in cultural events
• Relaxing on a beach or at a resort
• Exploring nature through hiking or camping

The Importance of Tourism

Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of many countries. It creates jobs, generates revenue, and provides opportunities for cultural exchange. Additionally, it can help to preserve natural and historical sites by promoting their conservation and protection.

What is Recreation?

Recreation refers to leisure activities that individuals engage in during their free time. These activities can be physical or mental and are typically done for enjoyment or relaxation purposes. Unlike tourism, recreation does not require travel to a new destination.

Examples of recreational activities include:

• Sports like tennis or basketball
• Hobbies like painting or playing an instrument
• Gardening or other outdoor activities
• Meditation or yoga
• Reading books or watching movies

The Importance of Recreation

Recreation is important for both physical and mental health. Engaging in leisure activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall wellbeing. It can also provide opportunities for social interaction and personal growth.

The Difference Between Tourism and Recreation

While both tourism and recreation involve leisure activities, there are some key differences between the two concepts. The primary difference is that tourism involves traveling to a new destination for leisure purposes, while recreation does not require travel.

Another difference is that tourism often involves experiencing new cultures or environments, while recreation is typically enjoyed in familiar surroundings. Additionally, tourism is often a planned activity with a specific itinerary, while recreation can be spontaneous or unplanned.

In conclusion, while both tourism and recreation involve leisure activities, they are not interchangeable terms. Tourism involves traveling to a new destination for pleasure or business purposes and can take many forms.

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The Tourism and Leisure Experience

Consumer and managerial perspectives.

• Edited by: Michael Morgan , Peter Lugosi and J.R. Brent Ritchie
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Channel View Publications
• Copyright year: 2010
• Audience: College/higher education;
• Main content: 264
• Keywords: tourist experience ; experience management ; consumer behaviour ; tourist behaviour ; consumer experience ; visitor experience ; experience economy
• Published: September 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9781845411503

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Glossary of tourism terms

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

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Activity/activities : In tourism statistics, the term activities represent the actions and behaviors of people in preparation for and during a trip in their capacity as consumers ( IRTS 2008, 1.2 ).

Activity (principal): The principal activity of a producer unit is the activity whose value added exceeds that of any other activity carried out within the same unit ( SNA 2008, 5.8 ).

Activity (productive): The (productive) activity carried out by a statistical unit is the type of production in which it engages. It has to be understood as a process, i.e. the combination of actions that result in a certain set of products. The classification of productive activities is determined by their principal output.

Administrative data : Administrative data is the set of units and data derived from an administrative source. This is a data holding information collected and maintained for the purpose of implementing one or more administrative regulations.

Adventure tourism : Adventure tourism is a type of tourism which usually takes place in destinations with specific geographic features and landscape and tends to be associated with a physical activity, cultural exchange, interaction and engagement with nature. This experience may involve some kind of real or perceived risk and may require significant physical and/or mental effort. Adventure tourism generally includes outdoor activities such as mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, bush walking, scuba diving. Likewise, some indoor adventure tourism activities may also be practiced.

Aggregated data : The result of transforming unit level data into quantitative measures for a set of characteristics of a population.

Aggregation : A process that transforms microdata into aggregate-level information by using an aggregation function such as count, sum average, standard deviation, etc.

Analytical unit : Entity created by statisticians, by splitting or combining observation units with the help of estimations and imputations.

Balance of payments : The balance of payments is a statistical statement that summarizes transactions between residents and non-residents during a period. It consists of the goods and services account, the primary income account, the secondary income account, the capital account, and the financial account ( BPM6, 2.12 ).

Bias : An effect which deprives a statistical result of representativeness by systematically distorting it, as distinct from a random error which may distort on any one occasion but balances out on the average.

Business and professional purpose (of a tourism trip): The business and professional purpose of a tourism trip includes the activities of the self-employed and employees, as long as they do not correspond to an implicit or explicit employer-employee relationship with a resident producer in the country or place visited, those of investors, businessmen, etc. ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Business tourism : Business tourism is a type of tourism activity in which visitors travel for a specific professional and/or business purpose to a place outside their workplace and residence with the aim of attending a meeting, an activity or an event. The key components of business tourism are meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. The term "meetings industry" within the context of business tourism recognizes the industrial nature of such activities. Business tourism can be combined with any other tourism type during the same trip.

Business visitor : A business visitor is a visitor whose main purpose for a tourism trip corresponds to the business and professional category of purpose ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Central Product Classification : The Central Product Classification (CPC) constitutes a complete product classification covering goods and services. It is intended to serve as an international standard for assembling and tabulating all kinds of data requiring product detail, including industrial production, national accounts, service industries, domestic and foreign commodity trade, international trade in services, balance of payments, consumption and price statistics. Other basic aims are to provide a framework for international comparison and promote harmonization of various types of statistics dealing with goods and services.

Census : A census is the complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point in time with respect to well defined characteristics: for example, Population, Production, Traffic on particular roads.

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism : Coastal tourism refers to land-based tourism activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing and other coastal leisure, recreation and sports activities which take place on the shore of a sea, lake or river. Proximity to the coast is also a condition for services and facilities that support coastal tourism. Maritime tourism refers to sea-based activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports and includes their respective land-based services and infrastructure. Inland water tourism refers to tourism activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports which take place in aquatic- influenced environments located within land boundaries and include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, groundwater, springs, cave waters and others traditionally grouped as inland wetlands.

Coherence : Adequacy of statistics to be combined in different ways and for various uses.

Competitiveness of a tourism destination : The competitiveness of a tourism destination is the ability of the destination to use its natural, cultural, human, man-made and capital resources efficiently to develop and deliver quality, innovative, ethical and attractive tourism products and services in order to achieve a sustainable growth within its overall vision and strategic goals, increase the added value of the tourism sector, improve and diversify its market components and optimize its attractiveness and benefits both for visitors and the local community in a sustainable perspective.

Consistency : Logical and numerical coherence.

Country of reference : The country of reference refers to the country for which the measurement is done. ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Country of residence : The country of residence of a household is determined according to the centre of predominant economic interest of its members. If a person resides (or intends to reside) for more than one year in a given country and has there his/her centre of economic interest (for example, where the predominant amount of time is spent), he/she is considered as a resident of this country.

Country-specific tourism characteristic products and activities : To be determined by each country by applying the criteria of IRTS 2008, 5.10 in their own context; for these products, the activities producing them will be considered as tourism characteristic, and the industries in which the principal activity is tourism-characteristic will be called tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 5.16 ).

Cultural tourism : Cultural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions.

Data checking : Activity whereby the correctness conditions of the data are verified. It also includes the specification of the type of error or of the condition not met, and the qualification of the data and their division into "error-free data" and "erroneous data".

Data collection : Systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.

Data compilation : Operations performed on data to derive new information according to a given set of rules.

Data confrontation : The process of comparing data that has generally been derived from different surveys or other sources, especially those of different frequencies, in order to assess and possibly improve their coherency, and identify the reasons for any differences.

Data processing : Data processing is the operation performed on data by the organization, institute, agency, etc., responsible for undertaking the collection, tabulation, manipulation and preparation of data and metadata output.

Data reconciliation : The process of adjusting data derived from two different sources to remove, or at least reduce, the impact of differences identified.

Destination (main destination of a trip): The main destination of a tourism trip is defined as the place visited that is central to the decision to take the trip. See also purpose of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.31 ).

Destination management / marketing organization (DMO) : A destination management/marketing organization (DMO) is the leading organizational entity which may encompass the various authorities, stakeholders and professionals and facilitates tourism sector partnerships towards a collective destination vision. The governance structures of DMOs vary from a single public authority to a public/ private partnership model with the key role of initiating, coordinating and managing certain activities such as implementation of tourism policies, strategic planning, product development, promotion and marketing and convention bureau activities. The functions of the DMOs may vary from national to regional and local levels depending on the current and potential needs as well as on the decentralization level of public administration. Not every tourism destination has a DMO.

Documentation: Processes and procedures for imputation,  weighting,  confidentiality  and suppression rules, outlier treatment and data capture should be fully documented by the  survey provider.  Such documentation should be made available to at least  the body financing the survey.

Domestic tourism : Domestic tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor within the country of reference, either as part of a domestic tourism trip or part of an outbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Domestic tourism consumption : Domestic tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Domestic tourism expenditure : Domestic tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor within the economy of reference, (IRTS 2008, 4.15(a)).

Domestic tourism trip : A domestic tourism trip is one with a main destination within the country of residence of the visitor (IRTS 2008, 2.32).

Domestic visitor : As a visitor travels within his/her country of residence, he/she is a domestic visitor and his/her activities are part of domestic tourism.

Durable consumer goods : Durable consumer goods are goods that may be used repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more, assuming a normal or average rate of physical usage. When acquired by producers, these are considered to be capital goods used for production processes, as is the case of vehicles, computers, etc. When acquired by households, they are considered to be consumer durable goods ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.39 ). This definition is identical to the definition of SNA 2008, 9.42 : A consumer durable is a goodthat may be used for purposes of consumption repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more.

Dwellings : Each household has a principal dwelling (sometimes also designated as main or primary home), usually defined with reference to time spent there, whose location defines the country of residence and place of usual residence of this household and of all its members. All other dwellings (owned or leased by the household) are considered secondary dwellings ( IRTS 2008, 2.26 ).

Ecotourism : Ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to observe, learn, discover, experience and appreciate biological and cultural diversity with a responsible attitude to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the local community. Ecotourism increases awareness towards the conservation of biodiversity, natural environment and cultural assets both among locals and the visitors and requires special management processes to minimize the negative impact on the ecosystem.

Economic analysis : Tourism generates directly and indirectly an increase in economic activity in the places visited (and beyond), mainly due to demand for goods and services thatneed to be produced and provided. In the economic analysis of tourism, one may distinguish between tourism's 'economic contribution' which refers to the direct effect of tourism and is measurable by means of the TSA, and tourism's 'economic impact' which is a much broader concept encapsulating the direct, indirect and induced effects of tourism and which must be estimated by applying models. Economic impact studies aim to quantify economic benefits, that is, the net increase in the wealth of residents resulting from tourism, measured in monetary terms, over and above the levels that would prevail in its absence.

Economic territory : The term "economic territory" is a geographical reference and points to the country for which the measurement is done (country of reference) ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Economically active population : The economically active population or labour force comprises all persons of either sex who furnish the supply of labour for the production of goods and services as defined by the system of national accounts during a specified time-reference period (ILO, Thirteenth ICLS, 6.18).

Economy (of reference): "Economy" (or "economy of reference") is an economic reference defined in the same way as in the balance of payments and in the system of national accounts: it refers to the economic agents that are resident in the country of reference ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Education tourism : Education tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation the tourist's engagement and experience in learning, self-improvement, intellectual growth and skills development. Education Tourism represents a broad range of products and services related to academic studies, skill enhancement holidays, school trips, sports training, career development courses and language courses, among others.

Employees : Employees are all those workers who hold the type of job defined as "paid employment" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employer-employee relationship : An employer-employee relationship exists when there is an agreement, which may be formal or informal, between an entity and an individual, normally entered into voluntarily by both parties, whereby the individual works for the entity in return for remuneration in cash or in kind ( BPM6, 11.11 ).

Employers : Employers are those workers who, working on their own account with one or more partners, hold the type of job defined as a "self-employment job" and, in this capacity, on a continuous basis (including the reference period) have engaged one or more persons to work for them in their business as "employee(s)" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employment : Persons in employment are all persons above a specified age who, during a specified brief period, either one week or one day, were in paid employment or self-employment (OECD GST, p. 170).

Employment in tourism industries : Employment in tourism industries may be measured as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in any of their jobs, as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in their main job, or as a count of the jobs in tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 7.9 ).

Enterprise : An enterprise is an institutional unit engaged in production of goods and/or services. It may be a corporation, a non-profit institution, or an unincorporated enterprise. Corporate enterprises and non-profit institutions are complete institutional units. An unincorporated enterprise, however, refers to an institutional unit —a household or government unit —only in its capacity as a producer of goods and services (OECD BD4, p. 232)

Establishment : An establishment is an enterprise, or part of an enterprise, that is situated in a single location and in which only a single productive activity is carried out or in which the principal productive activity accounts for most of the value added ( SNA 2008, 5.14 ).

Estimation : Estimation is concerned with inference about the numerical value of unknown population values from incomplete data such as a sample. If a single figure is calculated for each unknown parameter the process is called "point estimation". If an interval is calculated within which the parameter is likely, in some sense, to lie, the process is called "interval estimation".

Exports of goods and services : Exports of goods and services consist of sales, barter, or gifts or grants, of goods and services from residents to non-residents (OECD GST, p. 194)

Frame : A list, map or other specification of the units which define a population to be completely enumerated or sampled.

Forms of tourism : There are three basic forms of tourism: domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism. These can be combined in various ways to derive the following additional forms of tourism: internal tourism, national tourism and international tourism.

Gastronomy tourism :  Gastronomy tourism is a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor's experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling. Along with authentic, traditional, and/or innovative culinary experiences, Gastronomy Tourism may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes. Eno-tourism (wine tourism), as a sub-type of gastronomy tourism, refers to tourism whose purpose is visiting vineyards, wineries, tasting, consuming and/or purchasing wine, often at or near the source.

Goods : Goods are physical, produced objects for which a demand exists, over which ownership rights can be established and whose ownership can be transferred from one institutional unit to another by engaging in transactions on markets ( SNA 2008, p. 623 ).

Gross fixed capital formation : Gross fixed capital formation is defined as the value of institutional units' acquisitions less disposals of fixed assets. Fixed assets are produced assets (such as machinery, equipment, buildings or other structures) that are used repeatedly or continuously in production over several accounting periods (more than one year) ( SNA 2008, 1.52 ).

Gross margin : The gross margin of a provider of reservation services is the difference between the value at which the intermediated service is sold and the value accrued to the provider of reservation services for this intermediated service.

Gross value added : Gross value added is the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 3.32 ).

Gross value added of tourism industries : Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI) is the total gross value added of all establishments belonging to tourism industries, regardless of whether all their output is provided to visitors and the degree of specialization of their production process ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.86 ).

Grossing up : Activity aimed at transforming, based on statistical methodology, micro-data from samples into aggregate-level information representative of the target population.

Health tourism : Health tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation, the contribution to physical, mental and/or spiritual health through medical and wellness-based activities which increase the capacity of individuals to satisfy their own needs and function better as individuals in their environment and society. Health tourism is the umbrella term for the subtypes wellness tourism and medical tourism.

Imputation : Procedure for entering a value for a specific data item where the response is missing or unusable.

Inbound tourism : Inbound tourism comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor within the country of reference on an inbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Inbound tourism consumption : Inbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Inbound tourism expenditure : Inbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(b) ).

Innovation in tourism : Innovation in tourism is the introduction of a new or improved component which intends to bring tangible and intangible benefits to tourism stakeholders and the local community, improve the value of the tourism experience and the core competencies of the tourism sector and hence enhance tourism competitiveness and /or sustainability. Innovation in tourism may cover potential areas, such as tourism destinations, tourism products, technology, processes, organizations and business models, skills, architecture, services, tools and/or practices for management, marketing, communication, operation, quality assurance and pricing.

Institutional sector : An aggregation of institutional units on the basis of the type of producer and depending on their principal activity and function, which are considered to be indicative of their economic behaviour.

Institutional unit : The elementary economic decision-making centre characterised by uniformity of behaviour and decision-making autonomy in the exercise of its principal function.

Intermediate consumption : Intermediate consumption consists of the value of the goods and services consumed as inputs by a process of production, excluding fixed assets whose consumption is recorded as consumption of fixed capital ( SNA 2008, 6.213 ).

Internal tourism : Internal tourism comprises domestic tourism and inbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident and non-resident visitors within the country of reference as part of domestic or international tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(a) ).

Internal tourism consumption : Internal tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of both resident and non-resident visitors within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and inbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Internal tourism expenditure : Internal tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of visitors, both resident and non-resident, within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and inbound tourism expenditure. It includes acquisition of goods and services imported into the country of reference and sold to visitors. This indicator provides the most comprehensive measurement of tourism expenditure in the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(a) ).

International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities : The International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) consists of a coherent and consistent classification structure of economic activities based on a set of internationally agreed concepts, definitions, principles and classification rules. It provides a comprehensive framework within which economic data can be collected and reported in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking. The classification structure represents a standard format to organize detailed information about the state of an economy according to economic principles and perceptions (ISIC, Rev.4, 1).

International tourism : International tourism comprises inbound tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips and the activities of non-resident visitors within the country of reference on inbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(c) ).

International visitor : An international traveller qualifies as an international visitor with respect to the country of reference if: (a) he/she is on a tourism trip and (b) he/she is a non-resident travelling in the country of reference or a resident travelling outside of it ( IRTS 2008, 2.42 ).

Job : The agreement between an employee and the employer defines a job and each self-employed person has a job ( SNA 2008, 19.30 ).

Measurement error : Error in reading, calculating or recording numerical value.

Medical tourism : Medical tourism is a type of tourism activity which involves the use of evidence-based medical healing resources and services (both invasive and non-invasive). This may include diagnosis, treatment, cure, prevention and rehabilitation.

Meetings industry : To highlight purposes relevant to the meetings industry, if a trip's main purpose is business/professional, it can be further subdivided into "attending meetings, conferences or congresses, trade fairs and exhibitions" and "other business and professional purposes". The term meetings industry is preferred by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Reed Travel over the acronym MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) which does not recognize the industrial nature of such activities.

Metadata : Data that defines and describes other data and processes.

MICE : See meetings industry.

Microdata : Non-aggregated observations, or measurements of characteristics of individual units.

Mirror statistics : Mirror statistics are used to conduct bilateral comparisons of two basic measures of a trade flow and are a traditional tool for detecting the causes of asymmetries in statistics (OECD GST, p. 335).

Mountain tourism : Mountain tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community. It encompasses a broad range of outdoor leisure and sports activities.

National tourism : National tourism comprises domestic tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors within and outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(b) ).

National tourism consumption : National tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of resident visitors, within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and outbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

National tourism expenditure : National tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of resident visitors within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and outbound tourism expenditure ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(b) ).

Nationality : The concept of "country of residence" of a traveller is different from that of his/her nationality or citizenship ( IRTS 2008, 2.19 ).

Non-monetary indicators : Data measured in physical or other non-monetary units should not be considered a secondary part of a satellite account. They are essential components, both for the information they provide directly and in order to analyse the monetary data adequately ( SNA 2008, 29.84 ).

Observation unit : entity on which information is received and statistics are compiled.

Outbound tourism : Outbound tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor outside the country of reference, either as part of an outbound tourism trip or as part of a domestic tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39(c) ).

Outbound tourism consumption : Outbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Outbound tourism expenditure : Outbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(c) ).

Output : Output is defined as the goods and services produced by an establishment, a) excluding the value of any goods and services used in an activity for which the establishment does not assume the risk of using the products in production, and b) excluding the value of goods and services consumed by the same establishment except for goods and services used for capital formation (fixed capital or changes in inventories) or own final consumption ( SNA 2008, 6.89 ).

Output (main): The main output of a (productive) activity should be determined by reference to the value added of the goods sold or services rendered (ISIC rev.4, 114).

Pilot survey : The aim of a pilot survey is to test the questionnaire (pertinence of the questions, understanding of questions by those being interviewed, duration of the interview) and to check various potential sources for sampling and non-sampling errors: for instance, the place in which the surveys are carried out and the method used, the identification of any omitted answers and the reason for the omission, problems of communicating in various languages, translation, the mechanics of data collection, the organization of field work, etc.

Place of usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides, and is defined by the location of his/her principal dwelling (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.20 to 2.24).

Probability sample : A sample selected by a method based on the theory of probability (random process), that is, by a method involving knowledge of the likelihood of any unit being selected.

Production account : The production account records the activity of producing goods and services as defined within the SNA. Its balancing item, gross value added, is defined as the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption and is a measure of the contribution to GDP made by an individual producer, industry or sector. Gross value added is the source from which the primary incomes of the SNA are generated and is therefore carried forward into the primary distribution of income account. Value added and GDP may also be measured net by deducting consumption of fixed capital, a figure representing the decline in value during the period of the fixed capital used in a production process ( SNA 2008, 1.17 ).

Production : Economic production may be defined as an activity carried out under the control and responsibility of an institutional unit that uses inputs of labour, capital, and goods and services to produce outputs of goods or services ( SNA 2008, 6.24. ).

Purpose of a tourism trip (main): The main purpose of a tourism trip is defined as the purpose in the absence of which the trip would not have taken place ( IRTS 2008, 3.10. ). Classification of tourism trips according to the main purpose refers to nine categories: this typology allows the identification of different subsets of visitors (business visitors, transit visitors, etc.) See also destination of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 3.14 ).

Quality of a tourism destination : Quality of a tourism destination is the result of a process which implies the satisfaction of all tourism product and service needs, requirements and expectations of the consumer at an acceptable price, in conformity with mutually accepted contractual conditions and the implicit underlying factors such as safety and security, hygiene, accessibility, communication, infrastructure and public amenities and services. It also involves aspects of ethics, transparency and respect towards the human, natural and cultural environment. Quality, as one of the key drivers of tourism competitiveness, is also a professional tool for organizational, operational and perception purposes for tourism suppliers.

Questionnaire and Questionnaire design : Questionnaire is a group or sequence of questions designed to elicit information on a subject, or sequence of subjects, from a reporting unit or from another producer of official statistics. Questionnaire design is the design (text, order, and conditions for skipping) of the questions used to obtain the data needed for the survey.

Reference period : The period of time or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.

Relevance : The degree to which statistics meet current and potential users' needs.

Reliability : Closeness of the initial estimated value to the subsequent estimated value.

Reporting unit : Unit that supplies the data for a given survey instance, like a questionnaire or interview. Reporting units may, or may not, be the same as the observation unit.

Residents/non-residents : The residents of a country are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located in its economic territory. For a country, the non-residents are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located outside its economic territory.

Response and non-response : Response and non-response to various elements of a survey entail potential errors.

Response error : Response errors may be defined as those arising from the interviewing process. Such errors may be due to a number of circumstances, such as inadequate concepts or questions; inadequate training; interviewer failures; respondent failures.

Rural tourism : Rural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle / culture, angling and sightseeing. Rural tourism activities take place in non-urban (rural) areas with the following characteristics:

• Low population density;
• Landscape and land-use dominated by agriculture and forestry; and
• Traditional social structure and lifestyle

Same-day visitor (or excursionist): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Sample : A subset of a frame where elements are selected based on a process with a known probability of selection.

Sample survey : A survey which is carried out using a sampling method.

Sampling error : That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.

Satellite accounts : There are two types of satellite accounts, serving two different functions. The first type, sometimes called an internal satellite, takes the full set of accounting rules and conventions of the SNA but focuses on a particular aspect of interest by moving away from the standard classifications and hierarchies. Examples are tourism, coffee production and environmental protection expenditure. The second type, called an external satellite, may add non-economic data or vary some of the accounting conventions or both. It is a particularly suitable way to explore new areas in a research context. An example may be the role of volunteer labour in the economy ( SNA 2008, 29.85 ).

SDMX, Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange : Set of technical standards and content-oriented guidelines, together with an IT architecture and tools, to be used for the efficient exchange and sharing of statistical data and metadata (SDMX).

Seasonal adjustment : Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique to remove the effects of seasonal calendar influences on a series. Seasonal effects usually reflect the influence of the seasons themselves, either directly or through production series related to them, or social conventions. Other types of calendar variation occur as a result of influences such as number of days in the calendar period, the accounting or recording practices adopted or the incidence of moving holidays.

Self-employment job : Self-employment jobs are those jobs where remuneration is directly dependent upon the profits (or the potential of profits) derived from the goods or services produced.

Self-employed with paid employees : Self-employed with paid employees are classified as employers.

Self-employed without employees : Self-employed without employees are classified as own-account workers.

Services : Services are the result of a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units, or facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets. They cannot be traded separately from their production. By the time their production is completed, they must have been provided to the consumers ( SNA 2008, 6.17 ).

Social transfers in kind : A special case of transfers in kind is that of social transfers in kind. These consist of goods and services provided by general government and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs) that are delivered to individual households. Health and education services are the prime examples. Rather than provide a specified amount of money to be used to purchase medical and educational services, the services are often provided in kind to make sure that the need for the services is met. (Sometimes the recipient purchases the service and is reimbursed by the insurance or assistance scheme. Such a transaction is still treated as being in kind because the recipient is merely acting as the agent of the insurance scheme) (SNA 2008, 3.83).

Sports tourism : Sports tourism is a type of tourism activity which refers to the travel experience of the tourist who either observes as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event generally involving commercial and non-commercial activities of a competitive nature.

Standard classification : Classifications that follow prescribed rules and are generally recommended and accepted.

Statistical error : The unknown difference between the retained value and the true value.

Statistical indicator : A data element that represents statistical data for a specified time, place, and other characteristics, and is corrected for at least one dimension (usually size) to allow for meaningful comparisons.

Statistical metadata : Data about statistical data.

Statistical unit : Entity about which information is sought and about which statistics are compiled. Statistical units may be identifiable legal or physical entities or statistical constructs.

Survey : An investigation about the characteristics of a given population by means of collecting data from a sample of that population and estimating their characteristics through the systematic use of statistical methodology.

System of National Accounts : The System of National Accounts (SNA) is the internationally agreed standard set of recommendations on how to compile measures of economic activity in accordance with strict accounting conventions based on economic principles. The recommendations are expressed in terms of a set of concepts, definitions, classifications and accounting rules that comprise the internationally agreed standard for measuring indicators of economic performance. The accounting framework of the SNA allows economic data to be compiled and presented in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking ( SNA 2008, 1.1 ).

Total tourism internal demand : Total tourism internal demand, is the sum of internal tourism consumption, tourism gross fixed capital formation and tourism collective consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.114 ). It does not include outbound tourism consumption.

Tourism : Tourism refers to the activity of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ).

Tourism characteristic activities : Tourism characteristic activities are the activities that typically produce tourism characteristic products. As the industrial origin of a product (the ISIC industry that produces it) is not a criterion for the aggregation of products within a similar CPC category, there is no strict one-to-one relationship between products and the industries producing them as their principal outputs ( IRTS 2008, 5.11 ).

Tourism characteristic products : Tourism characteristic products are those that satisfy one or both of the following criteria: a) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share total tourism expenditure (share-of-expenditure/demand condition); b) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share of the supply of the product in the economy (share-of-supply condition). This criterion implies that the supply of a tourism characteristic product would cease to exist in meaningful quantity in the absence of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 5.10 ).

Tourism connected products : Their significance within tourism analysis for the economy of reference is recognized although their link to tourism is very limited worldwide. Consequently, lists of such products will be country-specific ( IRTS 2008, 5.12 ).

Tourism consumption : Tourism consumption has the same formal definition as tourism expenditure. Nevertheless, the concept of tourism consumption used in the Tourism Satellite Account goes beyond that of tourism expenditure. Besides the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips, which corresponds to monetary transactions (the focus of tourism expenditure), it also includes services associated with vacation accommodation on own account, tourism social transfers in kind and other imputed consumption. These transactions need to be estimated using sources different from information collected directly from the visitors, such as reports on home exchanges, estimations of rents associated with vacation homes, calculations of financial intermediation services indirectly measured (FISIM), etc. ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.25 ).

Tourism destination : A tourism destination is a physical space with or without administrative and/or analytical boundaries in which a visitor can spend an overnight. It is the cluster (co-location) of products and services, and of activities and experiences along the tourism value chain and a basic unit of analysis of tourism. A destination incorporates various stakeholders and can network to form larger destinations. It is also intangible with its image and identity which may influence its market competitiveness.

Tourism direct gross domestic product : Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) is the sum of the part of gross value added (at basic prices) generated by all industries in response to internal tourism consumption plus the amount of net taxes on products and imports included within the value of this expenditure at purchasers' prices ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.96 ).

Tourism direct gross value added : Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) is the part of gross value added generated by tourism industries and other industries of the economy that directly serve visitors in response to internal tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.88 ).

Tourism expenditure : Tourism expenditure refers to the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables, for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips. It includes expenditures by visitors themselves, as well as expenses that are paid for or reimbursed by others ( IRTS 2008, 4.2 ).

Tourism industries : The tourism industries comprise all establishments for which the principal activity is a tourism characteristic activity. Tourism industries (also referred to as tourism activities) are the activities that typically producetourism characteristic products. The term tourism industries is equivalent to tourism characteristic activities and the two terms are sometimes used synonymously in the IRTS 2008, 5.10, 5.11 and figure 5.1 .

Tourism product : A tourism product is a combination of tangible and intangible elements, such as natural, cultural and man-made resources, attractions, facilities, services and activities around a specific center of interest which represents the core of the destination marketing mix and creates an overall visitor experience including emotional aspects for the potential customers. A tourism product is priced and sold through distribution channels and it has a life-cycle.

Tourism ratio : For each variable of supply in the Tourism Satellite Account, the tourism ratiois the ratio between the total value of tourism share and total value of the corresponding variable in the Tourism Satellite Account expressed in percentage form ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.56 ). (See also Tourism share).

Tourism Satellite Account : The Tourism Satellite Account is the second international standard on tourism statistics (Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008 –TSA:RMF 2008) that has been developed in order to present economic data relative to tourism within a framework of internal and external consistency with the rest of the statistical system through its link to the System of National Accounts. It is the basic reconciliation framework of tourism statistics. As a statistical tool for the economic accounting of tourism, the TSA can be seen as a set of 10 summary tables, each with their underlying data and representing a different aspect of the economic data relative to tourism: inbound, domestic tourism and outbound tourism expenditure, internal tourism expenditure, production accounts of tourism industries, the Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) attributable to tourism demand, employment, investment, government consumption, and non-monetary indicators.

Tourism Satellite Account aggregates : The compilation of the following aggregates, which represent a set of relevant indicators of the size of tourism in an economy is recommended ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.81 ):

• Internal tourism expenditure;
• Internal tourism consumption;
• Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI);
• Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA);
• Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP).

Tourism sector : The tourism sector, as contemplated in the TSA, is the cluster of production units in different industries that provide consumption goods and services demanded by visitors. Such industries are called tourism industries because visitor acquisition represents such a significant share of their supply that, in the absence of visitors, their production of these would cease to exist in meaningful quantity.

Tourism share : Tourism share is the share of the corresponding fraction of internal tourism consumption in each component of supply ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.51 ). For each industry, the tourism share of output (in value), is the sum of the tourism share corresponding to each product component of its output ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.55 ). (See also Tourism ratio ).

Tourism single-purpose consumer durable goods : Tourism single-purpose consumer durables is a specific category of consumer durable goods that include durable goods that are used exclusively, or almost exclusively, by individuals while on tourism trips ( TSA:RMF 2008 , 2.41 and Annex 5 ).

Tourism trip : Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.29 ).

Tourist (or overnight visitor): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Tourism value chain : The tourism value chain is the sequence of primary and support activities which are strategically fundamental for the performance of the tourism sector. Linked processes such as policy making and integrated planning, product development and packaging, promotion and marketing, distribution and sales and destination operations and services are the key primary activities of the tourism value chain. Support activities involve transport and infrastructure, human resource development, technology and systems development and other complementary goods and services which may not be related to core tourism businesses but have a high impact on the value of tourism.

Travel / traveller : Travel refers to the activity of travellers. A traveller is someone who moves between different geographic locations, for any purpose and any duration ( IRTS 2008, 2.4 ). The visitor is a particular type of traveller and consequently tourism is a subset of travel.

Travel group : A travel group is made up of individuals or travel parties travelling together: examples are people travelling on the same package tour or youngsters attending a summer camp ( IRTS 2008, 3.5 ).

Travel item (in balance of payments): Travel is an item of the goods and services account of the balance of payments: travel credits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from an economy by non-residents during visits to that economy. Travel debits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from other economies by residents during visits to other economies ( BPM6, 10.86 ).

Travel party : A travel party is defined as visitors travelling together on a trip and whose expenditures are pooled ( IRTS 2008, 3.2 ).

Trip : A trip refers to the travel by a person from the time of departure from his/her usual residence until he/she returns: it thus refers to a round trip. Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips.

Urban/city tourism : Urban/city tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration, manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. Urban/city destinations offer a broad and heterogeneous range of cultural, architectural, technological, social and natural experiences and products for leisure and business.

Usual environment: The usual environment of an individual, a key concept in tourism, is defined as the geographical area (though not necessarily a contiguous one) within which an individual conducts his/her regular life routines ( IRTS 2008, 2.21 ).

Usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.16 to 2.18).

Vacation home : A vacation home (sometimes also designated as a holiday home) is a secondary dwelling that is visited by the members of the household mostly for purposes of recreation, vacation or any other form of leisure ( IRTS 2008, 2.27 ).

Valuables : Valuables are produced goods of considerable value that are not used primarily for purposes of production or consumption but are held as stores of value over time ( SNA 2008, 10.13 ).

Visit : A trip is made up of visits to different places.The term "tourism visit" refers to a stay in a place visited during a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.7 and 2.33 ).

Visitor : A visitor is a traveller taking a trip to a main destination outside his/her usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose (business, leisure or other personal purpose) other than to be employed by a resident entity in the country or place visited ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ). A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Wellness tourism : Wellness tourism is a type of tourism activity which aims to improve and balance all of the main domains of human life including physical, mental, emotional, occupational, intellectual and spiritual. The primary motivation for the wellness tourist is to engage in preventive, proactive, lifestyle-enhancing activities such as fitness, healthy eating, relaxation, pampering and healing treatments.

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Tourism vs. Hospitality - Decoding the Differences

Bryant & Stratton College Blog Staff

The hospitality and tourism industries are closely connected, but they are not the same thing. Though both connect to travel and leisure, these two industries have distinct differences that need to be understood if you are considering a degree or career in the field. By knowing how they are different, you can choose the right degree that will help you achieve your desired career path.

What is the Difference Between Tourism and Hospitality?

Hospitality is a field that focuses on providing accommodations to visitors at hospitality-related industries, such as hotels, motels, restaurants, cruise ships, country clubs, casinos, and convention centers, while tourism is focused on providing quality attractions and events in order to entice tourists to come.

For each of these fields to be successful, they focus on specific ways to keep people satisfied so they will return. Hospitality businesses must build strong relationships with their guests to not only prevent them from going to a competitor, but to keep them coming back. Many tourism businesses are classified as hospitality businesses as they must also have meaningful relationships, but they are more focused on traveling activities that may include heavy planning and marketing.

What are the Similarities Between Tourism and Hospitality?

Both the hospitality and tourism industries focus on serving people when they travel. These are highly competitive and always-changing fields that require people to be able to adapt to a changing market and work environment. Both tourism and hospitality professionals need to be good marketers to draw potential clients and customers to their industries.

What Jobs are there in the Travel and Tourism Industry?

The travel and tourism industry focuses on helping people plan and execute their travel arrangements. Some jobs in tourism management include:

Travel Agent

A travel agent is a great career path for people who majored in tourism. Travel agents work with their clients to plan their trips, so they must be highly organized and have a knowledge of the travel industry so they can book resorts, cruise ships, airline travel, and more for their clients.

Travel agents also assist clients with their travel budgets by calculating travel costs and helping clients choose trips and adventures that fit within their budget. They also can assist clients with getting their passports or other paperwork in order so they can legally travel.

The pay for a travel agent varies because they often earn commissions based on the trips and services they book, as well as the setting they work in. Travel agents can work independently or work with a travel agency, depending on the demand in their area.

Flight Attendant

A flight attendant works in an airline to help travelers get to their destination safely and comfortably. While travelers often see the simple work of the flight attendant, such as passing out snacks and collecting garbage, flight attendants are also trained on how to help protect passenger safety if something goes wrong.

Flight attendants need to be good at working with people, even those who are not in a good mood or who face frustration when they travel. One of the main benefits of this profession is getting to travel to and explore many destinations around the world.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for flight attendants will increase by 17% from 2019 to 2029, so it is a great time to pursue this career path.

What Jobs Are There in the Hospitality Industry?

Jobs within hotels, restaurants, and event centers tend to fall in the hospitality industry category. Hotel managers, event managers, hotel clerks, bar managers, and chefs are just a few examples in this industry, with details as follows:

Hotel Manager

A hotel manager makes sure that guests are comfortable during their stay in a hotel or resort. They may have to arrange for blankets or other amenities to be taken to hotel rooms, oversee the employees of the hotel, and ensure that supplies, like soap and shampoo, are ordered in a timely manner. On a resort property, the hotel manager may also be in charge of entertainment. The exact setting or location will dictate exact duties and responsibilities for this role. Overall, it is the manager's job to handle customer service needs that pop up during a guest's stay.

Event Manager

An event manager or event planner helps plan large events to ensure all attendees enjoy the experience. These individuals, like others in the hospitality industry, need to be highly organized. Event managers will plan all of the details, gather bids from venues and vendors, coordinate transportation for attendees, arrange for food, and even connect with local hotels to ensure people have a place to stay. They help their clients manage and maximize their budgets and ensure that everything is ready when the special event starts.

The BLS estimates that this career will grow 8% from 2019-2029, which is much faster than average. Approximately 10,800 new jobs will be created in this field, so it is a great time to consider pursuing a position in event management.

A concierge is employed by a resort or event center to help guests book entertainment and enjoy their stay more fully. These professionals need to know their local area well so they can connect guests to the entertainment options that best fit their tastes and desires for their trip.

Concierge professionals tend to be employed by high-end resorts and luxury hotels. Distinguished guests expect to have someone to help them book their services and are willing to tip well for this service.

Restaurant and Catering Professionals

The hospitality industry is also the industry that covers restaurants and catering services. While those interested in opening a restaurant or catering business will also need to explore foodservice training, training in hospitality will help them understand the customer service side of this industry. These professionals can work anywhere where food and beverage are prepared and served, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Start Your Hospitality or Tourism Journey Today!

If the tourism and hospitality industries are appealing to you, then finding a career in these fields or industry may require further education. Bryant & Stratton College has a number of hospitality degree programs , including associate degrees and diplomas, that can help you get started in this field. Reach out to the admissions team at Bryant & Stratton College to learn more about these programs and to determine if they are the right fit for your career path.

Related Articles

Rethinking the Relationship Between Sport, Recreation and Tourism

• First Online: 10 March 2017

Cite this chapter

• Ferenc Győri 6 &
• László Balogh 6  

Part of the book series: Leisure Studies in a Global Era ((LSGE))

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1 Citations

Despite the fact that recreational activities—like many other activities evolving in parallel with the social development of humans—are as old as mankind, recreation, as a topic for academic interpretation and research, was justified only at a relatively late date in the history of sciences. Initially it was interpreted within the specific symbolic domains of related disciplines including the sociology of leisure, sport sciences and tourism research, branches of science that had come into existence earlier.

Recreation, according to recent terminology used by Hungarian researchers, is the culture of how humans spend their free time; it relates to active recreation, the creation of well-being, the restoration of people’s abilities to work, as well as the preservation and improvement of their good health. Recreation comprises forms of positive behaviour aimed at satisfying individual and social interests, which are entwined with the creation of people’s good somatic, psychological and social well-being (Kovács, A rekreáció fogalma, értelmezése. In L. Dobozy (Ed.), Válogatott tanulmányok a rekreációs képzés számára , 2002). When well-defined, recreation demonstrates the fact that a recreational activity responsible for the physical, intellectual and emotional regeneration of people needs to be interpreted as an entity in its own right. In addition, recreation needs to be considered as a complex phenomenon, which is based on a variety of elements taken from various symbolic domains. At the same time, it is also evident that recreational activities cannot be simplistically identified by using parameters of one or other symbolic domain. (For example, recreational sports cannot be described by simply identifying people’s pulse rate.) What needs to be considered instead is the complex recreational experience, as well as the person fully engaged in and enjoying the recreational activity in question (the ‘flow’). The serious consideration of other phenomena which have common attributes with recreation (for example, tourism) may also lead to faulty interpretations.

Our chapter is aimed at elaborating on and rethinking the relationship between recreation, sport and tourism. Sport is a physical activity which casually, or in an organized form, serves the development of people’s physical and mental abilities and skills. Tourism means the free movement of people (excluding travel between work and home) as well as the services related to the needs deriving from the above. Recreation, sport and tourism have a lot of common attributes; moreover, the same activity occasionally might belong to all three entities. These three disciplines also have a lot to share concerning their origins; they all might be described as cultural phenomena, and, at the same time, they also play a prominent role in economy.

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Győri, F., Balogh, L. (2017). Rethinking the Relationship Between Sport, Recreation and Tourism. In: Benkő, Z., Modi, I., Tarkó, K. (eds) Leisure, Health and Well-Being. Leisure Studies in a Global Era. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33257-4_12

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Leisure vs. Recreation

What's the difference.

Leisure and recreation are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Leisure refers to the free time or non-work hours that individuals have, which can be spent in various activities such as hobbies, reading, or simply relaxing. It is a subjective concept that varies from person to person. On the other hand, recreation refers to specific activities or experiences that individuals engage in during their leisure time. These activities are often structured and purposeful, aimed at providing enjoyment, entertainment, or physical and mental rejuvenation. While leisure is a broader term encompassing all free time, recreation is a subset of leisure that involves intentional and planned activities.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Leisure and recreation are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct attributes that set them apart. While both involve activities pursued for enjoyment and relaxation, there are differences in their purpose, level of engagement, and the benefits they offer. In this article, we will explore the attributes of leisure and recreation, highlighting their unique characteristics and the impact they have on individuals and society.

Definition and Purpose

Leisure refers to the free time individuals have outside of work or other obligations. It is a period when people can engage in activities of their choice, without any external pressure or constraints. The purpose of leisure is primarily personal enjoyment, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It allows individuals to recharge their energy, reduce stress, and find fulfillment in activities they find pleasurable.

On the other hand, recreation involves specific activities that individuals participate in for amusement, entertainment, or physical and mental stimulation. Recreation often involves structured and organized pursuits, such as sports, hobbies, or games. The purpose of recreation is to engage in activities that provide a sense of challenge, achievement, and social interaction.

Level of Engagement

Leisure activities are generally more passive and require less physical or mental effort. Examples of leisure activities include reading a book, watching a movie, or simply lounging by the pool. These activities allow individuals to unwind and relax without exerting themselves too much. Leisure activities are often chosen based on personal preferences and interests, providing a sense of pleasure and escape from daily routines.

Recreation, on the other hand, involves more active engagement and participation. It often requires physical exertion, skill development, and mental focus. Engaging in recreational activities like playing a sport, hiking, or painting requires individuals to actively participate and invest their time and energy. Recreation activities offer opportunities for personal growth, skill enhancement, and the development of new interests and talents.

Benefits and Impact

Both leisure and recreation have numerous benefits for individuals and society as a whole. Leisure activities provide individuals with a much-needed break from the demands of work and daily responsibilities. They contribute to improved mental health, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Engaging in leisure activities also fosters creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.

Recreation activities, on the other hand, offer a range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Regular participation in recreational pursuits promotes physical fitness, enhances coordination and motor skills, and improves overall health. Recreation activities also provide opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and the development of valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

From a societal perspective, both leisure and recreation play important roles. They contribute to the economy through the creation of jobs and the growth of industries such as tourism, entertainment, and sports. Leisure and recreation also promote community engagement and social cohesion by providing opportunities for individuals to come together, share experiences, and build relationships.

While leisure and recreation share the common goal of providing enjoyment and relaxation, they differ in their purpose, level of engagement, and the benefits they offer. Leisure activities focus on personal enjoyment and relaxation, allowing individuals to recharge and find fulfillment in activities of their choice. Recreation activities, on the other hand, involve more active engagement, skill development, and social interaction. Both leisure and recreation have significant benefits for individuals and society, contributing to improved well-being, physical fitness, and social cohesion. It is important to recognize and embrace the attributes of both leisure and recreation to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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What Is The Difference Between The Hospitality And Tourism Industry

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Randi Hargis

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Introduction

The hospitality and tourism industries are closely intertwined and often used interchangeably. While both industries involve providing services to customers, there are distinct differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals interested in pursuing a career in these fields, as well as for businesses aiming to thrive in the ever-evolving travel industry.

The hospitality industry focuses on providing accommodations, food, and beverage services to travelers, tourists, and visitors. This includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and other establishments that offer lodging and dining options. On the other hand, the tourism industry is concerned with the overall travel experience, encompassing transportation, attractions, tours, and activities that cater to tourists’ interests and preferences.

While both industries share common goals of delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences, they differ in terms of their core offerings and the scope of their operations. In this article, we will explore the distinct characteristics of the hospitality and tourism industries, shedding light on the unique opportunities they present and the challenges they face.

Definition of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry encompasses a broad range of businesses and establishments that are primarily focused on providing accommodation, food, and beverage services to customers. It revolves around the concept of offering comfort, convenience, and personalized experiences to guests. Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a bustling restaurant, the hospitality industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of its patrons.

At its core, the hospitality industry is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment, where guests feel valued and well taken care of. This involves not only providing comfortable accommodations and scrumptious meals but also delivering exceptional customer service throughout the entire guest experience. From the moment a guest walks through the door to the time they check out, every interaction and touchpoint should reflect genuine hospitality and a commitment to exceeding expectations.

The hospitality industry relies heavily on creating positive guest experiences, fostering loyalty, and building a strong reputation. This is achieved through a combination of attentive staff, well-designed facilities, and a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of different types of guests. Whether it’s a business traveler seeking efficient amenities, a family on a vacation requiring family-friendly facilities, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, the hospitality industry strives to cater to diverse customer segments.

Furthermore, the hospitality industry extends beyond lodging and dining. It also includes other sectors such as event management, spa and wellness services, entertainment venues, and even transportation services in some cases. The common thread throughout these establishments is the focus on providing a positive and enjoyable experience for customers, whether they are staying overnight, attending an event, or simply seeking a memorable dining experience.

Definition of the Tourism Industry

The tourism industry is a vast and multifaceted sector that encompasses various activities and services related to travel and exploration. It revolves around the idea of people traveling to different destinations for leisure, recreation, business, or personal purposes. The tourism industry plays a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange, economic growth, and global understanding.

The primary focus of the tourism industry is to provide an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience for individuals and groups. This includes arranging transportation, organizing tours and activities, and offering services that cater to the unique interests and preferences of tourists. From visiting historical landmarks and natural attractions to participating in adventure sports and exploring local cultures, the tourism industry aims to create unforgettable memories and enrich the lives of travelers.

One of the significant aspects of the tourism industry is destination marketing and management. It involves promoting different regions, cities, and countries as attractive travel destinations to both domestic and international tourists. This includes showcasing the unique attractions, cultural heritage, and experiences that make a particular destination stand out.

Moreover, the tourism industry is closely connected to other sectors such as transportation, accommodation, and hospitality. It relies on partnerships and collaborations with airlines, hotels, tour operators, and local businesses to ensure a seamless travel experience for tourists. These collaborations contribute to the economic growth of destinations and create employment opportunities for local communities.

The tourism industry encompasses various segments such as leisure tourism, business tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, eco-tourism, and more. Each of these segments caters to different types of travelers and offers distinct experiences and services. For example, leisure tourism focuses on relaxation and recreational activities, while business tourism centers around meetings, conferences, and professional networking events.

In recent years, sustainable tourism has gained significant attention within the industry. It emphasizes responsible travel practices that minimize the negative impact on the environment, preserve local cultures and communities, and promote sustainable development. The tourism industry is embracing these principles and working towards creating a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Overlapping Areas

The hospitality and tourism industries have several overlapping areas where their services intersect and complement each other. These areas highlight the interconnected nature of these industries and the collaboration required to provide a seamless travel experience for customers.

Accommodation is a prime example of an overlapping area. Both the hospitality and tourism industries are involved in providing lodging options to travelers. While hotels and resorts are the main players in the hospitality industry, the tourism industry also offers alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals, hostels, and campgrounds. This allows tourists to choose the type of accommodation that best suits their preferences, budget, and travel needs.

Food and beverage services are another overlapping area between the two industries. While restaurants and cafes fall under the umbrella of the hospitality industry, the tourism industry also emphasizes local cuisine and dining experiences as part of the travel journey. Tourists often seek out unique culinary experiences that showcase the local culture and flavors of a destination. This collaboration between the hospitality and tourism sectors ensures that travelers have a wide range of dining options to choose from during their trips.

Entertainment and attractions are also overlapping areas that contribute to the overall tourism experience. The hospitality industry often collaborates with tourism operators to offer packages and discounts for local attractions, events, and entertainment venues. This partnership enhances the value proposition for tourists, allowing them to access various activities and experiences in addition to their accommodations and dining options.

Furthermore, transportation is a vital overlapping area between the two industries. Both hospitality and tourism rely on efficient transportation networks to ensure the smooth movement of tourists and guests. Hotels and resorts often provide shuttle services or have partnerships with transportation companies to facilitate airport transfers and sightseeing tours. This integration ensures that travelers have easy access to different attractions and can explore their chosen destinations comfortably.

In summary, the overlapping areas between the hospitality and tourism industries demonstrate the symbiotic relationship they share. By collaborating and providing comprehensive services, these industries work together to create memorable and fulfilling travel experiences for customers. The seamless integration of accommodation, dining, attractions, and transportation ensures that tourists have a wide range of options and enjoy a holistic journey during their travels.

Key Differences

While the hospitality and tourism industries share common goals of providing exceptional service to customers, there are key differences that set them apart. Understanding these distinctions is essential for individuals aspiring to work in these fields and for businesses looking to cater effectively to their target audience.

Scope of Services: The hospitality industry primarily focuses on providing accommodations, food, and beverage services to guests. It revolves around creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience within a specific location or establishment. On the other hand, the tourism industry is broader in scope and encompasses various activities, attractions, and transportation services that cater to the overall travel experience. It involves exploring different destinations and immersing oneself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of a place.

Customer Interactions: In the hospitality industry, customer interactions are often short-term and centered within the confines of the business establishment. Guests interact with staff members and experience the services provided during their stay or meal. In contrast, the tourism industry typically involves longer interactions and engagement with customers. Tourists may spend days or weeks exploring a destination, engaging with tour guides, participating in activities, and building a deeper connection with the local culture and community.

Customer Expectations: The hospitality industry places a strong emphasis on comfort, convenience, and personalized service. Hotel guests and restaurant patrons have specific expectations when it comes to cleanliness, amenities, and hospitality. The tourism industry, on the other hand, focuses on providing enriching and memorable experiences. Tourists seek authenticity, adventure, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique offerings of a destination.

Revenue Streams: In terms of revenue generation, the hospitality industry primarily relies on room rates, food and beverage sales, and other services provided within its establishment. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants generate income based on bookings, occupancy rates, and sales. On the contrary, the tourism industry generates revenue through a more diverse range of sources. This includes ticket sales for attractions, tour package bookings, transportation services, and partnerships with local businesses.

Operational Considerations: The operations of the hospitality industry typically revolve around managing and maintaining physical facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, and event venues. The focus is on providing a consistent and high-quality experience within the establishment’s premises. In the tourism industry, operational considerations extend beyond the confines of a single location. Tour operators and destination management companies must coordinate logistics, transportation, and various attractions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for tourists.

While these differences exist, it’s important to note that the hospitality and tourism industries are highly interconnected. They often collaborate to enhance the overall travel experience, with hospitality businesses catering to the accommodation and dining needs of tourists. By understanding these distinctions, individuals can make informed decisions about their career paths, and businesses can strategize effectively to meet the needs and expectations of their customers.

Employment Opportunities

The hospitality and tourism industries offer a wide array of employment opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets and interests. From front-line staff to management positions, there are roles available at various levels that cater to different areas within these industries.

In the hospitality industry, common employment opportunities include hotel managers, front desk agents, housekeeping staff, chefs, bartenders, waitstaff, and event planners. These roles are essential for ensuring smooth operations, excellent customer service, and the overall satisfaction of guests. Job opportunities also extend to specialized areas such as spa therapists, concierge services, revenue management, sales and marketing, and customer relations.

Within the tourism industry, employment opportunities are equally diverse. Tour operators, travel agents, and tour guides play a critical role in organizing and managing travel experiences for tourists. They provide valuable information, arrange transportation, coordinate activities, and ensure that tourists have a memorable and enjoyable journey. Other employment opportunities in this industry include destination marketing and management, event planning, hospitality consultants, sustainable tourism specialists, and roles within travel technology companies.

Furthermore, both industries offer opportunities for individuals with specialized skills and knowledge. For example, individuals with a background in food and beverage management or culinary arts can pursue careers as restaurant managers, sous chefs, or food and beverage directors. Similarly, those with expertise in hotel and resort management can excel in roles such as general managers or revenue managers. The tourism industry also offers scope for individuals with language skills, cultural understanding, and a passion for sharing information about different destinations, where they can work as tour guides or destination experts.

Moreover, there are various entry-level positions available in both industries that provide individuals with opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop essential skills. These positions often include roles such as front desk associates, food servers, housekeeping staff, and travel agency assistants. These entry-level roles serve as stepping stones for career advancement and allow individuals to learn and grow within the hospitality and tourism sectors.

It’s important to note that employment opportunities in these industries are not limited to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. With the growth of technology, there are emerging opportunities in the digital realm, including online travel agencies, travel blogging and influencer marketing, and hospitality tech companies.

In summary, the hospitality and tourism industries offer a multitude of employment opportunities across various job functions and skill sets. From front-line service positions to management roles, individuals with a passion for customer service, a knack for organization, and a love for travel can find fulfilling careers in these dynamic industries.

Revenue Generation

Both the hospitality and tourism industries are significant contributors to global economies and generate substantial revenue through their operations. Understanding how these industries generate revenue is crucial for businesses to thrive and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the travel industry.

In the hospitality industry, revenue is primarily generated through the sale of accommodations, food and beverage services, and additional amenities and services provided by hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments. Room rates and occupancy levels play a crucial role in determining revenue, with pricing strategies often based on factors such as demand, seasonality, and location. The hospitality industry also generates additional revenue through ancillary services such as spa treatments, in-room dining, conference facilities, and other guest offerings.

Restaurants and food and beverage outlets within the hospitality industry contribute significantly to revenue generation. Dining experiences, including breakfast buffets, à la carte menus, and room service, provide additional income streams. Upselling techniques, promoting specialty items, and offering unique dining experiences can also contribute to revenue growth.

In contrast, the tourism industry generates revenue through a diverse range of sources. One of the primary sources of revenue is ticket sales for attractions, which include entry fees to museums, historical sites, theme parks, and other tourist destinations. Tour operators also play a significant role in generating revenue by organizing and selling tour packages that include transportation, accommodation, and various activities.

Transportation services, such as airlines, cruise lines, and bus companies, contribute to revenue generation by selling tickets for transportation to and from destinations. These services often collaborate with hotels, tour operators, and attractions to provide comprehensive travel packages to customers.

Furthermore, revenue is generated through partnerships and collaborations with local businesses. Tourism organizations often work with restaurants, tour operators, souvenir shops, and other local businesses to promote and sell their products or services to tourists. This mutual collaboration creates a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the tourism industry and the local economy.

With the advent of technology, online travel agencies (OTAs) and travel booking platforms have become important players in revenue generation for both industries. These platforms earn revenue through commissions and fees charged to hotels, tour operators, and other businesses for listing their services and handling bookings. Digital advertising and sponsored content also contribute to revenue streams, as businesses vie for online visibility and exposure to capture the attention of travelers.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the concept of experiential tourism, which offers unique and immersive experiences to travelers. This trend has opened up new revenue generation opportunities, as businesses create and sell specialized experiences such as culinary tours, adventure activities, and cultural workshops.

In summary, the hospitality and tourism industries generate revenue through a variety of channels, including accommodations, food and beverage services, ticket sales, transportation, partnerships, and online platforms. Businesses in these industries must adapt to evolving customer preferences and market demands to ensure a steady flow of revenue and drive sustainable growth.

Customer Focus

Both the hospitality and tourism industries place a strong emphasis on customer focus and aim to provide exceptional experiences to their guests and tourists. Understanding and catering to the unique needs, preferences, and expectations of customers is crucial for businesses in these industries to thrive and build a loyal customer base.

In the hospitality industry, customer focus is at the core of providing exceptional service. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for their guests. This involves understanding and anticipating their needs, whether it’s a comfortable bed, a personalized welcome, or a seamless check-in experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are key factors in enhancing the overall guest experience. Hospitality businesses invest in training their staff to exhibit empathy, attentiveness, and problem-solving skills to ensure that every guest feels valued and well taken care of.

In addition to physical comforts, the hospitality industry often offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the guest experience. This may include spa and wellness facilities, fitness centers, recreational activities, and perks such as complimentary breakfast or airport transfers. These additional offerings are designed to cater to the varied preferences and desires of guests, ensuring that their stay exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

In the tourism industry, customer focus is equally important. Tourists have different motivations, interests, and expectations when traveling, and it’s crucial for businesses in this sector to understand and cater to these diverse needs. Whether it’s organizing cultural tours, adventure activities, or customized itineraries, the tourism industry aims to create memorable and fulfilling travel experiences.

Customer focus in the tourism industry involves providing relevant and accurate information about destinations, attractions, and activities. This includes offering recommendations, insider tips, and detailed itineraries to help tourists make informed decisions. Tour operators and travel agents play a vital role in understanding the preferences of their customers and creating tailored experiences that align with their interests. This personalized approach ensures that tourists have a sense of discovery, immersion, and enjoyment in their travel endeavors.

Furthermore, customer focus in the tourism industry extends beyond the immediate travel experience. Sustainable and responsible travel practices are gaining importance, with tourists increasingly seeking out destinations and businesses that prioritize environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Businesses in the tourism industry are aligning their offerings with these values and focusing on sustainable practices to meet the evolving expectations of their customers.

Both the hospitality and tourism industries recognize the importance of customer feedback and reviews. They actively seek feedback from guests and tourists to understand their satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and address any issues promptly. This feedback-driven approach allows businesses to continuously enhance their services and ensure that they meet and exceed customer expectations.

In summary, customer focus is a central tenet of both the hospitality and tourism industries. Whether it’s providing personalized service, creating memorable experiences, or embracing sustainable practices, businesses in these industries thrive by understanding and prioritizing the needs and expectations of their customers. By putting the customer at the forefront of their operations, these industries aim to build long-lasting relationships and deliver exceptional experiences that keep customers coming back.

Examples of Hospitality Businesses

The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of businesses that provide accommodations, food, and beverage services to guests. These establishments are dedicated to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment, ensuring that guests have a memorable experience. Here are some examples of hospitality businesses:

Hotels and Resorts: Hotels and resorts are the cornerstone of the hospitality industry. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations, these establishments offer a range of rooms and suites to cater to different guest preferences. They provide amenities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, fitness centers, and conference facilities. Examples include Hilton, Marriott, Four Seasons, and InterContinental.

Restaurants and Cafes: Restaurants and cafes play a crucial role in the hospitality industry by providing food and beverage services to guests. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, these businesses create memorable dining experiences. They offer a variety of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes. Examples range from local independent restaurants to well-known chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Nando’s.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): B&Bs are quaint and cozy accommodations that typically operate in residential properties. They offer a more personalized and intimate experience, often with a home-cooked breakfast included. B&Bs are particularly popular in rural and scenic locations and are known for their warm hospitality and personalized service.

Inns and Lodges: Inns and lodges are often located in picturesque settings, such as mountainous or coastal regions. These establishments offer comfortable accommodations and typically have a rustic charm. They provide a range of amenities and services, including dining options, recreational activities, and guided tours.

Residential and Vacation Rentals: With the rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, individuals can now rent out their homes or vacation properties to travelers. These rentals offer a home-away-from-home experience, providing guests with the convenience and comfort of a fully furnished space while exploring a new destination.

Event Venues and Convention Centers: These establishments cater to a variety of events, ranging from weddings and corporate meetings to conferences and trade shows. Event venues and convention centers provide space and services for hosting gatherings, along with amenities such as catering, audiovisual equipment, and event planning assistance.

Spas and Wellness Retreats: Spas and wellness retreats focus on providing relaxation and rejuvenation experiences. These businesses offer a range of services such as massages, facials, body treatments, and fitness activities. They often have serene settings and specialized treatments to promote health and well-being.

Cruise Ships and Riverboats: Cruise ships and riverboats combine accommodation, dining, entertainment, and transportation in one package. They offer an all-inclusive experience, taking passengers to various destinations while providing a host of amenities and activities on board.

These examples illustrate the diversity within the hospitality industry, each catering to different types of guests, preferences, and travel experiences. Whether it’s a luxurious hotel, a charming bed and breakfast, or a vibrant restaurant, the common thread among these businesses is the focus on providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for their guests.

Examples of Tourism Businesses

The tourism industry encompasses a wide range of businesses that cater to the travel experiences of tourists. These businesses are centered around providing attractions, activities, and services that highlight the unique aspects of a destination. Here are some examples of tourism businesses:

Tour Operators: Tour operators specialize in designing and organizing tours and travel experiences for tourists. They create itineraries that encompass various attractions, activities, and accommodations. Examples include Trafalgar Tours, Intrepid Travel, and G Adventures. Tour operators cater to different types of travelers, offering everything from adventure tours and cultural experiences to luxury vacations and family-friendly trips.

Attractions and Landmarks: This category includes iconic landmarks, natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural attractions that draw tourists to a destination. Examples range from world-famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon, and Taj Mahal to local and regional landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef, Machu Picchu, and Angkor Wat.

Adventure Tourism Providers: These businesses specialize in offering thrilling and adventurous activities to tourists. They may provide opportunities for activities such as hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and wildlife safaris. Examples include companies like REI Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions.

Theme Parks and Amusement Parks: Theme parks and amusement parks are popular tourism destinations, particularly for families. They offer a wide range of rides, entertainment shows, and attractions designed for all age groups. Examples include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Six Flags.

Ecotourism and Nature-Based Businesses: These businesses focus on providing tourists with opportunities to explore and appreciate the natural environment while promoting sustainability and conservation. This includes activities such as wildlife watching, nature walks, eco-lodges, and responsible travel experiences. Examples include Wilderness Safaris, Costa Rican Adventures, and The Great Barrier Reef Ecotours.

Cultural Experiences and Festivals: Cultural tourism businesses offer opportunities for tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions of a destination. This can involve visiting museums, attending cultural festivals, participating in cooking classes, or exploring historical sites. Examples include organizations that offer cultural immersion programs, city walking tours, and museum exhibitions.

Transportation Services: Transportation providers such as airlines, cruises, trains, and buses play a vital role in the tourism industry. They enable tourists to travel to different destinations and explore various attractions. Examples include international airlines like Emirates and Delta Air Lines, cruise liners such as Royal Caribbean, and train companies like the Orient Express.

Travel Agencies: Travel agencies assist tourists in planning and organizing their trips. They provide services such as booking accommodations, flights, tours, and transportation. Examples include online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com, as well as traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies.

These examples represent the diverse range of businesses within the tourism industry, each catering to different types of travelers and offering unique experiences. From adventure tourism providers to iconic landmarks, these businesses play a crucial role in attracting tourists and showcasing the best that a destination has to offer.

The hospitality and tourism industries are interconnected and vital sectors in the global economy. While they share common goals of providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for customers, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

The hospitality industry primarily focuses on providing accommodations, food, and beverage services. It aims to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for guests, with a strong emphasis on personalized service and attention to detail. The tourism industry, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of activities and attractions, catering to the overall travel experience. It focuses on offering diverse and immersive experiences that highlight the unique aspects of a destination.

Both industries offer a wide range of employment opportunities, from front-line service positions to management roles. Individuals with a passion for customer service, organization, and travel can find fulfilling careers in these industries. The revenue generation models within these sectors differ, with the hospitality industry relying on room rates, food and beverage sales, and additional services, while the tourism industry encompasses ticket sales, transportation services, and partnerships with local businesses.

Customer focus is a fundamental aspect of both industries. The hospitality and tourism sectors prioritize understanding and meeting the unique needs and expectations of their customers. Providing exceptional service, creating personalized experiences, and embracing sustainability are key factors in attracting and retaining customers.

Examples of hospitality businesses include hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and event venues, while tourism businesses encompass tour operators, attractions, adventure tourism providers, and travel agencies. These businesses play a vital role in attracting tourists and providing diverse and memorable experiences.

In conclusion, the hospitality and tourism industries are dynamic and ever-evolving sectors that contribute significantly to global travel and experiences. By understanding the key differences, employment opportunities, revenue generation models, customer focus, and examples of businesses within these industries, individuals and businesses can effectively navigate this dynamic landscape and contribute to the growth and success of the travel industry as a whole.

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Minnesota beach makes travel and leisure's top beaches in the country list.

DULUTH — Kathy Cargill might soon have some real estate competition on Park Point.

Travel and Leisure magazine put the point's seven miles of beach, the longest freshwater sandbar in the world, on a list of the 25 best beaches in the country.

Citing its "ocean locale" feel and views of the hillside city and Lake Superior, the magazine also praised the area's spectacular sunrises.

The popular neighborhood has been a major topic of conversation in Duluth and beyond in recent months, with Cargill's string of property acquisitions along the point.

For more than a year, a limited liability company run by Cargill has purchased property after property on the sandbar that separates Lake Superior and the mouth of the St. Louis River. The home purchases number more than a dozen and parcels nearly two dozen.

Cargill is the wife of an heir to the global Cargill company's fortune. Her purchases led to a public squabble with Mayor Roger Reinert , as he attempted to learn of her plans for those properties.

Several of the homes have been torn down, many bought well over market price. Duluthians and residents of the point worry about losing access to the public beach, increases to property values and further erosion and damage to the delicate sandbar.

It's not the first time the magazine has given the city love. Park Point was on a 2022 list of best beaches, and the city was ranked as having one of the best adventure experiences nationwide last year.

Jana Hollingsworth is a reporter covering a range of topics in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota for the Star Tribune. Sign up to receive the new North Report newsletter.

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2 New York City beaches make Travel + Leisure's "25 Best in the USA." See the complete list.

By Dave Carlin

Updated on: April 29, 2024 / 6:47 PM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK -- Travel + Leisure magazine's annual list of the 25 best beaches in the U.S. includes a pair of popular ones right here in New York City.

The two beaches are sharing the prestigious space with other sun, sand and surf spots in places like Hawaii, California and Florida.

George Schlereth of Forest Hills said his love for Rockaway Beach predates the hit 1978 song by the Ramones with lyrics that went, "Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach."

"It's a great place to spend the afternoon. It's the best place you could go," Schlereth said.

So what else makes Rockaway Beach such a fan favorite?  

Travel + Leisure praised Rockaway Beach's "Five-mile boardwalk, and surf-worthy waves."

"It's definitely very diverse. People come from all over come here," said Kristen Supple of Far Rockaway.

"Rockaway Beach, because I love like the waves and boogie boarding and they have great ice cream and food," said 10-year-old Jordan Cannetti.

"I used to come here as a kid with my parents and family and it's just night and day. The boardwalk, it's just amazing. Now, the restaurant," his father said. "The parks along the boardwalk are just amazing. Ninja Park is great The pickle ball, the basketball."

"They spent so much money fixing up the Rockaways. They brought in more people, more families down there. The place is packed now," Schlereth added.

And let's not forget the amazing Coney Island   

Coney Island bubbled up to the Top 25 as well, with the editors of Travel + Leisure writing, "Coney Island is a perfect seaside wonderland of nostalgia and kitschy fun."

Kenya Dethan, who is 7, called it her favorite beach.

"I like the nice water. I like going on the roller coasters," Dethan said.

The thing about Coney Island is there is so much to do -- sand and surf, the boardwalk with the amusements, and the food and drinks -- all of it rain or shine.

"Number one in the world, Coney Island," resident David Dingle said. "Best of both worlds. You're at the beach and the stores all together, all in one place. Once you're here, you don't want to go back home."

Also making the best beaches list is the New Jersey favorite for fun, Asbury Park. It's the hometown of music legend Bruce Springsteen and features clubs like The Stone Pony , which keep the town highly rated and rockin'.

• Asbury Park
• Coney Island
• Rockaway Beach

Dave Carlin serves as a reporter for CBS2 News and covers breaking news stories and major events in the Tri-State Area.

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'My misery, your paradise': The problem with tourism in the Canary Islands

Protesters have taken increasingly extreme measures, with one group going on an "indefinite" hunger strike.

News reporter @jos_franks

Saturday 27 April 2024 08:44, UK

A wave of demonstrations have swept the Canary Islands as locals protested against a tourism model they say has plundered the environment, priced them out of housing and forced them into precarious work.

The seven main Canary Islands are home to 2.2 million people - and welcomed almost 14 million international visitors in 2023, up 13% from the previous year.

The protests were not aimed at individual tourists, activists say, but at the governments that have created a system that skews so much in favour of investors at the expense of local communities.

The tourism industry accounts for 35% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the Canary Islands and local residents who spoke to Sky News agree the islands can't survive without tourism.

But they are also questioning whether local communities and the environment can survive if things stay the way they are.

What's the problem? Tourism is a 'cash cow' - but not for locals

If you're looking for what's behind the wave of protests, you need to look back decades, Sharon Backhouse tells Sky News.

Along with her Canarian husband, she owns GeoTenerife, which runs science field trips and training camps in the Canary Islands and conducts research into sustainable tourism.

The tourism model in the Canary Islands hasn't been updated since before the tourism boom of the 1980s, when the islands were "trying desperately" to attract investment, she explains.

The answer back then was a model that was "incredibly generous" to investors, who only pay 4% tax and can send the profits earned in the Canaries back to the firm's home country, Ms Backhouse explains.

But the model hasn't changed.

That's created a situation where "more and more of these giant, all inclusive resort hotels" are being built, and the proceeds of this "incredible cash cow" aren't shared equitably with the local population, she says.

"It is absurd to have a system where so much money is in the hands of a very few extremely powerful groups, and is then funnelled away from the Canary Islands," she says.

"We're seeing really low salaries, zero-hour contracts and awful working conditions in some of these hotels."

Ms Backhouse was at the 20 April protest in Tenerife and says she has "never seen anything like it" in terms of Canarians being united for a single cause.

'My misery, your paradise'

Earlier this year there was a spate of graffiti in Tenerife.

Andy Ward, director of Tenerife Estate Agents, tells Sky News the media coverage of a smattering of "tourists go home" graffiti has been "100x greater than the on-the-ground reality", where there is little visible animosity.

But there was one spray-painted message that sums up the gulf between Canary Islands residents and the tourists who flock there: "My misery, your paradise".

More than a third of the population of the Canary Islands - nearly 800,000 people - are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, according to a recent report from the environmental group Ecologists in Action.

The average wage for restaurant staff and cleaners is between €1,050 and €1,300 a month, Mr Ward says, while the cost of renting an apartment can be almost as much.

'Shanty towns' in the shadow of luxury

One of the main issues is the dearth of affordable or social housing, Mr Ward says.

"The governments here have completely neglected this need, instead selling land for more hotels and selling land for luxury villas and high-end apartments, which locals are unable to afford."

What has caused anger is property managers renting out properties to tourists that are "completely inappropriate and inadequate", such as small apartments in residential buildings.

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The regulations on short-term lets "are a complete mess and a mish-mash", he says. Landlords aren’t incentivised to let their properties long-term because they must sign up to long leases, and if tenants default on the rent it can take 18 months to evict them.

His views are echoed by Kris Jones, a British citizen who was born in Tenerife, taking over the bar his parents owned in Playa de la Americas, the Drunk’n Duck.

Many hotel employees are forced to live in the multiple motorhome sites that have popped up around the south of the island because they can’t afford anything else, he says.

"Shanty towns" is what Ms Backhouse calls them, built in the shadow of "uber luxury hotels".

Mr Jones questions why planning permission has been granted to hotels without ensuring their employees will be able to live nearby.

He says the idea the island's population hates foreign visitors is "utter garbage".

He stresses that the protests were against the government - not tourists.

"It's nothing to do with the behaviour of British tourists, and isn't even part of the agenda at all," he tells Sky News.

Hunger strike to stop hotels

Protesters say they are having to take increasingly drastic actions to have their voices heard.

Subsequently six members of Canarias Se Agota - which translates to the Canary Islands Are Exhausted - have been on hunger strike since 11 April.

As well as demanding a halt to new tourism developments and a limit to the number of visitors, the campaigners want to stop the development of two luxury resorts in Tenerife.

Both developments faced legal hurdles on environmental grounds that had paused construction, but stop work orders were lifted earlier this year.

Campaigners maintain the developments breach environmental laws - claims the developers deny - and have committed to continuing the hunger strike until the government intervenes, despite some strikers needing hospital treatment.

The hunger strikers, who have not been named, were among fellow protesters on the streets of Tenerife on 20 April.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: "If anything happens to any of our comrades... you (Fernando Clavijo - president of the Canary Islands) will have to face the fury of the people."

The strikers met with the Canary Islands president on 23 April, but their demands were rejected.

Representatives of the strikers said on 26 April the "medical condition of the six is deteriorating, but they are determined to continue" until their demands are met.

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Protesters are also demanding "access to respectable housing", an "eco-tax" and "immediate measures to put an end to the raw sewage discharges into the sea".

Salvar La Tejita, an environmental organisation which helped organise the mass protest, says: "It is vital to clarify that these protests are not against the tourists or tourism in general, but are against the political class, administrations, hotel chains, and constructors who are jointly responsible for the unsustainable circumstances which Tenerife is now in.

"This platform is not in any way responsible for the graffiti messages 'Tourists Go Home' which have been sprayed in and around many tourist resorts.

The environmental cost of tourism

The Canary Islands are a "biodiversity jewel in the Atlantic", Ms Backhouse says - but they haven't been fully protected or valued.

Politicians in the past have said the development of the controversial resorts can't be stopped "just because of a weed", she says.

"These aren't just weeds. What they're actually doing is interfering with an ecosystem which will have difficulty surviving if you plonk a resort right in the middle of it."

The building of these resorts has an environmental costs as "beautiful landscapes are cemented over", Ms Backhouse says - and the cost only mounts once they open.

"The problem with these resorts is that we just don't have enough resources in terms of water, what happens to all the rubbish, how is it all recycled.

"Locals are feeling disenfranchised from their spaces because it all becomes tourist territory.

"Towns and villages that locals grew up in or would go on holiday in suddenly are completely unrecognisable."

What solutions are on the table?

One of the proposals is a tourist tax which would be invested in protecting the environment.

Ms Backhouse says the hotel industry is against it and the government is nervous about it - but GeoTenerife's research indicates it wouldn't put tourists off.

"I think the reality is very few people will cancel their holiday because they have to pay a little bit of money that goes towards protecting the landscapes they're coming to see."

Hoteliers have proposed instead putting up IGIC, which is similar to VAT, but Ms Backhouse says that isn't welcomed by campaigners "because again, that just puts the onus on the locals to prop up the system".

A tourist tax is one part of the answer to protect the environment, but it doesn't answer the question of job insecurity and unaffordable housing.

Ms Backhouse says it is encouraging to see solutions proposed, but "it's going to take something far more wide-ranging to put this train on a more sustainable track".

Impending crackdown on holiday homes

A draft law is expected to be passed this year which would ban newly built properties from becoming short-term rentals and toughen up the rules for existing properties.

It comes as official figures show the number of rental beds on the island reached 220,409 in March this year - an increase of more than 40,000 from the same point in 2023.

Canaries regional tourism chief Jessica de Leon told the Reuters news agency that enforcement support for the islands' 35 inspectors is key to the success of the new rules.

"We are going to empower [the police] so that they can act when fraudulent behaviour is detected in homes," she said, adding that the plan could involve 1,300 people, which would include all of the islands' police forces.

"The first step is to contain the growth, the second is to clean up [existing listings]," said Canaries director of tourism Miguel Rodríguez.

An example of the crackdowns to come occurred on 16 April, when police raided a property in Tenerife after its owner was reported for listing the building's rooftop as a campsite on Airbnb, offering renters tents for €12 (£10) a night.

Read more: Tourist dies after falling into sea in Tenerife Why are university students protesting in the US?

The plans have not proved popular with landlords, who would be forced to comply with the new rules within five years.

"Everything that the government is trying to impose is problematic," says a spokesperson for Ascav, the Canary Islands Vacation Rental Association, adding it is "the most restrictive" legislation of its kind in Europe.

They believe around 95% of the existing holiday homes that abide by current laws will not be able to meet the new criteria, which includes getting consent from local authorities to open, meeting higher energy classification thresholds, having a minimum surface area and more in a long list of "impossible compliance".

"The consequences will be immediate," they warn. "If holiday homes are banned on the islands, visitors who demand this type of accommodation will choose other destinations, Canary Islanders will be even poorer, bars, restaurants, rent a cars, supermarkets, leisure activities, etc. will lose economic activity. Undoubtedly, we all lose."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Ascav acknowledges "something is going wrong" for the island's economy, but argues it's not down to those providing holiday homes, nor the tourists Canarians "love".

"The message is for our governments, for their passivity, incompetence and lack of planning," they say.

"They are the ones that have allowed that the resources of tourism has not to been shared with the local population. Locals has been excluded because governments preferred permitting to exploit the territory and tourism to the maximum, without any return for the islands and their inhabitants.

"The solution is to listen to ourselves, to listen to our visitors, to listen and protect to the Canary islanders, to integrate, to plan, to be sustainable, to grow with, not at the expense of, to be responsible for the territory and the well-being of its people, to diversify, to ensure the quality of the destination.

"Our problems have to be resolved by politicians, but they lack will and predisposition, that's why we are fed up."

What have politicians said?

The islands' president said the day before the 20 April protests that he felt "proud" the region is a leading Spanish tourism spot, but acknowledged more controls are needed.

"We can't keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control," Fernando Clavijo told a news conference.

Two days after the protest, Mr Clavijo posted on X saying: "What happened last Saturday in the streets of Canarias leaves a message that we share. Canarias has to review its model, where we want to go.

"It had to be done during the pandemic, but it is a challenge that we assumed and on which we are already working with the councils, with the city councils and that we must face as a whole in society."

He has called a meeting of island presidents and Canary Island administrators on 30 April in the hope of finding a solution.

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This Gorgeous California State Park Was Just Named the Best Place for Stargazing in the U.S.

All you need to do is look up.

Kevin Key/Slworking/Getty Images

The 2024 eclipse may have come and gone, but it left plenty of people hungry for more astrotourism. And luckily, there are plenty of fantastic spots to stargaze across the United States, and HomeToGo has rounded up a few of the best destinations in its new Stargazing Index . 

“Astrotourism has emerged as the defining travel trend of 2024 so far, with April’s total solar eclipse generating a notable uplift in demand. Leading up to the event, the search demand for vacation rentals in towns along the path of totality skyrocketed by 139 percent week-over-week on HomeToGo, with median nightly prices registering increases of 40 percent,” Eleanor Moody, a spokesperson and travel expert at HomeToGo shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . “We predict that this piqued interest in celestial tourism will persist further into the year, and have curated HomeToGo’s 2024 Stargazing Index with a new wave of eager astro-travelers in mind.”

As Moody explained, the new index is designed to assist travelers in discovering all the darkest places to ensure the best view of the stars above. 

In total, it found 24 Dark Sky communities across nine states, including California, Arizona, Texas, Indiana, Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Idaho, and Florida.

It then ranked them on five indicators, including an "under-the-radar score," which it gave based on their search volume (the lower the search volume the higher the score); an "affordability score" based on the median nightly price per person for a vacation rental on HomeToGo; an "availability score," based on the number of vacation rentals in each destination bookable on HomeToGo; a "clear sky score" based on the average number of clear days in each community; and a "solitude score," based on the size of each certified International Dark Sky Place and the area's population size. (For the latter, the lower the population density, the higher the score.)

After looking at all that data, it named Borrego Springs, California, the home of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , to be the No. 1 astrotourism spot. "This small community is the only International Dark Sky Community in California," the findings noted. "Dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution, backyard stargazing parties are a daily occurrence. Visitors are invited to embrace the local natural and cultural wonders with the annual Night Fall Star Party, southern California’s prime opportunity to view the night sky with others." 

It was joined by two Arizona locations: Fountain Hills at No. 2, followed by Flagstaff in third. Dripping Springs in Wimberley, Texas, and Cottonwood, Arizona, came in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Ready to get out and enjoy a blanket of stars? Check out the full findings at hometogo.com .

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As summer nears, state tourism businesses pin hopes on winning more Pure Michigan funding

As Michigan gears up for another summer tourism season, businesses are hoping to cash in on what they expect will be strong demand throughout the state.

On Mackinac Island, visitors will notice numerous changes, including a two-year restoration at the Grand Hotel and the reopening of the Inn at Stonecliffe following a two-year, $30 million, property-wide transformation. In the Traverse City area, four hotels are expected to open in the next year to accommodate additional out-of-town guests in the popular tourist spot along Lake Michigan.

Operators are hopeful the summer season will be better for tourism in the state after emerging from a mild winter that negatively impacted snow-related businesses, particularly ski hills and nearby lodging. Hospitality and tourism leaders, meanwhile, are seeking the funding they say the state’s Pure Michigan campaign needs to keep visitors — and revenue — flowing into the state.

“We have the best state and I know we have the best campaign,” said Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “We just need to make sure it's in front of as many eyeballs as possible.”

Pushing for promotion funds

Officials with Travel Michigan said earlier this month that results from the state’s Pure Michigan campaign show that travel is on par with pre-pandemic numbers and consistent with national trends. A group of hospitality and tourism leaders would like to keep that momentum going.

Earlier this year, the Michigan Hospitality & Tourism Alliance was formed from a collaboration of statewide and regional organizations seeking to boost funding for the state’s Pure Michigan campaign. The alliance is seeking $50 million for the fiscal year, which would more than triple the current funding.

“We as an industry maybe have become a little more disparate since the pandemic,” said Winslow, a founding leader of the alliance. “We all fought individual battles and had such an existential threat to hospitality, travel and tourism overall. We all went back to our own corners just out of survival instincts. And I don't think we were all communicating what we needed to for the success of all of us overall, and it shows up most notably in what happened to the Pure Michigan budget."

The effort has found some support. On Thursday, the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Economic Development, and Lifelong Learning, chaired by Rep. Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, proposed a $40 million budget for Pure Michigan.

Pure Michigan's tourism advertising funding has decreased to about $15 million from roughly $40 million during the past two budget cycles, Winslow said: “That's just far short, I think, of what's necessary to meet the demand out there and the infrastructure that we've created as a state.

“And so I think we're leaving a lot of money on the table for Michiganders by not investing more in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign. And the alliance is trying to create a more unified and hopefully powerful place to make that message heard.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed $20 million for the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund “to build off the iconic Pure Michigan campaign, on top of the $15 million in existing funding for the program, with a focus on talent attraction, labor retention and relocating to Michigan.” It is unclear if any of those dollars would be spent on promotional spending.

The alliance also announced earlier this year the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral “Hospitality & Tourism Caucus" that will work with the alliance to better understand challenges and opportunities impacting the industry. Those members include state Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs; Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores; Rep. Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, and Rep. Nancy DeBoer, R-Holland.

“The travel, tourism and hospitality industry drives the Michigan economy, and nowhere is this more true than in my District in northern Michigan and the Eastern U.P.,” said Damoose, the caucus co-chair, in a statement. “Given the unique challenges faced by this industry in the past several years — from Covid to regulatory burdens — it is critical that legislators come together to help.”

A 2024 SMARInsights Advertising Effectiveness Research for Pure Michigan report released this month showed that Pure Michigan advertising influenced more than 1.5 million leisure trips to Michigan from the national, regional and in-state markets targeted by the campaign. The report showed that out of the $16.9 million spent on advertising in 2023, Michigan saw a return of $9.21 in state tax revenue for each $1 invested.

“I guess it just goes to show that if there’s less advertising, we’ll have to rely on other means to fight for potential business loss,” said Tim Hygh, CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism.

The campaign also has an impact for Metro Detroit, said Christopher Moyer of Visit Detroit, an alliance member: "Every dollar that comes from Chicago to Detroit is one dollar that didn't exist in our economy before but now is here."

Moyer said the requested $50 million is a small fraction of the state’s overall budget — $82 billion for the current fiscal year — and “returns 10X back for communities throughout the state, for small businesses, for union workers, for the hotel workers in the city of Detroit who are part of the Unite Here labor union. They go to work because of visitors.”

Investing in upgrades

On Mackinac Island, businesses are hoping for another strong year when the island opens in May. Among the latest projects is the $30 million transformation of the Inn at Stonecliffe. The property will welcome guests starting in June.

The former mansion, built in 1904, and its 150-acre estate have had numerous uses over the years, including as a ski resort, college and hotel.

The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation took ownership of the property in fall 2022, closed it and restored the mansion, refreshed the summer house and added three three-bedroom cottages and a fourth one-bedroom cottage, said Kevin Doyle, the foundation's chief operating officer.

“All the rooms are kind of a custom bespoke feel,” he said. “In the mansion, there's 16 rooms. Every one of them is different. The summer house, there's 32 rooms. Every floor has a different feel. The mansion is more of a romantic charm feel. And the summer houses is a little brighter family, cheerful feel, if you will.”

The foundation also added a wellness center, two pools, a barbecue pavilion and a four-season event venue overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The foundation acquired the nearby apple orchard and plans to offer beekeeping lessons and apple picking, Doyle said.

In Grand Traverse County, four hotels are expected to open this year or early next year, including an Avid hotel and a Fairfield Inn, said Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism.

“I think that’s the testament to the commitment and the belief that demand will continue to grow for destinations like Traverse City,” he said. The area held its first International Fireworks Championship in 2023, and will expand this year as a two-day event. Another draw is the nearly 50 wineries in the region.

In Grand Rapids, Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, said they are projecting a 1.5% to 3% increase in visitors this year based on a leveling-off of room rates and occupancy: "What I like to say is, 'let's manage expectations.' Because ‘22 and ‘23 were so good … You can't grow that every year. You can maybe maintain it. So we maintain it through this year, or even increase by 1%, that's still a really good year.”

At Brys Estate in Traverse City, Patrick Brys said his family-owned winery is pretty well-staffed for the summer season. The year-round staff hovers around 25 employees. At peak times, the winery employs about 100 people.

The 155-acre property includes a winery, 44 acres of grapes, a guest house and a "secret garden" with 6,000 lavender plants. Business at the winery is up from pre-pandemic levels, with 1,000 daily visitors during peak times.

“People coming up can choose from a lot of different activities as far as wine tasting or specialized wine tours that take people out in the vineyard on stretch golf carts we call our wine wagons,” he said. “Obviously, they can visit our secret garden and lavender operation. And there's picnic areas down there. They can browse a lot of the products that are made from all the distilling of the lavender oils.”

Staffing up for summer

Hiring is also on the minds of tourist destinations and seasonal venues throughout the state. Mackinac Island needs about 5,000 workers on the island every year, Hygh said, with about 1,200 coming to work through H-2B guest worker visa.

“Our members will put an enormous effort in to get by. I think we're going to be fine," he said. "There's nothing that sticks out this year that shows that we would be down, but we continue to just keep advocating and fighting for more H-2B visas. That’s a constant.”

At Rare Bird Brewpub in Traverse City, co-founder Tina Schuett said they are preparing for an influx of visitors as the weather warms. People are drawn to the food and beer scene as well as nearby natural attractions, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes.

To accommodate extra visitors, the pub will expand beyond its year-round staff of 30 to about 40.

“We hire some seasonal staff, usually younger people, high school or college filling some of those gaps that we need just kind of support staff,” Schuett said. “It’s really tricky getting all the staff that we need because everybody in this town is fighting for the same employees and also with COVID we saw a lot of people leaving the industry. "

Schuett’s looking forward to the stressful and exhausting busyness of the summer season, she acknowledged: “It's when we make our money for the year. Our staff love it because they make a lot of money and they do really well.”

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Latest Move to Fight Overtourism in India – India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

April 30th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

The court’s order follows the Tamil Nadu government report that said 20,000 vehicles enter these hill stations every day. This posed concerns for the elephants in the region as well as the drought prevailing in the Nilgiris.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

The Madras High Court has made it mandatory for all motor vehicles seeking to enter the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal between May 7 and June 30 to obtain electronic passes. The aim is to collect data on the number of tourists visiting and the number and types of vehicles that are entering these hill stations.

Heavy traffic in the hills: The court’s order came as the Tamil Nadu government filed a status report that said 20,000 vehicles enter these hill stations every day. This posed concerns for the elephants in the region as well as the drought prevailing in the Nilgiris, though the court clarified that there won’t be a cap on the number of e-passes issued. 

Last month, the government of Tamil Nadu had agreed to fix the carrying capacity for roads leading to these eco-sensitive hill stations after a scientific assessment. The court has now asked the district administrations to collect as much information as possible regarding the tourists visiting these areas while issuing the e-passes to help the assessment.

Overtourism in India: Hill stations in India have been facing overcrowding during peak summers as tourists in large numbers flock to these destinations.

In 2023, destinations such as Nainital, Kasauli, Shimla, and Manali faced an influx of tourists, causing local authorities to place entry restrictions. The government of India also supported the idea of determining carrying capacity of hill stations and eco-sensitive locations in the Himalayan states to curb overtourism.

Apart from measures like fixing carrying capacity at sensitive locations, the government is working to develop destinations and improve infrastructure to tackle possible overcrowding. These include building and revamping destinations like Ujjain and Varanasi. India is also trying to popularize alternative underpenetrated tourist destinations like Lakshadweep. Moreover, states like Goa and Kerala are also focusing on sustainable and regenerative strategies that can tackle ill-effects of overtourism.

Aditya Agarwal Steps Down as Cleartrip’s CFO

Online travel company has announced that its chief financial officer (CFO) Aditya Agarwal has decided to step down from his role. The company has said that Agarwal’s decision is due to personal reasons. He was with the company for nine years and played a key role in Cleartrip’s financial strategy and organizational growth.

This has come two months after Cleartrip CEO Ayyappan Rajagopal announced his decision to leave the company after 11 years. Rajagopal has plans to set up his own business after his departure from the company, he had said in a post on LinkedIn. 

In view of Agarwal’s departure, Cleartrip has said that Akshat Mishra will take over as the new head of business finance.

AirAsia Announces New Routes to Kozhikode, Guwahati

Low-cost carrier AirAsia has announced two new routes to Kozhikode and Guwahati from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. With this, the airline will have 15 direct routes in India. AirAsia will operate three weekly flights to both these destinations starting August 1. 

The airline’s group chief commercial officer Paul Caroll said that India is one of the biggest markets for AirAsia and it is accelerating its operations in the country. 

Since January this year, AirAsia has announced seven new routes in India, including those to Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam. Till 2023, the airline was operating eight routes in India. 

Korea Tourism Holds Roadshows to Showcase Leisure, MICE Potential in India

The Korea Tourism Organization conducted roadshows in India to showcase its leisure and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) potential. This comes as the country has set a target to welcome 200,000 Indian tourists this year. Of these, Korea aims to receive 20,000 MICE delegates. 

Regional director Myong Kil Yun said, “With a record-breaking target of welcoming 200,000 Indian travelers this year, the recent roadshows were a success. We are confident that by showcasing the diverse experiences Korea offers, we can achieve this ambitious goal.”

In 2023, 120,000 Indian travelers visited South Korea. In order to meet its goal this year, the country is looking at joint marketing promotions, familiarization trips, multi-city roadshows, as well as digital marketing promotions.

Thomas Cook, SOTC Operate Inaugural Bengaluru-Bhutan Charter Flight

Travel services provider Thomas Cook, along with its group company SOTC, operated its inaugural charter flight between Bengaluru and Bhutan’s Paro at 100% occupancy. “This exceptional delivery underscores the robust demand from Bengaluru and Karnataka for premium destinations-experiences,” the company said in a statement. 

The company’s charter flights scheduled for May 4 and 11 have also been fully booked. This has led to Thomas Cook’s decision to operate two additional charters on May 18 and 25. 

Thomas Cook country head for Holidays Rajeev Kale said, “We had handpicked Bengaluru airport as the hub/gateway for this initiative based on three clear opportunities. First is that Karnataka is our top source market. Moreover, there is a high demand for consumers for unique destinations-experiences. Another reason is the absence of direct connectivity for Bhutan from South India.”

Four Points by Sheraton Opens Resort in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonmarg 

Four Points by Sheraton has announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Sonmarg Resort in Jammu and Kashmir. The 47-key resort marks the brand’s debut in Sonmarg. Marriott also operates a hotel under the Four Points by Sheraton brand in Srinagar.

At the launch, Marriott’s South Asia area vice president Ranju Alex said, “This strategic expansion underlines our commitment to growth in the region and showcases how our brands cater to a wide range of travel needs and preferences.” This year, the company aims to open 12 hotels in India and as part of its strategy, it also debuted its Moxy brand in January.

Uttarakhand Tourism Launches India’s First Astro Tourism Campaign

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has partnered with astro tourism company Starscapes to launch ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ , the first astro tourism campaign in India. As part of this initiative, the state tourism will promote astro tourism activities such as stargazing, special solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars among others. 

The campaign activities will cover several destinations in the state, including Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli. With this campaign, the state is also hoping to advocate the preservation of dark skies in the state. 

With this, Uttarakhand is hoping to position itself as the preferred destination for astro tourism for enthusiasts from all over the world.

Booking.com Unveils Indian Travelers’ Trip Planning Preferences

Online travel company Booking.com has revealed that 61% Indian travelers prefer to book their flights first, before they secure their accommodation. It added that nearly 40% of the travelers book event tickets well in advance. Additionally, about 25% of the travelers prefer to book multiple aspects of their trips at the same time. 

More than half the Indian travelers choose to buy travel insurance before they even book their accommodation. Moreover, nearly a third of Indian travelers wait until after booking their stays and just before their trips, to arrange car rentals, restaurant reservations and taxis.

( Skift India Report will not be published on Thursday, May 2, as May 1 is a holiday. )

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Tags: airasia , airline , airlines , aviation industry , aviation news , business traveler , cleartrip , eco-friendly , environment , hotels , india outbound , marriott bonvoy , Marriott International , mice , online travel , online travel agencies , overtourism , sheraton , south korea , sustainable tourism , thomas cook , tourism , Travel Trends

Photo credit: The aim is to collect data on the number of tourists visiting these hill stations. (Image: Kodaikanal Lake) Tamil Nadu Tourism