"Tourist" redirects here; for the album by Athlete, see Tourist (album)

For the Roxette album, see Tourism (album)

see List of popular tourist regions

Tourism is the act of travel for the purpose of recreation and business, and the provision of services for this act. Tourists are people who are "travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited" (official UNWTO definition). The distance between these two places is of no significance.

A more comprehensive definition would be that tourism is a service industry, comprising a number of tangible and intangible components. The tangible elements include transport systems — air, rail, road, water and now, space; hospitality services — accommodation, foods and beverages, tours, souvenirs; and related services such as banking, insurance and safety and security. The intangible elements include: rest and relaxation, culture, escape, adventure, new and different experiences.

More on [ Tourism ]

NYT > Travel

Frugal Traveler | The Grand Tour: Shipyards to Sheratons in Gdansk
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:58:27 -0000
With readers as his guide, the Frugal Traveler soaks up the history and culture of this Baltic Sea town on the Polish Riviera.
Surfacing | Soi Arab, Bangkok: A Crossroads of Two Cultures
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:34:07 -0000
The colorful pedestrian alleyway, lined with shisha bars and Saudi restaurants, teems with an energy that is more Middle Eastern than Thai.
Next Stop | Mexico: Move Over Oaxaca, Arty Michoacán Is Calling
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:50:09 -0000
A new stop on the Mexican crafts trail, the region is attracting more tourists and collectors with its colorful ceramics and glittering copper works.

Forbes.com: Travel News

Eight Sensational Scuba-Diving Trips
Rebecca Ruiz Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0000
Strap on an air tank and visit another world.
Guilt-Free Luxury Travel
Rebecca Ruiz Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0000
You don't have to feel guilty about spending thousands on a luxury vacation--especially if most of the money goes to charity.
Luxury Travel Bargains Close To Home
Courtney Myers Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0000
High-end hotels and resorts are dropping rates and offering special deals to keep their rooms full this summer.

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