The definition of tourism is not a simple matter, as it is a complex industry composed of various professions, with the common theme being the provision of products and services to tourists/visitors. Tourism, in its simplest possible definition, means traveling for business or leisure purposes to a location away from your hometown or usual area. As a tourist, you visit a place that is distant from your normal surroundings. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) specifically defines tourism as staying outside of your usual environment for one year or less for recreational purposes, or 24 hours or less for business purposes.

The definition of tourism is not a simple matter, as it is a complex industry composed of various professions, with the common theme being the provision of products and services to tourists/visitors. Tourism, in its simplest possible definition, means traveling for business or leisure purposes to a location away from your hometown or usual area. As a tourist, you visit a place that is distant from your normal surroundings. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) specifically defines tourism as staying outside of your usual environment for one year or less for recreational purposes, or 24 hours or less for business purposes.