tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the practice of traveling for recreation

2

: the guidance or management of tourists

3

a

: the promotion or encouragement of touring

b

: the accommodation of tourists

Examples of tourism in a Sentence

The city developed the riverfront to encourage tourism.

She has a job in tourism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many are now looking to utilizing some of the other 17,500 islands that make up Indonesia, rather than restricting themselves to the tourism capital. —Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025

North Carolina tourism offices will pay $345,000 annually over multiple years for the chance to be included in the Michelin Guide's expansion into the South. —Alexandria Sands, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025

Wellness tourism is up 16.6% YoY with many travelers seeking a wellness experience as their primary reason for travel. —Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Visits to America fell 11.6% in March as tourism experts believe foreign travelers have been alarmed by reports of tourists being arrested at the border or angered by Donald Trump's tariffs and rhetoric involving America's allies. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism

Kids Definition

tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm 

: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling