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

In 2001, as part of a broader change in its approach to local cultures, the Chinese government began promoting tourism in the region focused on the scenic countryside and Tibetan traditions. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 17 Dec. 2024

The study calls for immediate measures to decarbonize tourism and urges policymakers and industry leaders to align with climate targets. —Carlton Reid, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Likewise, protecting biodiversity will require major changes to an economic system that values industries such as tourism and timber more than mangroves and rainforests. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024

So many of Italy’s traditional food festivals began not long after, when the emergence of culinary tourism and growing appreciation for local food traditions gave rise to new annual celebrations. —John Last, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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