Tourism

Tourism Definition

Tourism refers to the commercial organisation of travel, enabling individuals to act as their own travellers. Historically, the term ‘tour’ originated in the eighteenth century to denote taking a circuitous journey, and by 1811 it came to signify travelling for pleasure. The development of railways in Britain during the 1830s and 1840s facilitated popular tourism, leading to new forms of leisure. Today, tourism is a vast global business that generates significant national earnings for many countries, often involving the movement of people to destinations.

Historical Development and Leisure

The concept of travel for pleasure was significantly shaped by historical trends. The Grand Tour, associated with figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the late eighteenth century, promoted self-discovery through foreign travel among the wealthy. In the early twentieth century, the creation of annual holidays provided leisure opportunities for the working class, illustrating the impact of social stratification on leisure activities. Following World War II, advancements in cheap transportation and package holidays transformed tourism into a feature of consumer society. This period saw a shift where working-class groups sought leisure in popular destinations, while others pursued travel to exotic or remote locations as a marker of status distinction and cultural capital.

Sociological Focus and Impact

Sociologists examine tourism for two primary reasons: the impact it has on tourist sites themselves and the nature of the tourist experience. A key paradox noted by scholars is that the development associated with tourism can often damage the very environments or pristine views that initially attract visitors. Furthermore, the industry exerts a disruptive influence on local cultures and socio-economic development. For instance, in economies heavily reliant on tourism, such as parts of Cuba, perverse incentives may arise where those who engage in the service economy command higher wages than those operating within the domestic economy, discouraging participation in public services or manufacturing. Sociologists of culture are also interested in how the historical heritage of tourist sites is constructed and marketed to visitors.

Modern Transformation and Postmodernity

Contemporary tourism is characterised by increasing commodification. As globalisation has increased the affordability of international travel, there has been an inevitable ‘McDonaldisation’ of leisure. This commercialisation now encompasses diverse forms, including sex tourism and the emerging field of health tourism, exemplified by medical treatments offered in resort areas. Because exclusive and exotic destinations are heavily influenced by consumerism, there is a trend towards manufacturing or inventing these experiences. This transformation has led scholars, such as John Urry, to explore the shift in perception, leading to the concept of socially constructed tourist destinations, exemplified by places like Disneyland. Furthermore, as terrestrial tourism becomes overcrowded, new forms of travel are emerging, such as space tourism, which is increasingly used for financial contributions to scientific exploration.