English Reference

Word

tourism

US/ˈtʊˌɹɪzəm/

UK/tˈɔːɹɪzəm/

Definitions

01travelling for pleasure

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the activity of travelling to a place for a holiday or to see interesting things.

n. the practice of travelling for recreation or leisure. Uncountable in this general sense.

“The city relies on tourism to support its local shops and restaurants.”

“Mass tourism has transformed the coastal village from a quiet fishing port into a bustling hub of international visitors.”

02the travel industry

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the business of providing hotels, transport, and activities for people on holiday.

n. the commercial sector responsible for organising and supporting travel and sightseeing.

“She decided to study tourism at university because she loves meeting people.”

“The government is investing heavily in sustainable tourism to protect the environment while growing the economy.”

Usage

Often functions as a noun adjunct in phrases like 'tourism industry' or 'tourism board'.

Synonyms

travel industryhospitality sector

03visiting for a specific purpose

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. travelling to a different place to get a specific service or result, like medical care.

n. the act of visiting another region or jurisdiction to obtain a specific benefit or service. Often used with a qualifying noun.

“Medical tourism is becoming popular for people seeking cheaper dental work abroad.”

“The rise of vaccine tourism highlighted the global disparities in healthcare access during the pandemic.”

Usage

Typically appears in compound forms such as 'medical tourism' or 'birth tourism'.

Teaching tip

This sense is often used in political or social discussions regarding policy differences between regions.

Etymology

From tour + -ism.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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