# tourism

/ˈtʊˌɹɪzəm/ (US) · /tˈɔːɹɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tourism
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. travelling for pleasure

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the travel industry

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. visiting for a specific purpose

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The city relies on tourism to support local shops.
- International tourism has grown significantly as flights have become more affordable for the average family.
- While mass tourism provides essential revenue for the island's economy, it also places considerable strain on the fragile coastal ecosystem and local infrastructure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.