According to the United Nations and the World Tourism Organization (2010), tourism comprises the activities of visitors travelling to destinations outside their usual environment for less than one year for purposes such as leisure, business, or other personal reasons. A distinction is made between tourists, whose trips include at least one overnight stay, and same-day visitors, who do not stay overnight.
From an academic perspective, tourism is a multidisciplinary field of study that encompasses the activities, industries, and relationships involved in travel for recreational, leisure, business, or educational purposes. Academically, tourism is often approached from various disciplines such as economics, sociology, geography, environmental studies, business management, anthropology, and more. Scholars in these fields study tourism from different angles to understand its economic, social, cultural, environmental, and political implications.
Tourism involves a range of activities and services, including transportation, accommodation, food and beverage services, attractions, entertainment, and other amenities provided to meet the needs and desires of travellers. Overall, from an academic standpoint, tourism is a complex and dynamic field of research that explores the interactions between tourists, host communities, businesses, governments, and the environment to understand the multifaceted nature of travel and its impacts on society.
According to UNEP and UNWTO (2005), sustainable tourism is "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities" (pp. 11-12). As such, sustainable tourism considers environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles to ensure that tourism activities can continue in the long term without harming the environment or negatively impacting local communities. It aims to balance the needs of tourists, the industry, the environment, and host communities. Therefore, social sustainability in tourism often focuses on specific aspects such as community engagement, local perceptions, and social impacts. It emphasises the involvement of local communities in tourism development and the promotion of their well-being (UNWTO, n.d.-a.).
There are several related concepts in the broader field of tourism used in the literature on the subject as well. While there is overlap among these concepts, each term has its own specific focus and principles, but each concept contributes to the promotion of tourism that is beneficial to both travellers and destination communities, while also preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Responsible tourism can be explained as tourism that seeks to increase the positive effects of tourism on destinations while reducing its negative impacts, with the aim of creating greater benefits for local communities and environments (UNWTO, 2020). Responsible tourism can be understood as an approach to tourism that seeks to reduce negative social, economic, and environmental impacts while ensuring that local communities benefit economically and experience improved well-being from tourism development (International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations, 2002).
Related terms, like ecotourism specifically focuses on responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education. It promotes conservation efforts and supports local communities (Wearing & Neil, 2009). Nature tourism usually refers to any form of tourism that involves visiting natural attractions, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, forests, or beaches (He et al., 2023). While nature tourism may include ecotourism activities, it is a broader term that encompasses all nature-based experiences.
Community-based tourism involves local communities in the development and management of tourism initiatives. It aims to empower communities, generate economic benefits, and preserve local culture and heritage (Zielinski et al., 2020). Cultural tourism focuses on travel experiences that emphasise the cultural heritage, traditions, arts, and lifestyle of a destination. It involves visiting museums, historical sites, cultural events, and engaging with local communities (Du Cros & McKercher, 2020). Adventure tourism involves travel experiences that include physical activities, exploration of remote or rugged landscapes, and engagement with nature. It emphasises outdoor adventure, thrill-seeking, and personal growth through challenging activities (Janowski et al., 2021). Heritage tourism centres around visiting cultural and historical sites, monuments, and museums to learn about the heritage, traditions, and identities of a destination. It promotes the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage (Timothy, 2014). Slow tourism encourages travellers to take a leisurely approach to travel, focusing on immersive experiences, sustainable practices, and a deeper connection with local cultures and environments. It promotes a more mindful and environmentally friendly way of traveling (Moira et al., 2017).
These concepts expand the scope of sustainable and responsible tourism by highlighting different aspects of the tourism industry, such as community involvement, cultural preservation, adventure experiences, heritage conservation, and sustainable travel practices. Each concept offers unique perspectives on how tourism can contribute positively to society, the economy, and the environment while respecting local communities and cultures.