Introduction to Tourism Industry
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Tourism and Medical Tourism course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A #
A
Attractions #
Attractions
Attractions are places or activities that draw tourists to a destination #
These can include natural landmarks, cultural sites, amusement parks, museums, festivals, and events. Attractions play a crucial role in driving tourism as they are the main reason why travelers choose a certain destination.
Adventure Tourism #
Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism involves traveling to remote or exotic locations to engage in… #
This type of tourism appeals to thrill-seekers who enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences in natural settings.
Accommodation #
Accommodation
Accommodation refers to the places where tourists can stay overnight during thei… #
This can include hotels, motels, resorts, hostels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Accommodation options vary in price, amenities, and location, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Accessibility #
Accessibility
Accessibility in tourism refers to the ease with which travelers can reach a des… #
Good accessibility includes efficient transportation options, clear signage, and infrastructure that accommodates people with disabilities. Destinations that are easily accessible are more likely to attract tourists.
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) #
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
The Adventure Travel Trade Association is a global organization that represents… #
ATTA works to promote sustainable adventure travel practices, support industry professionals, and advocate for responsible tourism development.
B #
B
Budget Travel #
Budget Travel
Budget travel involves exploring destinations on a limited budget, often opting… #
Budget travelers prioritize saving money while still experiencing new cultures and attractions.
Business Travel #
Business Travel
Business travel refers to trips taken for work #
related purposes, such as meetings, conferences, trainings, and client visits. Business travelers often have specific requirements, such as convenient location, reliable Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities at their accommodations.
Backpacker #
Backpacker
A backpacker is a type of traveler who prioritizes independence, adventure, and… #
Backpackers typically carry their belongings in a backpack, stay in hostels or budget accommodations, and seek authentic cultural interactions during their trips.
C #
C
Cultural Tourism #
Cultural Tourism
Cultural tourism involves visiting destinations to experience the art, history,… #
Cultural tourists engage in activities such as visiting museums, attending performances, tasting traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural festivals.
Car Rental #
Car Rental
Car rental services allow travelers to hire a vehicle for a specific period, giv… #
Car rentals are popular among tourists who prefer independent travel and want to access remote or off-the-beaten-path locations.
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) #
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
A Convention and Visitors Bureau is an organization that promotes a destination… #
CVBs provide information on accommodations, attractions, dining, and activities to help visitors plan their trips effectively.
Certified Medical Tourism Professional (CMTP) #
Certified Medical Tourism Professional (CMTP)
A Certified Medical Tourism Professional is an individual who has completed spec… #
CMTPs play a key role in facilitating medical travel for patients seeking treatment abroad.
D #
D
Destination Management Company (DMC) #
Destination Management Company (DMC)
A Destination Management Company is a professional service provider that special… #
DMCs offer local expertise, logistical support, and customized itineraries to enhance the visitor's experience.
Direct Flights #
Direct Flights
Direct flights are airline routes that connect two destinations without any layo… #
Direct flights are preferred by travelers who value convenience, time efficiency, and avoiding the hassle of connecting flights.
Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) #
Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
A Destination Marketing Organization is a tourism promotion agency responsible f… #
DMOs collaborate with local businesses, stakeholders, and government entities to showcase the destination's attractions, events, and amenities.
Destination Wedding #
Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is a ceremony held in a location away from the couple's ho… #
Destination weddings offer a unique and memorable experience for the couple and their guests, often taking place in picturesque settings such as beaches, vineyards, or historical landmarks.
E #
E
Eco #
Tourism
Eco #
tourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local communities. Eco-tourists engage in activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and volunteering to support conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.
Event Management #
Event Management
Event management involves planning, organizing, and coordinating special events,… #
Event managers oversee logistics, budgeting, marketing, and guest services to ensure successful and memorable events for attendees.
Ecotourism Society #
Ecotourism Society
The Ecotourism Society is a non #
profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit the environment, wildlife, and local communities. The society provides resources, training, and certification programs for industry professionals committed to ecotourism.
Ecotourism Certification #
Ecotourism Certification
Ecotourism certification programs assess and verify that a tourism operation mee… #
Certification helps eco-friendly businesses demonstrate their commitment to responsible tourism and attract environmentally conscious travelers.
F #
F
Food Tourism #
Food Tourism
Food tourism, also known as culinary tourism, involves traveling to explore the… #
Food tourists participate in cooking classes, food tours, tastings, and dining experiences to savor authentic flavors and ingredients.
FIT (Free Independent Traveler) #
FIT (Free Independent Traveler)
FIT, which stands for Free Independent Traveler, refers to individual travelers… #
FIT travelers have the flexibility to customize their itineraries, activities, and accommodations according to their preferences.
Festival Tourism #
Festival Tourism
Festival tourism involves traveling to attend cultural, music, food, or religiou… #
Festival tourists immerse themselves in the local celebrations, traditions, and entertainment, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of the host community.
Foreign Exchange #
Foreign Exchange
Foreign exchange, also known as forex, refers to the process of converting one c… #
Foreign exchange services facilitate currency exchange rates, commissions, and fees for tourists exchanging money abroad.
G #
G
Group Travel #
Group Travel
Group travel involves organized trips for a group of people, such as friends, fa… #
Group travelers benefit from group discounts, shared experiences, and the convenience of having a pre-planned itinerary and group leader.
Green Tourism #
Green Tourism
Green tourism, also known as sustainable tourism, focuses on minimizing the nega… #
Green tourists support eco-friendly accommodations, conservation projects, and responsible tour operators to promote sustainable travel practices.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) #
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Gross Domestic Product is a measure of the total economic output produced within… #
GDP includes the value of goods and services produced, indicating the economic health and growth of a nation, including contributions from the tourism industry.
Global Distribution System (GDS) #
Global Distribution System (GDS)
A Global Distribution System is a computerized network used by travel agents and… #
GDSs facilitate reservations, ticketing, and itinerary management for travelers and travel providers.
H #
H
Hospitality Industry #
Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry encompasses businesses that provide lodging, food and b… #
Hospitality establishments include hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, cruise lines, and other businesses that prioritize guest satisfaction and comfort.
Hotel Classification #
Hotel Classification
Hotel classification systems categorize hotels based on their facilities, servic… #
Classification criteria may include star ratings, room size, dining options, location, and guest reviews.
Health Tourism #
Health Tourism
Health tourism, also known as medical tourism, involves traveling to another cou… #
Health tourists seek high-quality healthcare, cost savings, shorter wait times, and access to specialized procedures not available in their home countries.
Heritage Tourism #
Heritage Tourism
Heritage tourism focuses on visiting historical sites, monuments, museums, and c… #
Heritage tourists engage in educational experiences, guided tours, and preservation efforts to appreciate and protect cultural treasures.
I #
I
Inbound Tourism #
Inbound Tourism
Inbound tourism refers to travelers visiting a destination from other countries… #
Inbound tourists contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodations, dining, shopping, attractions, and transportation services.
Independent Travel #
Independent Travel
Independent travel involves solo or group trips planned and executed without the… #
Independent travelers have the freedom to explore destinations at their own pace, discover off-the-beaten-path locations, and interact with local cultures independently.
Incentive Travel #
Incentive Travel
Incentive travel programs reward employees, customers, or partners with travel e… #
Incentive travelers enjoy all-expenses-paid trips, luxury accommodations, exclusive activities, and personalized services to recognize their achievements and loyalty.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) #
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The International Air Transport Association is a global trade organization repre… #
IATA sets standards for safety, security, and efficiency in air transport, as well as providing training, accreditation, and advocacy for its member airlines.
J #
J
Jet Lag #
Jet Lag
Jet lag refers to the temporary disruption of the body's internal clock caused b… #
Symptoms of jet lag may include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and digestive issues, affecting travelers' comfort and well-being during their trips.
Journey Mapping #
Journey Mapping
Journey mapping is a technique used in tourism and marketing to visualize and an… #
Journey maps help businesses understand customer needs, preferences, and pain points to enhance the overall travel experience.
Jamaica Tourist Board #
Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board is the official tourism marketing agency responsible f… #
The board showcases Jamaica's attractions, culture, cuisine, and hospitality to attract visitors from around the world and support the country's tourism industry.
Job Shadowing #
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is a career development strategy where individuals observe profess… #
Job shadowing experiences help aspiring tourism professionals understand job responsibilities, skills, and workplace dynamics.
K #
K
Kayak Tourism #
Kayak Tourism
Kayak tourism involves exploring waterways, lakes, rivers, and coastlines using… #
Kayak tourists enjoy paddling, wildlife viewing, fishing, and nature immersion while promoting sustainable tourism practices in natural environments.
Kiosk #
Kiosk
A kiosk is a small, standalone structure or booth typically found in airports, s… #
Kiosks provide convenient and accessible resources for tourists, enhancing their travel experience and convenience.
Kosher Tourism #
Kosher Tourism
Kosher tourism caters to Jewish travelers seeking destinations, accommodations,… #
Kosher tourists look for certified kosher restaurants, accommodations with kosher kitchens, and religious services when traveling for leisure or religious purposes.
Kilometer (Km) #
Kilometer (Km)
A kilometer is a unit of measurement equal to 1,000 meters or approximately 0 #
62 miles, commonly used to measure distances in the metric system. Kilometers are used in travel to indicate the length of routes, hiking trails, road signs, and transportation distances between locations.
L #
L
Luxury Travel #
Luxury Travel
Luxury travel caters to affluent travelers seeking exclusive, high #
end experiences, accommodations, amenities, and personalized services during their trips. Luxury travelers prioritize comfort, privacy, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and unique activities to indulge in luxury and sophistication.
Leisure Travel #
Leisure Travel
Leisure travel refers to trips taken for relaxation, recreation, entertainment,… #
Leisure travelers engage in activities such as sightseeing, shopping, dining, sports, and cultural experiences to unwind and recharge during their vacations.
Local Currency #
Local Currency
Local currency refers to the official monetary unit used in a specific country o… #
Tourists exchange their home currency for local currency to pay for expenses, such as accommodations, meals, transportation, and souvenirs during their travels.
Landmark #
Landmark
A landmark is a significant or iconic feature, structure, monument, or natural s… #
Landmarks serve as navigation points, photo opportunities, and attractions that contribute to a destination's identity and tourism appeal.
M #
M
Medical Tourism #
Medical Tourism
Medical tourism involves traveling to another country to receive medical treatme… #
Medical tourists seek high-quality care, cost savings, advanced procedures, and personalized services not available in their home countries for medical or cosmetic purposes.
Mobile Booking #
Mobile Booking
Mobile booking refers to the process of making travel reservations, such as flig… #
Mobile booking platforms offer convenience, flexibility, real-time information, and secure payment options for travelers planning their trips on the go.
Monument #
Monument
A monument is a structure, statue, memorial, or architectural feature built to c… #
Monuments serve as public art, landmarks, and tourist attractions that preserve and showcase the heritage, identity, and values of a community or nation.
Multi #
Country Tour
A multi #
country tour involves visiting multiple destinations across different countries within a single trip itinerary. Multi-country tours offer diverse cultural experiences, scenic attractions, and historical sites, allowing travelers to explore multiple regions, languages, and customs in one comprehensive journey.
N #
N
Niche Tourism #
Niche Tourism
Niche tourism focuses on specialized interests, hobbies, or activities that cate… #
Niche tourism categories include adventure, culinary, wellness, eco-friendly, heritage, LGBTQ+, and other specialized travel preferences that meet the needs of niche travelers.
Non #
Governmental Organization (NGO)
A Non #
Governmental Organization is a non-profit organization independent of government influence that works to address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues in communities, including those related to tourism development. NGOs collaborate with stakeholders, businesses, and governments to promote sustainable practices, community engagement, and responsible tourism initiatives.
Networking #
Networking
Networking involves establishing and maintaining relationships with individuals,… #
Networking in the tourism industry helps professionals build connections, gain insights, and expand their knowledge and influence within the sector.
National Tourism Organization (NTO) #
National Tourism Organization (NTO)
A National Tourism Organization is a government agency responsible for developin… #
NTOs collaborate with industry stakeholders, international partners, and media to enhance the destination's tourism appeal and competitiveness.
O #
O
Online Travel Agency (OTA) #
Online Travel Agency (OTA)
An Online Travel Agency is a digital platform that allows travelers to research,… #
OTAs provide convenience, real-time availability, customer reviews, and secure payment options for travelers planning their trips independently.
Overseas Visitor #
Overseas Visitor
An overseas visitor is a traveler from another country who visits a destination… #
Overseas visitors contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodations, dining, shopping, attractions, and transportation services, supporting the tourism industry's growth and sustainability.
Outbound Tourism #
Outbound Tourism
Outbound tourism refers to residents of a country traveling to other destination… #
Outbound tourists explore international destinations, cultures, and experiences, contributing to cross-border exchanges, economic growth, and global connectivity.
Online Reputation Management #
Online Reputation Management
Online Reputation Management involves monitoring, analyzing, and influencing the… #
ORM strategies help tourism stakeholders build trust, credibility, and positive visibility to attract travelers, enhance customer satisfaction, and manage online brand reputation effectively.
P #
P
Packaged Tour #
Packaged Tour
A packaged tour is a pre #
arranged travel itinerary that includes transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and guided tours bundled together for a fixed price. Packaged tours offer convenience, savings, and a structured experience for travelers who prefer organized group travel with predetermined schedules and inclusions.
Promotional Pricing #
Promotional Pricing
Promotional pricing involves offering discounts, deals, packages, or special off… #
Promotional pricing strategies include early bird discounts, seasonal promotions, loyalty rewards, and package deals to incentivize travelers and boost demand for travel experiences.
Public #
Private Partnership (PPP)
A Public #
Private Partnership is a collaboration between government agencies and private sector entities to develop, finance, operate, or manage tourism infrastructure, services, or projects for mutual benefit and sustainable growth. PPPs leverage resources, expertise, and innovation to enhance destination competitiveness, economic development, and community well-being.
Personalized Travel Experience #
Personalized Travel Experience
A personalized travel experience involves customizing travel itineraries, servic… #
Personalized travel experiences offer tailored recommendations, exclusive access, and unique touches to enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement in the tourism industry.
Q #
Q
Quality Tourism Services (QTS) #
Quality Tourism Services (QTS)
Quality Tourism Services refer to high standards of customer service, facilities… #
QTS certifications, awards, and reviews recognize businesses that prioritize quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement in the tourism sector.
Queuing Theory #
Queuing Theory
Queuing Theory is a mathematical study of waiting lines, congestion, service tim… #
Queuing theory helps businesses optimize service efficiency, reduce wait times, and enhance customer satisfaction by analyzing queuing systems, bottlenecks, and service strategies