What is Tourism?

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) which is the leading international body on global tourism defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited"

Who are considered as tourists?

1.   People who are away from their normal place of residence for a period of up to one year (but will return home);

2.   People who are taking part in activities that would normally be associated with leisure and tourism;

3.   People who are on a visit that is temporary and short term;

4.   People who are away for a business trip

Usually when we refer to “Travel and Tourism” we have a tendency to think that it necessarily involves people travelling abroad. However, Travel and tourism may also take place within the people’s home country itself. For instance, it may be a trip, an excursion, a business meeting or VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) within the country itself.