Tourism, Components and Pillars

Tourism is the travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. It is the industry of travel, hotels, transportation that serves the needs and wants of travelers. It is the process, activities, and outcomes arising from the relationships and the interactions among tourists, tourism suppliers, host governments, host communities and surrounding environments that are involved in the attracting and hosting of visitors (Goeldner &Brent Richie, 2006).  The officially accepted definition is: “Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.

The Components of Tourism

• Tourist – people who visit a certain place or event

• Natural Resources/Environment – nature or appearance of its landscape

• Build Environment – infrastructure, culture, superstructure, technology and governance

• Operating Sectors of Tourism Industry – transportation, accommodation, food services, attraction, adventure/outdoor recreation, entertainment

The Nine (9) Pillars of Tourism

1. Transportation

2. Accommodation/ Lodging

3. Food and Beverage

4. Travel Sectors/ Travel Agents

5. Souvenirs and Handicrafts

6. Attractions

7. Entertainment

8. Allied Services

9. Tourism Planning and Development