Five new types of tourism to get to know in 2023

Difference between tourist and traveller

Before analysing the various types of tourism, let us see the difference between tourist and traveller: a helpful distinction that will help us better understand the latest forms of tourism.

The tourist follows an itinerary organised by others or found on the Internet, where there is no room for schedule changes. He experiences the unexpected as a problem to be solved. He travels in groups or participates in guided tours. He stays in hotels and goes around with his camera around his neck. He eats food he knows and does not go out of his comfort zone.

On the other hand, the traveller goes to discover a place to lose himself in it and to experience it. He studies his destination and organises a travel itinerary based on his interests. Unlike the tourist, the traveller follows his instincts, welcomes the unexpected and turns it into a moment of personal growth. He talks to locals, eats local cuisine and prefers the kind of travel and accommodation that allows him to get to know his destination, such as guest houses.

As we have seen, the difference between tourists and travellers is stark, but only if one uses a highly characterised idea of the two figures. In reality, the difference is much more nuanced, and tourists and travellers may be more similar than one imagines.

Types of tourism

According to post-covid tourism trends, the travel industry has seen steady growth and expansion in the last few years. Travelling has become easier and more accessible, and more and more people are setting off to discover exotic places or to experience new emotions.

This has developed different types of tourism, such as:

• Rural tourism – refers to all those trips that take place in rural or natural locations.
• Cultural tourism – is aimed at discovering art cities.
• Beach tourism – towards seaside and seaside resorts.
• Religious tourism – towards places of worship.

 

Like all industries, the travel industry is influenced by fads and trends that come along and change the way we think and act.

Let us, therefore, see what the latest 2022 trends in tourism are.

Domestic tourism

Domestic tourism describes the movement of a country’s residents within its borders. As a result of the pandemic, this type of tourism has seen its numbers increase exponentially in all countries. The desire to travel despite the uncertain situation has led to a preference for destinations that are easily accessible and seen as safer.

Thus we realised that taking a 12-hour flight to a south-east Asian country is unnecessary to marvel at the world’s wonders.
Domestic tourism will continue to be very strong in the years to come because it allows people to discover their country from the point of view of culture, landscape and much more.

Wellness tourism

Considered an elite sector until recently, wellness tourism has become an increasingly popular way of travelling. This type of tourism takes advantage of the benefits of mud, steam and natural thermal springs to offer treatments to improve physical and mental health.

Spending a few days relaxing at a spa is the best choice for those seeking a wellness holiday. The benefits and curative functions of thermal springs have been known since Roman times, so much so that we still use the word spa, which derives from the Latin“salus per aquam”.

If you do not want to abandon the discovery of places full of history during your holiday, choosing a European country as a destination is an excellent choice given the presence of several springs, some already in use in Roman times.
Some less popular places to consider for this trip, but already in vogue centuries ago, are Bath, Budapest, Bucharest and Aachen.

Culinary tourism

Culinary tourism, also known as food tourism, is a type of tourism that uses food and wine to discover a place’s culture and history. Food and wine tourism is an all-around experience that relies mainly on the senses of taste and smell.
Eating local dishes, sampling typical products at farms and participating in cooking classes are increasingly sought-after experiences for travellers.

If you own an accommodation, consider offering a similar experience to make your property stand out from the competition. In particular, countries with a great culinary tradition, such as France and Italy, are these travellers’ favourite destinations.

If you’re inspired to provide a unique culinary experience at your own establishment, creating a comprehensive Bed and Breakfast business plan is the first step towards turning this idea into a reality.

Experiential tourism

Travel has become a leading tourism trend in recent years, not only as a way to experience new places but also as a way to get to know oneself better and get in touch with nature and the surrounding places. Experiences challenge one’s limits, create memories and prove yourself.

For this reason, more and more people are embarking on this journey, even solo, young and old. The most important thing is to travel and experience that sense of freedom only travelling can give, no matter with whom or where.
Feeding elephants in Thailand, taking a hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia or waking up in a tent in the middle of the desert are just a few examples of the most popular experiences searched for and posted on social media.

Sustainable tourism

As opposed to mass tourism that sees places like Rome, Paris and Venice invaded by tourists every year, sustainable and slow tourism has developed to counteract climate change and is the primary trend of the last decade.
Sustainable tourism aims to get in touch with a place while fully respecting the community and local culture. Therefore, minimising one’s environmental impact and preserving the authenticity of a destination and its natural resources is crucial for those who choose to travel sustainably.

Frequently asked questions

Share this article on social networks: