tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the practice of traveling for recreation

2

: the guidance or management of tourists

3

a

: the promotion or encouragement of touring

b

: the accommodation of tourists

Examples of tourism in a Sentence

The city developed the riverfront to encourage tourism.

She has a job in tourism.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the demonstrations could weigh on tourism and therefore tax-free purchases, which account for around 20% of LVMH's revenue in France, Thozet said. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Cargo ship cruisers For centuries, cargo ships have welcomed paying passengers, making freighter tourism a niche but enduring industry. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

The Hospitality Boom Driven by demand for wellness getaways and experiential travel, luxury hospitality and tourism are outpacing many other consumer and real estate sectors, according to the Bain-Altagamma Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

This includes marine transportation, shipbuilding and repair, national defense and security, world-class research on autonomous crafts, shipping and logistics, tourism and recreation. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

• ism
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism

Kids Definition

tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm 

: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling