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

Officials from Taiwan and Japan are optimistic the route will boost tourism, foster trade and deepen bilateral ties. —Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

But the outcry over 2026 ticket costs isn’t just about sticker shock, according to economists and tourism experts. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026

Travelers are increasingly building entire itineraries around a single cultural festival rather than chasing standard sightseeing, and the numbers back the shift — 86% of travelers are prioritizing immersive experiences over traditional tourism, according to 2025 Skift research. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026

The Fredericksburg area and Gillespie County are now home to over 75 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms, while the Texas Hill Country boasts over 100 and the state of Texas features over 400, according to the town's tourism department. —Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 2 June 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