What is Tourism?

Culture: A way of life which is observed through a peoples religion, history, government and traditions. Ethnicity: To visit family and friends. Entertainment: Tourism developments of all sizes from Disney World, Universal Studios, Las Vegas to local community Special Events and Festivals such as the Bloomsday Road Race in Spokane, Washington. X-treme Tourism: Tourism based on high adventure activities (See Whirlwind Tourism)

Buffalo Dancers Sedona, AZ

Facilities: When tourists arrive at attractions they require facilities to provide services.

	Lodging: Represent a variety of services from campgrounds, RV parks, motels and five star resorts.
	Food & Beverage: Not only provide basic sustenance for tourists but an important factor in the overall tourism experience.
	Support Services: Usually are represented by small retail businesses providing souvenirs and personal services. Shopping is an integral part of the travel experience. Tourists seek unique and novel items which represent the area and cultures they visit.
	Infrastructure: The basic services on which all tourism depends. These systems include water and sewer systems, communication networks, medical facilities, electricity, police and fire protection and roads.

Transportation

Time and Money: This is the critical component to tourism, the ability to get from Point A to Point B and back, or to Point C, D, E.... The variables of Time, how long it takes to get to a specific destination, and Money, how much it costs to get to your destination. Tourism developments are dependent on the ease of access and types of transportation available.

Hospitality

Hospitality: The community's attitude which permeates every tourism location that makes the tourist feel welcome and safe. It is the result of the interaction between the tourist and the local population.