4 Ways That Tourism Is Changing In Modern Times
Going on vacation used to mean booking a cruise and sailing through tropical waters while relaxing on deck with a fruity cocktail and soaking up the sun. It could also mean staying at a ski resort in the American West and enjoying the dazzling slopes and clear mountain air by day while experiencing the vibrant night life of cities such as Aspen and Vail by night. Today's tourists, however, are moving in different directions. Although tropical cruise and ski vacations are still sought after experiences, modern tourism has diversified in several different ways -- following are just four of the most popular current travel trends.
Memorial Tourism
Memorial tourism involves visiting places of great historical significance, usually on significant anniversaries. For instance, many people visit the site of the former Twin Towers in New York City each year on September 11th. Other popular memorial tourism destinations include the beaches of Normandy on June 6, otherwise known as "D-Day," to commemorate U.S. troops landing there and beginning the process of freeing the people of France from the clutches of the Nazi regime.
Eco Tourism
Eco tourism is defined as responsible travel designed to enrich both travelers and the communities they visit. Eco tourism principles are based on minimizing negative impact, preserving local cultures, emphasizing education, and empowering indigenous populations. Popular destinations for those practicing eco-tourism include remote rain forest villages in South America, Native American villages in Northern Canada and Alaska, and Costa Rica.
Unplugged Tourism
After cellphones and laptops became universal, many travelers found it convenient to always be connected to work or home no matter where they were. However, that's experienced a bit of a backlash lately, resulting in the rise of unplugged tourism. Many of today's travelers want to leave it all behind in all respects, making destinations without WiFi or cellphone service popular vacation spots for some.
Adventure Tourism
A close cousin to eco-tourism, adventure tourism also entices those interested in discovering parts of the globe that are off the beaten path. Unlike eco-tourism, however, adventure tourism is more about exploring pristine wilderness environments than connecting with the cultures of Indigenous peoples. Typical adventure travelers love to visit places such as Antarctica, for instance, or go on a mountain biking trip through Australia's outback.
Reach out to travel companies if you'd like more information on tourist attractions and ways to get the most from your upcoming vacation.
