Types of Tourists

Introduction

Understanding the different types of tourists can be beneficial for travel professionals and those planning their holidays.

Eric Cohen's Typology

Cohen categorized tourists into four main types:

1. Drifter

• Seeks authentic and immersive experiences
• Stays with local communities instead of hotels
• Plans their own itineraries and seeks novelty
• Avoids mass tourism, e.g., won’t eat at McDonald's

2. Explorer

• Also seeks novelty but has some interaction with tourism commodities
• Travels independently, enjoys cultural experiences
• May stay in hotels but prefers local food and shopping
• Occasionally indulges in familiar food (e.g., fast food)

3. Individual Mass Tourist

• Prefers familiar experiences over new ones
• Seeks familiar food, language, and accommodations
• Typically travels solo, not tied to group tours

4. Organized Mass Tourist

• Travels as part of an organized group
• Seeks familiarity, follows a set itinerary
• Often uses tour guides and participates in group tours

Stanley Plog's Typology

Plog identified three types of tourists:

1. Allocentric

• Adventurous, seeks undeveloped destinations
• Excited by the unknown and travels alone
• Often first visitors to emerging areas

2. Psychocentric

• Prefers well-developed and familiar destinations
• Travels in organized groups, seeking comfort
• Often repeat tourists, enjoy all-inclusive packages

3. Mid-Centric

• Mix of adventure and comfort
• May use dynamic packaging or organized tours, but also explore independently

Types of Tourism

Different tourist types can also be classified based on destination and tourism type:

Domestic Tourists

• Travel within their home country
• Must stay away for at least one night

International Tourists

• Travel overseas for business or leisure
• Influenced by various factors such as distance, costs, and culture

Inbound Tourism

• Traveling to a different country for tourism
• Often seasonal, dependent on weather and holidays

Outbound Tourism

• Traveling out of one's home country
• Includes both inbound and outbound definitions

Types of Tourists by Tourism Type

Sustainable Tourists

• Embrace responsible tourism focused on environmental and social impact

Ethical Tourists

• Seek to benefit people and the environment, aligned with sustainable tourism

Experiential Tourists

• Focus on immersion and learning through experiences

Adventure Tourists

• Engage in high-risk activities requiring specialized skills

Dark Tourists

• Visit sites associated with death or tragedy, such as historical memorials

Cultural Tourists

• Visit destinations to experience specific cultures and traditions

Eco-Tourists

• Aim to preserve fragile environments through responsible tourism practices

Medical Tourists

• Travel for medical treatment, often to reduce costs or access specific care

Religious Tourists

• Travel for religious purposes or pilgrimages

Business Tourists

• Travel for business activities, such as meetings and conferences

Tourist vs. Traveler

• The debate between being a "tourist" vs. a "traveler" is common.
• All travelers are technically tourists; the distinction comes from the type of experience sought.

Conclusion

Understanding these categories can help better tailor travel experiences and marketing strategies.