Alternative tourism, also known as specific interest tourism (SIT), involves trips that encourage interaction with local government, individuals and communities. Many travelers choose this type of tourism because they are passionate about nature and want to preserve it. Ecotourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism, sustainable tourism, and solidarity tourism are some of the approaches to alternative tourism. Cohen's classification of tourists describes four types according to the institutionalization of the tourist and the nature of the impact on the host community.
When it comes to classifying tourism, there are an infinite number of criteria that can be used. Sports tourism is also divided into sporting event tourism, celebrity and nostalgia sports tourism, and active sports tourism. A study by the Inter-American University for Development (UNID) makes a distinction between “classification” and “typology”, in which it defines eight types of tourism according to their form, which can be further subdivided into types. Cohen's classification of tourist explorers who seek new destinations and are prepared to take risks in the search for new cultures and places.
When it comes to understanding the different types of tourism, it is important to recognize that there are five main classifications: ecotourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism, sustainable tourism, and solidarity tourism. Ecotourism is a type of travel that focuses on experiencing nature in its natural state while minimizing any negative impacts on the environment. Adventure tourism involves activities such as mountain climbing, bungee jumping, and white water rafting. Rural tourism is a form of travel that focuses on experiencing rural life in its natural state.
Sustainable tourism is a type of travel that seeks to minimize any negative impacts on the environment while maximizing economic benefits for local communities. Finally, solidarity tourism is a type of travel that seeks to promote social justice and human rights through direct contact with local communities.
