What is difference between internal and external tourism?

Internal tourism refers to tourism within the boundaries of one's own country, while external tourism, also known as international tourism, refers to tourism across national borders. Here are the key differences between the two:

Type of Travel:

- Internal Tourism: Internal tourism involves travel within the domestic territory of a country. Individuals are traveling from one region or city within their own country to another for leisure or business purposes.

- External Tourism: External tourism, also called inbound or outbound tourism, involves travel to or from a country by international visitors or residents. Inbound external tourism refers to foreign tourists visiting a country, while outbound external tourism refers to residents of a country traveling to other countries.

Visa and Immigration:

- Internal Tourism: Internal tourists do not require visas or passports since they are traveling within their own country. They may only require a national identity card or other domestic travel documentation.

- External Tourism: External tourists may require visas, passports, and other travel documents to enter or exit different countries. Visa regulations vary depending on the specific countries involved and the purpose of travel.

Currency:

- Internal Tourism: Domestic tourists use the local currency of their own country. Since they are not crossing international borders, there are no currency exchange concerns.

- External Tourism: International tourists need to consider currency exchange rates and carry the necessary foreign currency for their travel. Different countries may have different currencies and exchange rates, which can impact travel costs.

Language:

- Internal Tourism: Domestic tourists usually don't face language barriers since they are traveling within their own country. They can rely on their knowledge of the local language to communicate with locals.

- External Tourism: International tourists may encounter language differences and barriers when traveling to countries where the spoken language is different from their own. They may need translation apps, foreign language knowledge, or assistance from multilingual locals to navigate the country effectively.

Legal and Cultural Considerations:

- Internal Tourism: Domestic tourists are familiar with the local laws, regulations, customs, and traditions of their own country.

- External Tourism: International tourists need to be aware of the local laws, regulations, cultural norms, and customs of the countries they visit. They must respect these differences and adhere to them to avoid any legal issues or conflicts.

Duration:

- Internal Tourism: Internal tourism trips can vary in length from short weekend getaways to longer domestic holidays.

- External Tourism: International travel experiences can range from short city breaks to extended multi-country vacations, depending on the availability of vacation time, budget, and personal preferences.

Impact:

- Internal Tourism: Internal tourism contributes to the domestic economy by generating revenue for local businesses, supporting jobs, and promoting regional development.

- External Tourism: External tourism can have a significant economic impact on both the host countries and the countries of origin for visitors. It creates opportunities for foreign exchange, job creation, infrastructure development, and cross-cultural exchange. However, it can also bring challenges, such as increased resource consumption and environmental stress, if not properly managed.

Overall, internal and external tourism offer different experiences and involve distinct considerations related to travel logistics, documentation, language, legal requirements, cultural diversity, and economic impact.