What is an international tourist?

An international tourist is a person who travels to a country other than their own for leisure, business, or other purposes. For statistical purposes, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines an international tourist as a person who travels to another country and stays for at least one night but not more than one year, for the following purposes:

- Leisure: This includes any type of travel for recreational or holiday purposes, such as visiting tourist attractions, relaxing on the beach, or participating in sports or cultural events.

- Business: This includes travel for business or professional purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or trade shows.

- Other purposes: This includes any type of travel that does not fall into the leisure or business categories, such as visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment, religious pilgrimage, or educational purposes.

To be considered an international tourist, the person must cross an international border and stay in the destination country for at least one night. Excursions of less than 24 hours, such as day trips, are not counted as international tourism.

International tourists are important contributors to the economies of many countries, as they bring in revenue through spending on transportation, accommodation, food, souvenirs, and other goods and services. Tourism can also create jobs and support local businesses, contributing to economic growth and development.