APY3704 Assignment 3
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2026 - DUE 22
May 2026
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the company name]
,Exam (elaborations)
APY3704 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE 22 May
2026
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Course
Themes in Anthropology: Tourism and Pilgrimage (APY3704)
Different ways in which tourism has been conceptualised over time.
Different Ways in Which Tourism Has Been Conceptualised
Over Time
Tourism has changed significantly throughout history. As societies, economies, technology, and
cultures evolved, scholars and organisations began to conceptualise tourism in different ways.
Tourism is no longer viewed only as travelling for leisure; it is now understood as a social,
economic, cultural, environmental, and political phenomenon.
Below is a detailed discussion of the major ways tourism has been conceptualised over time.
1. Tourism as Travel for Leisure and
Recreation
The earliest understanding of tourism viewed it mainly as travel for pleasure, relaxation, and
entertainment.
Explanation
In the past, tourism was associated with wealthy individuals who travelled to escape routine life,
rest, and enjoy new environments. During the 17th and 18th centuries, aristocrats in Europe
undertook journeys known as the “Grand Tour” to experience art, culture, and education.
Tourism was therefore conceptualised as:
Temporary travel away from home
Travel for non-work purposes
A leisure activity for enjoyment and relaxation
, Key Features
Focus on holidays and vacations
Emphasis on recreation and entertainment
Tourism viewed as a luxury activity
Mainly participated in by the wealthy elite
Example
European nobles travelling to countries such as France and Italy for cultural exposure and
leisure.
Limitations
This conceptualisation was narrow because:
It excluded business travel
It ignored economic impacts
It focused mainly on wealthy travellers
It overlooked social and environmental dimensions
2. Tourism as an Economic Activity
As tourism expanded during the 20th century, especially after World War II, governments and
economists began to conceptualise tourism as an important economic sector.
Explanation
Tourism became recognised as a major contributor to:
National income
Employment creation
Foreign exchange earnings
Infrastructure development
This economic perspective views tourism as an “industry” composed of sectors such as:
Accommodation
Transport
Travel agencies
Attractions
Food and beverage services
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2026 - DUE 22
May 2026
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the company name]
,Exam (elaborations)
APY3704 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE 22 May
2026
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Course
Themes in Anthropology: Tourism and Pilgrimage (APY3704)
Different ways in which tourism has been conceptualised over time.
Different Ways in Which Tourism Has Been Conceptualised
Over Time
Tourism has changed significantly throughout history. As societies, economies, technology, and
cultures evolved, scholars and organisations began to conceptualise tourism in different ways.
Tourism is no longer viewed only as travelling for leisure; it is now understood as a social,
economic, cultural, environmental, and political phenomenon.
Below is a detailed discussion of the major ways tourism has been conceptualised over time.
1. Tourism as Travel for Leisure and
Recreation
The earliest understanding of tourism viewed it mainly as travel for pleasure, relaxation, and
entertainment.
Explanation
In the past, tourism was associated with wealthy individuals who travelled to escape routine life,
rest, and enjoy new environments. During the 17th and 18th centuries, aristocrats in Europe
undertook journeys known as the “Grand Tour” to experience art, culture, and education.
Tourism was therefore conceptualised as:
Temporary travel away from home
Travel for non-work purposes
A leisure activity for enjoyment and relaxation
, Key Features
Focus on holidays and vacations
Emphasis on recreation and entertainment
Tourism viewed as a luxury activity
Mainly participated in by the wealthy elite
Example
European nobles travelling to countries such as France and Italy for cultural exposure and
leisure.
Limitations
This conceptualisation was narrow because:
It excluded business travel
It ignored economic impacts
It focused mainly on wealthy travellers
It overlooked social and environmental dimensions
2. Tourism as an Economic Activity
As tourism expanded during the 20th century, especially after World War II, governments and
economists began to conceptualise tourism as an important economic sector.
Explanation
Tourism became recognised as a major contributor to:
National income
Employment creation
Foreign exchange earnings
Infrastructure development
This economic perspective views tourism as an “industry” composed of sectors such as:
Accommodation
Transport
Travel agencies
Attractions
Food and beverage services
