Global Transportation Modes and Tourism Categories

Transportation Systems and Infrastructure

Transportation is the transfer of people and goods from one place to another. Different vehicles are used, which are called transportation, and they circulate in specific areas called tracks.

Ground Transportation

Road Transport

The bus, car, and motorcycle are used for the transfer of people, while the freight truck handles goods. These vehicles circulate in different ways: roads, highways, autovías, and autopistas.

Rail Transport

Rail transport is carried out on trains traveling on railways. To function, specific facilities are required; these operations are performed at stations. The railway is frequently used to transport goods of high volume and weight. With the construction of lines and high-speed trains like the TGV, rail transport has become a viable alternative to road and medium-distance aircraft.

River Transport

River transport occurs via navigable rivers and lakes. It utilizes barges and even large ships to transport heavy or bulky goods and passengers.

Maritime Transport

The sea is used to transport goods of high volume and weight, such as raw materials, fuels, foodstuffs, and manufactured goods. The routes with the greatest volume of maritime traffic are those that cross the Pacific Ocean, linking the U.S. and Canada to different parts of Asia. Passenger transport is limited to cruise and ferry services.

Air Transport

The plane is one of the main means of transport. Air transport requires land-based facilities that focus on airports. Airports serve as transit points for travelers, and air transport is organized by airlines.

The Tourism Industry

Tourism is any movement that takes place from a place of residence to another for a limited time. It is a leisure activity that involves spending at least one night away from home.

Tourism Traits and Factors

• Physical factors: These are the spatial characteristics and climate of a place that make it attractive for tourism. For example, a ski resort must be located in an area with regular snowfall.
• Human factors: These include the facilities and infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, transportation, health, and cultural services) necessary for tourism.

The movement of tourists flows from origin areas to recipient areas.

Types of Tourism

Depending on the destination or purpose of the trip, there are several types:

• Beach or Coastal Tourism: This is practiced in areas that have low sandy shores and mild weather.
• Sports Tourism: This focuses on the performance of specific sports, such as skiing in the mountains.
• Nature Tourism: Its aim is the enjoyment of natural areas, including ecotourism (environmental tourism) and rural tourism.
• Artistic-Cultural Tourism: The attractions of this type of tourism are the historical and artistic heritage.
• Balneario Tourism: This is practiced in areas with springs of medicinal mineral waters.
• Business Tourism: This involves travel to locations which host conferences, courses, and conventions.