This coming September 27 will mark World Tourism Day, a date that reminds us that travel is not just about getting around, but about discovering, learning and having experiences that transform us. Civitatis, a leading platform for the sale of selected activities around the world, offers seven ways to learn about the world designed for every type of traveler: from the most passionate about culture to those seeking adrenaline, wellness or a more sustainable connection with the planet.
1. Wellness tourism: the new unavoidable escape
In an increasingly hectic world, travel becomes therapy. Wellness tourism invites people to disconnect in order to reconnect, combining unique destinations with experiences that pamper body and mind. Nothing like a bath in Budapest’s famous thermal baths, a steam session in an Istanbul hammam or a relaxing massage on Kos in the Greek islands to return home rejuvenated. Success is also assured for yoga getaways in nature, walks in national parks, such as the Verdon Nature Park in France, or slow travel routes for those seeking balance and silence.
2. Gastronomic tourism: taste as a compass
Each destination has a dish that tells all about itself. From a tour of traditional bars in downtown Madrid to enjoy tapas such as jamón ibérico or tortilla de patate, to an overnight food tour by tuk tuk in Bangkok to discover the most authentic Thai cuisine, food tourism is perfect for those who plan their trips by following their palate. Local markets, tastings of zero-mile products or cooking workshops, such as learning how to make fresh pasta in Florence or sushi in Tokyo, round out an experience that conquers the sweet tooth.
3. Wine tourism: passion for wine and landscapes
Wine tourism continues to win fans and combines landscape, tradition and taste. In Spain or Portugal, a tour in the Ribera del Duero allows visitors to visit centuries-old wineries and taste prestigious wines; in Italy, a wine tourism tour in Chianti and the vineyards of Tuscany invites visitors to lose themselves among rolling hills; in France, a wine tour in Bordeaux shows why these territories are world famous. Experiences that combine wine culture, guided tastings, and walks among picture-postcard vineyards.
4. Cultural tourism: traveling with curiosity
Art, history and heritage remain at the heart of many trips. A guided tour of the Alhambra in Granada, discovering the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome along with St. Peter’s Basilica, or climbing the Eiffel Tower in Paris to admire the city’s skyline are just a few examples of how this type of tourism allows people to understand the identity of each place. At each stop, experienced guides open the doors to monuments, traditions and legends, turning each route into a living lesson.
5. Adventure tourism: adrenaline at every step
For those looking to get away from the routine, nature is the perfect stage. The most spectacular landscapes become playgrounds for activities such as trekking in the Picos de Europa, hiking the Caminito del Rey in Málaga or quad bike tours in the Marrakech desert to unload adrenaline at full speed. Rafting, climbing, kayaking in mountain lakes or paragliding in the Alps are just some of the proposals to experience strong emotions and unique memories.
6. Thematic tourism: soundtrack travel
TV series, movies or local legends can become the ideal guide. From the Loire Valley’s fairy tale-inspired castles to the Game of Thrones sets in Dubrovnik or Harry Potter ‘s mythical studios in London, this type of tourism turns fiction into reality. Literary tours, such as those dedicated to Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon or itineraries through the streets of James Joyce’s Dublin, are also popular.
7. Sustainable tourism: traveling while leaving a positive footprint
Ecotourism is growing with more conscious travelers. Hiking in Doñana National Park, habitat for endangered species such as the Iberian lynx; cetacean spotting in the Azores; or trekking in Garajonay National Park, La Gomera’s natural treasure, are examples of enjoying nature while respecting its balance. These activities are ideal for those who want to experience nature responsibly and without leaving negative traces in the ecosystem.
