The essence of tourism is a social and cultural activity with what means and purpose.

The essence and social attribute of tourism activities. Tourism is not only a comprehensive social activity in economic form, but also a social and cultural phenomenon. It has an impact not only on social economy, but also on social politics and culture. It has both positive and negative aspects. Therefore, tourists, tourism enterprise operators and tourism authorities should consciously understand and correctly treat all kinds of social effects brought about by tourism development, carry forward its positive role and control its negative role; Various factors can be considered comprehensively when making tourism development plans to ensure the healthy development of tourism. The attributes of tourism include social attributes, economic attributes, cultural attributes and political attributes.

The essential attribute is still controversial at present, as long as it is justified. I think it is an economic attribute.

Reason: First of all, tourism is a leisure activity that pleases the body and mind after the basic material needs are met. Rich living conditions are the premise of tourism; Secondly, tourism is a booster of economic development, and its role in promoting the economy cannot be underestimated; Finally, tourism is an economic chain of investment income. When businessmen invest, consumers' benefits lie in physical and mental relaxation, and at the same time, they bring economic benefits to merchants and achieve a win-win situation.