The document provides an overview of the nature of tourism, outlining topics that will be covered such as the tourism industry, elements of travel and tourism, types of tourism, and characteristics of tourism. It also discusses key advocates in the development of tourism studies such as Erik Cohen, R. Chadwick, Jafar Jafari, Neil Leiper, Slavoj Medlik, and Stanley Plog. The document aims to give students an understanding of tourism and the various perspectives involved.