Yes, visiting friends and relatives (often abbreviated in the travel industry as VFR) is officially classified as a form of tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a visitor is anyone taking a trip to a main destination outside their usual environment for less than a year, for any main purpose other than being employed by a resident entity. Therefore, even if you are staying in a private home rather than a hotel and spending time primarily with people you know, you are still considered a "leisure tourist." VFR tourism is a massive global market segment that is highly resilient to economic downturns. While these travelers might spend less on accommodation, research shows they often spend more on local dining, attractions, and retail, making them a vital part of the tourism economy in cities and rural areas alike.