Tourist Vs. Traveller. Why does it matter?

Can you tell me the difference between a Tourist and a Traveler? This was the request of my project leader from my last volunteer adventure. Up to that point I had never considered there to be a difference. My project leader asked us to brainstorm within small groups and define: Traveller vs. Tourist.

Our Group Consensus: (based on documentation from my personal travel journal)

"A Traveller is one who wishes to fully engage in a new cultural experience. A traveller leaves their comfort behind to be involved in new language, food, and community. Generally, a Traveler  has sustainable and global footprint awareness."

"A Tourist in one who travels with the expectation to have comforts from home. There is a high association between resort travel and the image of a tourist. Generally, a Tourist has a wasteful impact on natural resources." 

Ultimatey, these "definitions" are generalizations. To say that one is always a tourist, or always a traveler is not a realistic statement. There are images that may be more negative for the Tourist label, but it's not wrong to want to partake in a tourist event, or attraction.

English Writer: known for his popular sayings and proverbs.

The quote from GK Chesterton creates a distinction for Traveler vs. Tourist. It's what you see, and what you see is based on your values. I don't think that an individual will wholly be defined within a "tourist" or "traveler" box. When you partake in an adventure, you are taking motivation from your personal aims. If you have set out to see something new, that's the first step.

I think that both labels have pro's and cons. Either identities are personal, just like the motivation to travel. Your stance will depict where the negatives, or positives lie with each label. Really, if the experience was new, than the purpose (tour vs. travel) is evident,  that either are a means of discovery.

Quite Frankly, I have been on both "sides". I have been a tourist, I have been a traveler. Having a label was never in my mindset, my values remained the same in either situation. I feel that the motivation to go is all that matters. I won't commit to a side for travellers vs. tourists. They are labels, that do not suggest neutrality. To be fair, there are few labels, or definitions that I am inclined to adopt. If I were to seek comfort in a label association with discovery, it would be adventurer. So the question is, if it matters...do you have a side?

Personal Photo: Taken In Costa Rica, edits done personally.

Reference: Text Photo. Created by myself from a quote from GK Chesterton.