Final answer:
Tourism is termed an 'invisible export' due to the intangible nature of the services provided to tourists, which generate economic benefits similar to physical goods exported by a country.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because of its intangibility, tourism is often classified as an invisible export. Tourism contributes to the economy in a similar way physical goods are exported, but since there's no tangible product crossing borders, the services provided to tourists are termed 'invisible'. Countries benefit from tourism through the spending of tourists on services like accommodation, dining, and entertainment. Islands seeking to develop tourism must invest in infrastructure, but for remote locations, this can be quite expensive. Tourism not only serves as a source of income but as a tool for cultural exchange and environmental stewardship through sustainable and geo-tourism practices.