History of Tourism: Early Tourism

Early Tourism

• Travel and exploration are innate human behaviors; the Hebrew term Torah signifies studying and seeking knowledge.

Forms of Early Tourism

• Business Travel: Primarily driven by trade activities.
• Religious Travel: Included significant events like Crusades and pilgrimages.

Business Travel

• Sumerians: Innovations such as money, writing, and the wheel advanced trade and travel.
• Greeks and Romans: Established trade networks and engaged in leisurely travels; Greeks created the Olympics, while Romans visited friends.
• Development of communication and infrastructure (roads and inns) enhanced travel, largely due to Roman innovations.
• Transportation: Horses enabled travel of 100 miles in a day, with mutations (horse-changing stations) placed every 6 miles, akin to modern gas stations.

Religious Travel

• Pilgrimages: Important religious journeys to sacred sites.
• Notable pilgrimage routes include locations in Rome and Jerusalem.
• St. James of Galicia: Major destination for English pilgrims in the 14th century; permits were first required in 1388, resembling modern passports.

Tourism in the Medieval Period

• Travel experiences declined due to dangers post-Roman Empire; roads became unsafe and travel burdensome.
• Only the most committed, such as pilgrims and crusaders, continued to travel amidst the dangers.

Tourism During the Renaissance and Elizabethan Eras

• The Renaissance spurred educational travels, chiefly promoted by the British.
• Under Elizabeth I, court aspirants were encouraged to travel across the continent to enhance their knowledge.
• The Grand Tour (1670) became a cultural pilgrimage for young gentlemen, lasting up to three years and encompassing key European cities.

Tourism in the 18th Century

• Travel evolved from educational purposes to leisure activities, predominantly among the upper class.
• Popular destinations included France, Italy, Venice, and Florence, blending intellectual pursuits with enjoyment.
• Travelers sought health benefits at spas, which emerged around this period.
• Spa - Medicinal Baths: Origin of the term spa relates to the Wallon word for "fountain."
• Turnbridge Well in Kent: Renowned for its healing waters since 1660; evolved into resorts with entertainment offerings.

Tourism During the Industrial Revolution

• This era introduced significant changes to tourism dynamics, elevating scale and access.
• Increased urbanization and regular employment allowed more people to afford travel.
• Individuals sought temporary escapes from responsibilities, favoring countryside and seaside retreats, leading to the emergence of working-class leisure travel.