History of Tourism

History and Definition of Tourism

• Travel and exploration are inherent to human nature, with tourism as a term emerging in the early 19th century.
• The Hebrew word "torah," meaning studying or learning, is the root of the term tourism.

Evolution of Tourism

• Leisure travel transitioned from an elite privilege to a widespread activity.
• In ancient Roman times, young noblemen participated in "grand tours" of Europe.
• The Middle Ages saw religious pilgrimages becoming prevalent, illustrated in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales."

Origins of Hospitality

• Hospitality, which predates tourism, originated in the 14th century from the Latin "hospes," meaning guest, host, or foreigner.
• The term "tourist" appeared in print in 1722, derived from Greek and Latin words for circle or turn, indicating the act of departing and returning home.

Development of the Tourism Industry

• Cox and Kings (1758): First known travel agency founded by Richard Cox for the British Royal Armed Forces.
• Thomas Cook: Established the first leisure travel agency in 1841, promoting global exploration and the temperance movement.
• In 1845, launched the first commercial packaged tour, integrating rail tickets and guides, marking a shift in travel accessibility.

Milestones in Travel

• The invention of railways and automobiles expanded travel opportunities; Karl Benz's wife’s 1886 journey boosted interest in auto travel and contributed to the formation of Mercedes Benz.
• The introduction of commercial air flights in 1952 from London to Johannesburg and Colombo marked the onset of modern tourism.
• The 1950s also saw the rise of Club Méditerranée, setting a trend for all-inclusive resorts.

Impact of Global Events on Tourism

• Tourism faced significant downturns during World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and after the September 11 attacks in 2001, along with geopolitical tensions.

Forms of Early Tourism

• Travel for Business: Merchants traveled for trade; innovations like money, writing, and the wheel facilitated commerce and travel.
• The Roman emphasis on improving communications and infrastructure supported merchant and pilgrim journeys, with first-class roads and inns as early accommodations.

Pilgrimages and Religious Travel

• Important pilgrimage sites included Rome, Jerusalem, and St. James of Galicia in the 14th century.
• English pilgrims required permits from 1388, foreshadowing modern passport systems.

Purposes of Tourism

• Tourism can chiefly be categorized into leisure, religious, business, and private purposes, underscoring its multifaceted nature.