Tourism and Hospitality Overview

Definition of Tourism and Hospitality

• Tourism involves the movement of people for personal or business purposes to locations outside their usual environment.
• The hospitality industry is a segment of the broader travel and tourism industry, focused on providing products and services to travelers.

Structure of the Travel and Tourism Industry

• The industry is divided into five main components.
• Hospitality encompasses lodging, food and beverage operations, and institutional services not typically serving travelers.
• Lodging provides overnight accommodations and often includes additional services such as meals and recreational activities.

Etymology of Key Terms

• "Tourism" originates from the Latin word "Tour" (Tornare) and the Greek term "Tornos," denoting circular movement, evolving to represent “One’s Turn” in modern usage.
• "Hospitality" derives from the Latin "hospes," meaning host or guest, rooted in "hostis," which also means stranger or enemy.

Forms of Tourism

• Organized tourism is managed by specialized entities, while individual tourism involves self-arranged trips.
• Domestic tourism occurs within a country, whereas international tourism involves travel abroad.
• Active tourism indicates inbound travelers, while passive tourism refers to outbound travelers.

Historical Context of Travel Industry

• Thomas Cook, a Baptist preacher, pioneered organized excursions in the 19th century by utilizing railways for temperance meetings, leading to significant social reform.
• Thomas Bennett, in the 1850s, organized scenic tours for British dignitaries in Norway, creating the prototype for modern travel agencies.

Historic Transportation Developments

• Stagecoaches emerged in Hungary during the 15th century, facilitating travel with designated routes in Great Britain by the 19th century.
• Significant explorers include:
  • Ibn Battuta: Moroccan who traveled extensively in the 14th century.
  • Christopher Columbus: Explored the New World from 1492 to 1502.
  • Ferdinand Magellan: Circumnavigated the globe in 1519-1522.

Chronology of Travel Arrangements

• Caravansaries established in ancient times provided rest for traders and their animals on travel routes.
• The first "modern hotel," the Tremont House, opened in Boston in 1829, marking a significant development in hospitality.
• The introduction of steamships and railroads in the 19th century drastically transformed travel logistics.
• The first passenger air service began in 1918 with Deutsche Lufthansa.

Evolution of Travel Agencies and Mass Tourism

• American Express Company was formed in 1873, influencing travel finance and arrangements.
• With the end of World War II, mass tourism emerged as a viable industry.
• 1964 saw the launch of the SABRE computerized reservation system, revolutionizing travel bookings.
• The creation of the National System of Interstate Highways in the U.S. in 1952 significantly improved domestic travel infrastructures.

Modern Travel Landscape

• The advent of computerized reservation systems in the 1990s allowed comprehensive trip planning through single phone calls, integrating various travel services seamlessly.
• The "Chunnel," connecting England and France, opened in 1994, enhancing transnational travel accessibility.
• The introduction of commission caps by Delta Air Lines in 1995 marked a shift in travel agency compensation.