Resort History: A Journey Through Time PDF

Introduction To understand where the resort industry is today, it is important to consider how resorts have evolved through the ages. A historical perspective leads to a picture of the modern types of resorts. The sole purpose of a resort, in the classic sense, is to afford its users a place for esc...

Introduction To understand where the resort industry is today, it is important to consider how resorts have evolved through the ages. A historical perspective leads to a picture of the modern types of resorts. The sole purpose of a resort, in the classic sense, is to afford its users a place for escape or restoration from the world of work and daily care Roman Empire Before the eighteenth century, pleasure travel was not accessible to the masses due to lack of time, money, and poor transportation. However, the concept of resorts can be traced back to the Romans. Initially, resorts were built around public baths in Rome and later developed across the Roman Empire, from North Africa to Greece and Turkey, and from. southern Germany to England The first Roman baths, introduced in the second century B.C., were small and modestly furnished, with separate facilities for men and women. Over time, they became larger and more ornate, serving both health and social purposes. These baths allowed for relaxation and social interaction, with. food and drink available on-site Outside major population centers, baths were located near mineral springs, known for their restorative powers. The Roman Empire's decline began in the fifth century A.D., and social life at English resorts languished until the seventeenth century, when improvements in roads and the introduction of the stagecoach revitalized them Europe Colin le Loup In A.D. 1326 a Belgian ironmaster, discovered the healing properties of a spring near Liège, leading to the establishme nt of "Spa." This set a precedent for resorts being popularized by influential figures, a trend continuig to this day. King Charles II of England frequented resorts like Bath and Harrogate, further cementing this tradition. The saying "mass follows class" reflects how destinations gain popularity through a small group of influential people, drawing others in Medical profession Medical endorsement greatly boosted the popularity of spas. Bathing in and drinking salt water were believed to cure various diseases, promoting seaside resorts. Popular activities at these spas included gambling, dancing, concerts, grand parades, and visiting the pump room to "take the waters." As spas grew in popularity, the affluent demanded more private facilities, spurring the development of the Swiss resort industry. North America With visitors wanting extended stays of up to two months, resorts developed more extensive facilities than modest inns. In Zurich, the famous Hotel Baur au Lac, opened by Johannes Baur in 1844, was rebuilt with an innovative design that faces Lake Lucerne, emphasizing scenic views , Initially known as a summer resort Switzerland attracted English visitors to stay for winter in 1860, introducing them to skating, skiing, and tobogganing. The popularity of resorts was driven by social activities managed by resort staff. For example, Le Mont Charles (Monte Carlo), opened in 1863, offered year-round gambling during the winter months when traditional summer resorts were closed, making gambling the true source of its success. Amenities The earliest resorts in the United States were developed in the East and, like in Europe, were established around spas Civil war The Tremont Hotel in Boston, built in 1829, set new standards for hotel amenities with innovations such as elegant furnishings, individual soap and water in rooms, gaslighting, French cuisine, bellboys, and the first "annunciator"—an early version of the room telephone. Resorts cities Resorts cities The American Civil War changed the nature of many Eastern resorts As the popularity of the springs declined, the resort focused on its social activities The twentieth century Atlantic City, established in the late 1800s, became America's first resort city with a boardwalk and amusement pier. Improved railroads boosted summer resorts, and cars popularized winter resorts in California and Florida. Post-war prosperity and highways expanded leisure travel. Disneyland (1955) and Disney World (1971) set new family resort standards. Jet travel in the 1950s and four-season resorts in the 1960s broadened options. Luxury resorts need high occupancy and offer upscale amenities, while boutique resorts focus on privacy and quality. Social tourism in Europe and Japan provides subsidized vacations for employees. TYPES OF RESORTS Resort communities thrive with both full-time and part-time residents. Full-time residents help sustain local services all year Resorts can be characterized in terms of 1. proximity to primary market 2. setting and primary amenities 3. mix of residential and lodging properties First: proximity to primary market Resorts are categorized based on their distance from the primary market and how visitors reach them. Destination Resorts: These are far from the primary market, often several hundred miles away. Visitors usually fly there and visit once a year for one to two weeks. These resorts are located in attractive places that entice people to travel long.distances Non-destination Resorts: These are closer, within a two- to three-hour drive from the primary market. Visitors typically arrive by car, visit more.frequently, and stay for shorter periods (three to four days) Second : setting the primary and amenities Resorts are categorized based on their location and amenities. The main types are: Ocean Resorts: Depend on the quality of their beaches, views, climate,.and water sports activities Lake/River Resorts: Focus on water-related recreational activities and.are often marketed as second- home communities Mountain/Ski Resorts: Have evolved to operate year-round, often.incorporating health and spa themes Golf Resorts: Popular due to the increasing interest in golf, found in areas like Florida Third : Residential and Lodging Properties These are real estate properties used for housing. They include A. Traditional Lodging B. Timeshare/Vacation Ownership C. Condominium Hotels D. Destination Clubs A. Traditional Lodging Resort hotels are the most common type of resort development Guests at traditional hotels select them for convenience for example : business travelers value proximity to highways or business centers ,.Focusing on Increasing attraction for business meetings/conferences. leisure travelers prefer closeness to beaches or tourist attractions. the traditional lodging include: 1. Small Facilities : Guesthouses, inns, cabins, motels ( short stays) 2. Medium Facilities : Small specialty resorts, lodges for hikers, hunters, skiers; upscale boutique hotels. 3. Large Facilities: Chain-affiliated, major resort areas, more amenities 4. Very Large Facilities: Prime destinations like beaches, ski areas, theme parks, gaming, golf B. Timeshare/Vacation Ownership Timesharing allows people to own vacation accommodations for specific times each year, with various price option, started in France in the 1960s and spread to the U.S, you only Pay upfront plus annual fees Types of units. 1. Luxury: is found in tourist destinations and is often a penthouse 2. Up-market: also found at destination resorts and offers anywhere )(one bed- room) to (two bedroom. 3. The quality unit: a one bedroom unit 4. Value: units are found at regional resorts 5. Economy units : also found in regional market Timeshare options offer various ways for consumers to enjoy vacation properties. 1. Fixed Week : Buy a specific week each year 2. Floating Week : Buy a week within a given period 3. Combination Option: Fixed weeks during high-demand periods, 4. floating weeks during off-season 5. Points-Based Memberships: Members use points to "buy" resort stays, Timeshare options have.flexible and can be adjusted based on demand evolved to provide more flexibility and cater to diverse preferences C. Condominium hotels It’s allow guests to buy equity in a unit, effectively owning a hotel guest room. These units can serve as permanent residences or vacation homes,. especially popular in real estate hotspots Types of condominium hotels: 1..Investment Units: Sold as investments, minimum stay required by law 2..Mixed-Use: Hotel combined with primary residence  3. Resort Mixed-Use: Second homes in resort areas, rental income when. Not in use D. Destination Clubs This new niche market targets wealthy travelers. Members pay high initiation fees (up to $500,000) and annual fees ($25,000) to stay in.luxury homes in cities and resort areas Member benefits Membership is like joining a country club, providing access to high-end properties for vacation stays