history of travel + tourism
History of Travel + Tourism
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Romans, Olympic games, Religioius tourism, Grand Tour, Exhibitions, Package holiday, Thomas Cook, Railways, Cars, Crusies, Steamships, Sports tourism,
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Travel + Tourism timeline
365 -323 BC
Greece
Greece
The Greek Olympic Games is the first documented case of large scale sports tourism. City states competed against each other in honour of Zeus, the being in 776 BC and the last in 393 under the Romans. Spectators came from all over Greece and stayed in tented accommodation.
Runner's starting blocks
27BC - 476
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire extended across Europe and North Africa and the extensive road network primarily for military use also served as trade routes - totalling 50,000 miles. These roads allowed the rich to travel and sea routes saw Romans travel extensively around the Mediterranean most notably to Greek beaches and to explore the culture of Egypt.
1320s
Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta
Abu Ibn Battuta travelled more than any other explorer in pre-modern history, totalling around 117,000 km (73,000 mi). His travels began in 1325 as he went to perform Haj, in Mecca but did not return home for another 24 years!
Ibn Battuta's travels encompassed North Africa, Arabia, and Eastern Africa before he headed to the Black Sea area, Central Asia, India, China and South East Asia. In the end he had travelled through most of the Muslim world. His travel log the Riḥlah is one of the most famous.
1750 +
Europe
Europe
A small travel industry grew up these tours providing coaches, horses, luggage , maps etc. For the more wealthy a small group of servants would accompany the tutor and young man.
The 'Grand Tour' was a turning point in travel, whereby wealthy young men went on a Grand Tour - it became a rite of passage. It soon developed its own itinerary. Typically he Grand Tour started in England, then headed through France into Switzerland and Italy. Many months were spent in Italy with the gentleman's tutor furthering his education before travelling north to Germany and into Holland before returning to England. Touring could last for several months. Often the traveller would stay in Europe for a year or some learning languages and immersing themselves in the culture of their host country.
1815
Water travel
Water travel
Water transport had been popular for centuries in various forms. Passengers were carried on mail ships around the world, along rivers and canals. In the C19th this was formalised by the Duke of Bridgewater who created a regular boat service including refreshments, between Manchester and Warrington. By 1815 boats were passenger boats could be found on the Avon, Clyde and the Thames.
1830s
Railways
Railways
The arrival of the railways, firstly in England then across Europe and the world revolutionised travel and tourism. What was once the preserve of the rich, became available to the working people for day trips to longer holidays.
The most famous of the early steam railway locomotive was the 'Rocket' developed by Robert Stephenson.
He built the world's first public railway from Stockton to Darlington in in 1825, followed by the Liverpool to Manchester line in 1830, which operated was the first passenger steam railway service.
The most famous of the early steam railway locomotive was the 'Rocket' developed by Robert Stephenson.
He built the world's first public railway from Stockton to Darlington in in 1825, followed by the Liverpool to Manchester line in 1830, which operated was the first passenger steam railway service.
1841
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook developed the first package holiday with a train journey from Leicester to Loughborough. There were 500 passengers with thousands more watching the train along the route. A brass band greeted them with a cheering crowd in Loughborough.
From this humble beginning Cook ventured into Europe with trips to Switzerland, Italy and France. This was followed by a 222 day world tour including Japan and the USA.
Thomas Cook became the leading package tour operator in the world.
From this humble beginning Cook ventured into Europe with trips to Switzerland, Italy and France. This was followed by a 222 day world tour including Japan and the USA.
Thomas Cook became the leading package tour operator in the world.
Credit: Thomas Cook
1908
Cars
Cars
Henry Ford revolutionised the car industry with the development of Model T - an automobile that became affordable for the working man. His own workers earning $5 a day took out loans to buy a car which created a whole tourist industry as people went for day and weekend trips in the new automobile.
1914
Air travel
Air travel
St. Petersburg- Tampa Airboat Line was the first scheduled airline operating twice daily. The plane flew at a height of 50 feet over the water for the 23 minute trip - the first of which was witnessed by a crowd of thousands. It ultimately was not profitable but it showed the way for air transportation.
1920s
Air travel
Air travel
Passengers dining before boarding their KLM flight in 1938
The 1920s saw the development of aircraft specially designed to carry passengers. Airlines such as Qantas and KLM were established. However, the cost was prohibitive but for the very rich. Flying was at low altitude with unpressurised cabins making the journeys cold and noisy. Air sickness was common - nurses often flew as part of the crew to tend to the sick!
Hindenburg disaster in 1937
The 1920s also saw the introduction of airships providing passenger flights in Europe and the USA. The largest Zeppelin airships could carry 72 passengers in 5 star luxury including cabins, with a bar and smoking room. They were capable of crossing the Atlantic.
However, the airship heyday came to an abrupt end in March 1937 when A Zeppelin Hindenburg crashed and exploded in New Jersey USA killing all 36 passengers and crew. This was captured on film and was one a few airship disasters at the time.
However, the airship heyday came to an abrupt end in March 1937 when A Zeppelin Hindenburg crashed and exploded in New Jersey USA killing all 36 passengers and crew. This was captured on film and was one a few airship disasters at the time.
1925
Motel
Motel
The first motel -Motel Inn, San Luis Obispo, California
First motel was constructed in 1925 by Arthur Heineman. He abbreviated motor hotel to mo-tel after he could not fit the words "Milestone Motor Hotel" on his rooftop.
The heyday of the motel was the 1950s and 1960s when independent motels dominated the scene. These days the market is led by chain motels.
The heyday of the motel was the 1950s and 1960s when independent motels dominated the scene. These days the market is led by chain motels.
Motels popularised in the US spread around the world, in particular in Canada and Australia where long distances are covered by car. Motels also feature in numerous Hollywood films
1930s
Seaside holidays
Seaside holidays
Bournemouth in the 1930s
The introduction of Saturday afternoons off in the mid C19th for workers led to a rise in leisure activities including football. Fixtures could be played against teams further afield because of rail transport.
By the 1930s the two day weekend was established in the UK leading to an increase in travel and tourism as the weekend break became possible and affordable.
The annual holiday also became the norm during the inter war period. Blackpool, Bournemouth, Skegness and the like flourished as seaside destinations
By the 1930s the two day weekend was established in the UK leading to an increase in travel and tourism as the weekend break became possible and affordable.
The annual holiday also became the norm during the inter war period. Blackpool, Bournemouth, Skegness and the like flourished as seaside destinations
Butlins Holiday Camp - Skegness 1936. The rate was up to £3 a week inc. 3 meals a day and entertainment
The outdoor swimming poll or lido became very popular in the 1930s. Some are still in use today
1945
IATA formed
IATA formed
IATA was founded in Havana, Cuba, on 19 April 1945, to encourage inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure and economical air services - for the benefit of the world's consumers. Starting with 51 members from 31 countries there are now over 300 members from 120 nations.
1971
Budget airlines
Budget airlines
In the UK's first budget airline 'SkyTrain' by Laker Air started in 1977, flying between London and New York.
Competition lowered prices which eventually caused Laker Air to go bankrupt in 1982.
Competition lowered prices which eventually caused Laker Air to go bankrupt in 1982.
In early 1971, Air Southwest changed its name to Southwest Airlines, and the first flight was on June 18, 1971. Its first flights were from Dallas to Houston and San Antonio, short hops with no-frills service and a simple fare structure, features that became the basis for Southwest’s popularity and rapid growth in the coming years.
Budget airlines reappeared in the UK in 1985 with the introduction of Ryanair, initially operating Ireland to London before expanding all over Europe.
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