Development of International Tourism- The Historical

Perspective

Dr. Kingsley GurugeRetired Senior Lecturer in GeographySri Lanka

Queen of Sheba - The First Traveller

“Sheba's desire to encounter Solomon was ardent enough for her to embark on a 1400

mile journey, across the desert sands of Arabia, along the coast of the Red Sea, up into

Moab, and over the Jordan River to Jerusalem. Such a journey required at least six

months time each way, since camels could rarely travel as much as 20 miles per day.”

Evolution of International Tourism

FOUR MAJOR PERIODS OF TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT

Period Before 1840 A.D. ( From Greek, and Roman Periods up to 1840)

Development of Seaside Resorts The Grand Tour Industrial revolution in Europe and its

impact on International tourism

2. Age of Rail and Water Transport (1840 – 1914)

Impact of railways on horse driven carriages

Thomas Cook’s travels Development of Seaside Resorts Take over of ferry services by railway

3. Period Beginning from 1914 to the

mid 20th century

1st World War and it’s impact on International tourism

4. 2nd Half of the 20th Century

Introduction of high powered jet air

crafts for air travel

Other factors affecting tourist mobility

Greek & Roman Period

Very first travelers were Babylonians, Phoenicians and Polynesians Mode of Travel: primitive canoes

Navigation Tools: moon and stars Romans traveled on horseback

Travel Motives: Pleasure, Religious Reasons Destinations: Greece, Mediterranean Countries

Women Travelers of the Classical Period

St. Sylvia of Aquitane Fabiola Melania Paula

The Grand Tour Popularized during the 16th and 17th century among

the European and American Land owners) “ grand Tour” was considered as a sign of prestige First “Grand Tour” was in 1670 A.D. ( Popular

destinations were France and Italy) Golden Era of the “Grand Tour” began after the 7 year

war which lasted from 1756- 1763 A.D. Between 1763-1765 A.D. 40000 British Travelers have

visited Europe.

Collapse of the “Grand Tour”

Political instability in France and in other European countries due to the French Revolution (1789)

Changes occurred regarding the purpose of travel

Development of “Spas”

Development of “Spas” Evolution of “Spas” dates back to the classical

periods of tourism development Development of “Spas” was accelerated with the

educational renaissance in Europe Popular “Spas” in Briton

Bath, Baxton,Tunbridge, Epson

By the end of the 18th century number of “Spas”

in Briton has exceeded 100.

Decline of “Spas”

“Spa” areas had to be developed to meet the needs

of the residential population

Loss of initial quality of the “Spa”, due to the

provision of various facilities to the incoming

high spending tourists Exceeding the carrying carrying capacity of the “Spa”

areas Emergence of seaside holiday resorts

Development of Seaside Resorts

Dr. Richard Russel’s article on sea water, in 1752A.D. (Rheumatism, Abdominal Disorders, Syphilis)

Special Features of “Seaside Resorts”

Seaside resorts were located close to Spas

State sponsorship

Industrial Revolution in Europe

Industrilisation led to temporary movement of people to rural areas

Development of coastal towns ( facing the Atlantic ocean) as important harbors

Ex: Bristol , Liverpool, Glasgow

2 nd Period- 1840-1914Age of Rail and Water Transport

The first train track , from Manchester to Liverpool was built in 1830

By 1845 Bristol, Leeds and Birmingham was linked with London

Development Status of the total rail track 1845 - 2500 miles 1850 - 7000 miles At the end of the 19th century - 22,000 miles By 1881 - more than 100 railway companies were in

operation

Thomas Cook’s Travels

1841 – From Leicester to Lowborough 1850 – Day trips to rural areas, and week end

\ trips 1851 - Leicester to London (London Exhibition)

the first package tour 1855 - To Paris ( Paris Exhibition) 1865 - An office to promote tourism was opened In London. 1866 - Introduced a travel Magazine 1867 - Trip to America (unsuccessful)

Growth of Seaside Resorts

Growth of Rail Transport , and better accessibility

Industrialization and its impact on the environment

Old “inns” replaced by Modern Hotels Construction of Middle Class hotels in towns In 1860, all ferry services operating between

Europe and Ireland was taken over by the railway companies

Impact of Steamships on Travel

Steam Ships services across Atlantic Ocean began in 1820, and continued for 50 years

In 1840 Cunard Shipping Company , and Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation, Companies were formed

In 1870 “Oceanic” was launched In 1870 Mauretania ( The Greyhound of the

Ocean) was launched

From 1914 to the mid 20th century A period of continuous progress in travel

Reasons: Existing facilities for travel through railways & steamships Political stability in Europe Until 1860, visa permits were not required to visit Europe 1st world war and its impact on travel – visa requirements were

enforced to visit European Countries Large scale migration between European Countries Rail services declined, Number of companies were reduced to 4 Motor car became very popular. Pioneering motor companies were

Duryea and Studbaker Brothers, Carl Benz,Louis Renault, Ettore Bugatti

From 1914 to the mid 20th century ( Continued)

Air travel facilities were established on a competitive basis

French Air Ways, K. L.M. Royal Dutch Air Lines, Lufthansa,

In 1924 Imperial Airways was established 1930 British Air Ways was formed In 1940, B O A C was created joining the

previous 2

From 1914 to the mid 20th century ( Continued)

Steps taken during 1930s, to promote individual mobility Holiday Camps for low income persons, initiated by Billy Bulton In 1936 Important holiday Camps: Black Pool,Scar Borough,South end, Brighton, Seaside Holiday Camps : Broad Stairs Skegness, Clown Bay

Second Half of the 20th Century Golden era of Tourism Development

Paid leave for employees Introduction of more reliable, speedy jet

aircrafts ( Ex Boeing 707) Introduction of Boeing 747 in 1970, (Seating

capacity 400, ) Commencement of Charter Flights in 1950.

Reasons for the popularity of Charter Flights

Availability of numerous aircrafts in Europe and America, after the war.

Acceptance of Social Equality among Europeans

Growth of the the motive of visiting seaside resorts among common people,

Tour operators ambition of popularizing ‘ Charter Flights”

Beginning of Sun, Sea, and Sand Tourism

Other factors Associated with Tourism Development (2nd half of the 20th century)

Measures adopted to develop the “Potential demand”

Provision of paid Leave to employees Granting a limited percentage of money (from

the employees salary)as a bonus Introduction of “Travel Now, Pay Later”

scheme. Introduction of concessionary prices on trains

for group travels Emergence of “Travel Clubs”

Tourism policy in U.S.A. Advances in technology-Supersonic jets,

Electric Trains Theme Parks Disney Land in Florida Disney Land in France Disney Land in Japan Tampa Gardens Advances in Communication Technology

Other factors Associated with Tourism Development

(2nd half of the 20th century)