Tourism – is derived from the Hebrew Word, “Torah” which means studying, learning, or searching. Tourism can trace its ancestry to the Old Testament – Noah with his Ark.
Early tourism and hospitality are characterized by travel for business and religion. Travel for business was mainly trading with other countries or tribes. The religious journey took pilgrimages to places of worship.
Tourism in the Medieval Period
Travel was limited during this era after the collapse of the Roman Empire, no one traveled due to political instability, lack of extensive trade and commerce, poor roads, inefficient transportation, and the proliferation of highway robbers who preyed on travelers. Crusaders and pilgrims were the only ones who traveled.
Tourism during the Renaissance
The tourism and hospitality industry is characterized by the Grand Tour in which scholars from both the middle and upper classes went on a three-year exploration of the capitals, politics, culture, and society of Western Europe to enhance their education.
There was also an increase in the popularity of “spas” or medicinal baths, in which the sick sought to be cured of their ailments by bathing in the mineral springs. Watering places became resort hotels such as Bath in England, Baden-Baden in Germany, and Baden in Austria.
Tourism during the Industrial Revolution
19th Century – The introduction of the railway and the development of steam power had a great effect on the growth of Tourism. Tourism transformed from a small business catering to the elite into the mass market. Travel organizers emerged. The first and famous:
Photography and travel guidebooks became popular. The most popular and first published in 1839 is Baedecker, the leading guide for the European Century.
Tourism in the 20th Century
After World War I, radical changes in travel began. The decline of railways with the introduction of the motor car. This led to Seaside Tours’ popularity. World War II – led to increased interest in travel. The progress of aircraft technology.
• In 1958, the introduction of Boeing 707 jets
• The 1960s and 1970s – the growth of international travel, the annual overseas holiday became a necessity.
• Post-war recovery – private car ownership increases benefited the nearby resorts.
• New tourism-generating countries such as Arab countries, and Japan.
• Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia strengthen their tourist attractions to the new market.
