Evolution of Tourism Industry

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.

In 776 BC – the Olympic Games in Greece traveled People who traveled from afar to attend and enjoy the game.

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:

              

               

Thomas Cook – his first organized trip was between Leicester and Loughborough in 1841 with 570 passengers at a round trip of one shilling. In 1866, he organized his first American tour.

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.

History of the Hospitality Industry

Ancient Period: The Sumerians – The recorded history of the hospitality industry began with the Sumerians who lived in Mesopotamia near the Persian Gulf. Began the recorded history of the hospitality industry. They were the first to establish taverns that provided food, drinks, and shelter to Sumerian traders and travelers.

Early Traders – In 2000 BC, Middle Eastern traders set up the caravanserai to provide food and shelter to traders and travelers. They were the forerunners of the inns. Caravanserai is an example of an early inn.

The Ancient Persians – constructed Khans, a combination of stables and sleeping accommodations that served traveling caravans.

Medieval Period

Dark Ages – Fall of Roman Empire. In Europe, Charlemagne established rest houses for pilgrims to provide protection and hospitality.

Renaissance: 1350 AD to 1600 AD – there were no restaurants or dining establishments. Concern about table manners increased and rules to be observed at the dinner table were developed.

                           

Early Modern Period: 1600 AD 1800 AD - In the 16th century – a tavern called the “Ordinary” served a fixed menu for a fixed price to the ordinary people who appeared in England. Coffee and tea began to influence the culinary habits of Western Europe.

• In Venice, the famous café Florian on the Pizza San Marco was constructed.
• The first English coffee house was in St. Michael’s Alley, London in 1652.
• In 1683, Kolschitski opened the first coffee house in Central Europe.
• In England – the stagecoach became the favorite means of transportation. A stagecoach is a four-wheeled public transport coach used to carry paying passengers and light packages on journeys long enough to need a change of horses. Coaching inns were established to provide food and accommodation to travelers.

   In France, the reintroduction of restaurants for public dining. In 1765 in France, Boulanger operated a small business that sold soups and broths in Paris, known as a restaurant, which is the French word for restoratives. He is recognized as the first to create the first restaurant.

• Café is developed in France. Café is the French word for “coffee” which is another type of food service establishment.

The Industrial Era: 1800 – The development of railroad networks/ stations became excellent locations for new hospitality businesses in England and other countries that developed rail networks.

Modern Period

19th Century – In London, the Savoy, one of the best-known hotels was opened by Richard D’Oyly Carte in 1889. Two famous men were employed:

• Cesar Ritz – General Manager; and
• Auguste Escoffier – the Chef de Cuisines; known for his classic book, Le Guide Culinaire and installed the Kitchen Bridge System

Savoy Hotel

• In the United States, Delmonico’s was the only expensive and aristocratic restaurant. Served Swiss–French cuisine, the center of American gastronomy or the art of good eating.

20th Century

• In 1921, Walter Anderson and Billy Ingraham began the White Castle Hamburger.
• In 1927, Marriot Hot Shoppe and Root Beer opened. Drive-in and Fast -food restaurants sprang up in America.
• 1934, Rainbow Room opened – an art deco restaurant in New Year as the center of power and glamour.
• 1939, Four Season – 1st restaurant to offer seasonal menus with its modern theme architecture and art as a theme.

 After World War II

• The 1950s – Emergence of fast-food restaurants
• The 1960s – fine dining became popular
• In the 1970s – new establishments were introduced such as Taco Bell, TGI Fridays, Houston’s, and Red Lobster in the restaurant industry. Hotel corporations increase such as the Four Seasons, Canadian Pacific, Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson, Ramada, and other high-class chains
• The 1989 – recession began, and the hospitality industry experienced a downturn due to the Gulf War. Since 1993, the economic recovery has been very strong. Many corporations have expanded overseas. Eastern Europe and China have opened.