Unit 1: Travel and Tourism Sector - Historical Development Report

This report examines the historical developments in the travel and tourism sector, starting from early travel and cultural exchange. It traces the evolution through the Middle Ages, highlighting the impact of transportation advancements, such as railways and air travel, and the role of key figures like Thomas Cook. The report discusses the influence of technological developments, including computerization and the internet, which have reshaped the industry and expanded tourism options, such as ecotourism and all-inclusive tours. The analysis covers the sector's growth, impact on host communities, and the influence of national and international policies. It also addresses the effects of political changes and the increasing affordability and accessibility of travel expeditions.

In the early age, cultural aspects, learning languages and travelling challenges restricted (Capacci, Scorcu and Vici, 2015). In 14 century
Christopher Columbus sailed westward and vasco da gama cruised to country for earn money then business travel has been integral part of
tourism industry(Cave and Brown 2012).
Early tourism started with Nomads who travelled around the world in search of
food and shelter. Main intension of this traveller is to gathered food and traded around the world and gave rise to the barter system (Capacci,
Scorcu and Vici, 2015). 1500 BC is marked as the era when the Europeans visited pyramids and thus developed the tourism for pilgrimage. Early
tourism started with Nomads who travelled around the world in search of food and shelter. Main intension of this traveller is to gathered food
and traded around the world and gave rise to the barter system (Capacci, Scorcu and Vici, 2015). 1500 BC is marked as the era when the
Europeans visited pyramids and thus developed the tourism for pilgrimage.
1.1 Key historical developments in travel and tourism
Travel and tourism sector is one such industry which has been contributing enormously to the economic
and social developments in different countries.
The Middle Ages witnessed complete transformation
of this industry. Earlier travelling was elite for the
upper class or rich but with time, lower class or the
service class individuals perceived visiting
pilgrimages. The absence of technology was felt
largely in this sector in those days as people toured
on their foot. But as mentioned before, developments
in transportation facilities helped in reducing pain
and efforts of individuals of this sector.
The first country to promote spending of money by the working class in leisure time was UK i.e. United Kingdom. This marked a significant
beginning of the developments which took place in travel and tourism industry. People started saving and spending equally on entertainment
activities and travelling expeditions. Further encouragement was witnessed with support of private and public sector organisations in
facilitating individuals with different kinds of opportunities when it comes to travel and tourism. Thomas Cook was established in 1840s with
this aim to enhance the travel experience of even an ordinary average income person. When demands increased, the government relaxed the
prices on these basic requirements and reduced barriers which were earlier faced in travel and tourism sector businesses.
Gradually, the expeditions and tour packages introduced by Thomas Cook became
popular like fire amongst customers and people started developing interest in these
activities. The 20th century witnessed massive developments. Computerisation and
internet are the two significant technological developments which made the world of
travel and tourism grow enormously. The advancement of air transport took place in
1900s with establishment of international transport.
People from distant countries and places came to know about heritage and cultural
sites of UK. As the number of visitors increased, companies started using technological
integration for fulfilling customer demands. Currently, internet and web based
applications have enabled individuals to plan their holidays and pay their utilities at any
place and anytime. These aspects have helped in encouraging individuals to explore new
types of tourism like ecotourism, space tourism, all inclusive tours, etc. With time the
barriers or limitations in travel and tourism have reduced and there is an increase in
affordable travel expeditions.
The channelizing of transportation routes has
helped individuals to move from one place to
another quite easily. This ease of movement was
greatly supported by air and water
transportation with advanced engines and
highly efficient routines. Significant demands of
people in terms of railways facilities,
accommodation and food increased.