XI UNIT–2 TOURISM: A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT (English)
2.0 Introduction to Tourism History
Modern tourism is well-organized, planned, and structured, unlike earlier times when travel was informal and unplanned.
According to William F. Theobald:
→ “Tourism as we know today is distinctly a twentieth century phenomenon.”
This means modern tourism developed mainly in the 20th century with proper systems and facilities.In ancient times, humans travelled mainly for:
Food and survival
Shelter
Safety and security
The word “tourism” was introduced much later, probably in the 19th century, although travel existed much earlier.
Why Study History of Tourism?
Present tourism is the result of continuous development from the past.
Studying history helps us:
Understand factors that promoted tourism growth (e.g., transport, trade)
Identify barriers that slowed tourism (e.g., wars, lack of safety)
Learn from past mistakes and improve future planning
Compare past and present tourism trends
Build basic concepts and understanding of tourism development
Factors Influencing Tourism Development
Industrial Revolution – changed society and increased income levels
Invention of steam engine – improved transportation (railways, ships)
Transatlantic flights – connected distant continents
Expansion of trade and business – increased travel needs
Human curiosity – desire to explore new places and cultures
Example: Industrial Revolution
Created employment opportunities
Increased income and leisure time
Led to development of transport and infrastructure
Played a key role in the growth of modern tourism
Limitations of Tourism History
Most historical records are Europe-centric
They do not fully represent the global tourism scenario
However, some comparison with tourism in India is included
2.1 Travel in Early Times
The exact beginning of tourism is not known
Early travel was mainly for:
Trade and commerce
Exploration of new lands
Military activities
Spread of religion
Tourism history is based on:
Written records
Travelogues of famous travellers
Evidence of early travel includes:
Trade between countries
Sea voyages for business
Early Civilizations and Tourism
Major civilizations that promoted travel:
Egyptian
Greek
Roman
Sumerian
Example: Egypt
Queen Hatshepsut’s journey (~5000 years ago):
Travelled to Land of Punt (East Africa)
Records found at Deir el-Bahri Temple, Luxor
River Nile cruises were organized for wealthy people → early form of leisure tourism
Greece and Rome
Wealthy Greeks and Romans travelled for leisure and pleasure
Travel became easier due to:
Common language (Greek) in Mediterranean region
Common currency for trade
Well-developed road networks (Roman Empire)
Strong legal system ensuring safety and security
Travel Conditions in Ancient Times
Travel was limited to rich people only
Travellers:
Carried their own food and servants
Did not have modern facilities like hotels or luxury transport
Key Factors for Tourism Growth (Ancient Times)
Availability of disposable income
Good connectivity (roads, rivers, sea routes)
Common language for communication
Security and legal system
Silk Route (Silk Road)
Known as the “Greatest route in history of mankind”
A network of routes connecting:
East Asia, South Asia, West Asia
Europe and North Africa
Named after Chinese silk trade
Also helped in exporting Indian spices to Western countries
Historical Importance of Silk Route
Established around 200 BC
Connected major empires:
China, India, Persia, Rome
Acted as the first bridge between East and West
Tourism Significance of Silk Route
Had:
Trading posts
Resting places (caravanserai)
Considered an early form of business tourism
Famous Travellers
Alexander the Great
Marco Polo
Structure of Silk Route
Not a single road but a network of routes
Spread over approximately 12,000 km
Traders:
Did not travel full distance
Goods were transferred in segments (hand-over system)
Modern Relevance
UNWTO Silk Road Action Plan (2010)
24 countries involved
Aim: Promote tourism along Silk Route
Important Facts
Term “Silk Road” given by:
Ferdinand von Richthofen (1870)
Silk was used as a form of currency
Route played a major role in cultural exchange
Tourism in the Middle Ages
Tourism in Europe declined significantly
Main reason:
Fall of Roman Empire
Collapse of legal system
Poor connectivity and unsafe routes
This period is known as the Dark Ages
Exception: Pilgrimage Tourism
Despite decline, religious travel increased
People travelled to holy places for spiritual purposes
2.3 Renaissance and the Grand Tour
Renaissance means rebirth or new beginning in Europe.
It came after the Dark Ages / Middle Ages.
This period brought a cultural revival, especially in England.
During this time, travel became linked with learning, knowledge, and culture.
Grand Tour
The Grand Tour started in England during the 17th and 18th centuries.
It was an educational journey across Europe.
It was mainly done by:
Wealthy young men
Nobles
Scholars
Diplomats
Businessmen
Many travellers went with a tutor so they could learn properly during the journey.
Main Destinations
Paris
Florence
Rome
Other cultural cities of France and Italy
Purpose of the Grand Tour
To learn about arts and sciences
To gain cultural experience
To understand the “civilised world”
To prepare young people for government and political jobs
It was mainly for people of good birth and fortune
Importance of the Grand Tour
It became a fashionable activity and also a status symbol.
Slowly, its original educational purpose weakened.
Later, it became more of a leisure journey.
Still, it is very important in tourism history because:
It was one of the first organized and planned travel activities
It became an early step toward modern tourism
Development of Spas and Bath Resorts
In the 18th century, tourism also saw the growth of spas, baths, and seaside resorts.
This development happened mainly in England.
The Romans had earlier introduced the idea of baths in England and Europe, but now they became popular among the elite and wealthy class.
Why Were They Popular?
They were used for health benefits and curing problems.
They were also places for:
Social interaction
Dancing
Social events
So, they became both a health destination and a social status symbol
Example
Bath, England became a very popular place among aristocrats and rich people.
People visited there for:
Health rejuvenation
Social gatherings
Seaside Resorts and Medical Advice
Seaside resorts also became popular.
Medical professionals recommended sea water bathing for people with:
Body swelling
Other health-related problems
Doctors also promoted:
Mineral water
Natural geysers
Natural springs
This increased the demand for travel for health and leisure
Decline of Spas and Baths
In the early 19th century, the popularity of spas and baths started declining.
Main reasons:
Industrial Revolution
Arrival of new destinations
Growth of new types of tourism
Main Idea
This period shows that tourism was no longer only about trade or survival.
People began to travel for:
Education
Culture
Health
Leisure
This was an important stage in the development of modern tourism.
1. What do you understand by Silk Route?
The Silk Route was a famous network of trade routes that connected East Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Europe, and North Africa. It is called the greatest route in history because it played a very important role in trade, travel, and cultural exchange between the East and the West.
It got its name from the Chinese silk trade, but it was not only used for silk. Indian spices and many other goods also moved through this route. It was established around 200 BC and connected major empires like China, India, Persia, and Rome.
The Silk Route was not a single road. It was a network of routes spread over about 12,000 km. Traders usually did not travel the full route. They carried goods in parts and passed them to the next trader, which is called the hand-over system.
It also had trading posts and resting places, so it can be considered an early form of business tourism.
2. What is meant by Grand Tour?
The Grand Tour was an educational journey across Europe that began in England during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was mainly taken by wealthy young men, especially nobles, scholars, diplomats, and businessmen, often with a tutor.
The main purpose of the Grand Tour was to gain knowledge, cultural experience, and education. Travellers visited important cultural cities like Paris, Florence, and Rome, where they learned about arts, sciences, and European culture. This tour helped prepare them for important positions in government and politics.
Later, the Grand Tour became a status symbol and slowly changed into travel for leisure. Still, it is very important in tourism history because it was one of the first organized and planned forms of travel and a major step toward modern tourism.
2.4 Industrial Revolution and Tourism
The Industrial Revolution came after the Renaissance.
It brought major social and economic changes.
These changes affected the tourism industry deeply.
The revolution started in England, then spread to Europe and the United States.
Historians say modern tourism probably began during and after the Industrial Revolution.
Main Changes Brought by the Industrial Revolution
Rise of the middle class.
Development of cheaper transport.
Growth of cities and urban centers.
Increase in travel between:
cities and cities.
cities and rural areas.
The idea of leisure time and holidays developed.
Holiday Meaning
In early times, time off from work was used for religious purposes.
Such days were called holy days.
Later, the word became holiday.
Role of Steam Power
Tourism got a big boost from steam engines.
Steam power led to:
rail travel
steam boats
steam ships
Railways first carried passengers in 1830 in England.
The first passenger railway route was between Liverpool and Manchester.
Thomas Cook and Organized Tourism
Thomas Cook is credited with the first organized tour in tourism history.
He organized an excursion trip on 5 July 1841.
The trip was from Leicester to Loughborough, England.
570 passengers joined the tour.
Each passenger paid one shilling.
The group travelled in a chartered train.
The tour included:
picnic lunch
brass band
Why Thomas Cook is Important
In 1843, nearly 3000 students travelled from Leicester to Derby through his arrangements.
He organized circular tours to Scotland between 1848 and 1863.
In one season, about 5000 tourists took these tours.
In 1867, he introduced:
the first hotel voucher
foreign currency exchange in travel business
Because of this, he is often called the Father of Tourism Industry.
Growth of Leisure Travel by Ships
This period also saw the rise of leisure travel by ships.
Especially important was transatlantic travel.
Earlier, ships were mainly used for:
trade and commerce
discovery of new lands
military wars and battles
Transatlantic Travel
This means travel between England and the United States by sea.
It became one of the longest and most profitable passenger routes.
Important Facts About Ship Travel
1818: Transatlantic passenger service started by the Black Ball Line of the United States.
1839: Samuel Cunard started the British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company, later called the Cunard Line.
1840: Cunard Line became the first to offer scheduled steamship service across the Atlantic.
1869: Opening of the Suez Canal.
1914: Opening of the Panama Canal.
Growth and Decline of Ocean Liners
In 1902, about 2,00,000 passengers crossed the Atlantic.
By 1929, the number increased to more than 1 million.
Passenger ship business continued to grow even after World War II for 13 more years.
1958 was a turning point:
First commercial jet airliner flew non-stop across the Atlantic
This marked the beginning of the end of ocean liners
At that time:
25 companies
70 ships
were operating on transatlantic routes.
By 1959, 63% passengers were travelling by air because it was faster and safer.
2.5 Tourism in Modern Times
The modern tourism era started after the Second World War.
During this time, wages improved and working conditions became better.
People got more free time and started travelling for leisure.
The development of jet aircraft in the 1950s and the growth of the commercial airline industry made travel:
faster
easier
cheaper
This also increased international tourism and people’s interest in other:
countries
cultures
people
traditions
Features of Modern Tourism
Modern tourism is linked with:
improved living standards
better life expectancy
advanced transport
modern technology
Today tourism is a mix of:
mass tourism
sustainable tourism
eco-friendly tourism
Mass Tourism
Large number of tourists travel in package tours.
The main aim is to visit a destination and add it to the list of places visited.
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism done in a way that:
causes minimum damage
leaves a small carbon footprint
protects the local environment and community
Change in Travel Modes
Tourism keeps changing with time.
Earlier, passenger ships were popular.
After the growth of commercial airlines, ships lost importance as a normal travel mode.
Passenger ships later developed into cruise ships.
Cruise ships are now popular because they work as:
floating hotels
floating destinations
They are used both for:
travel between places
tourism enjoyment in themselves
Importance of Alternative Tourism
Alternative tourism helps protect:
heritage
local environment
future generations
It reduces the negative impact of mass tourism.
Tourism must adapt to changing times to stay useful and attractive.
Growth Despite Crises
Tourism has faced many crises but still recovered.
Major crisis examples:
9/11 terror attacks
bomb blasts in the UK and other countries
tsunami
economic meltdown
wars and war-like situations
health crises like SARS and avian flu
Even after these crises, tourism has shown strong recovery.
UNWTO Tourism Recovery Facts
According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer:
International tourism receipts reached US$ 1,030 billion in 2011
This was higher than US$ 928 billion in 2010
In real terms, tourism receipts grew by 3.8%
International tourist arrivals increased by 4.6% in 2011
Total arrivals reached 982 million
In 2012, international tourist arrivals crossed 1 billion for the first time
Economic Importance of Tourism
Tourism is a major:
social phenomenon
economic activity
It provides:
employment opportunities
foreign exchange earnings
That is why many countries consider tourism a profitable sector.
Tourism as an Industry
Tourism is a fragmented industry.
It includes many related sectors:
hotels
motels
accommodation units
restaurants
food services
transportation
amusement and leisure facilities
gift shops
many other businesses
Because of this, tourism does not grow in one single way.
Still, its diversity makes it very important for:
academicians
researchers
industry professionals
Why Tourism Is Studied
Tourism has become a subject of research and study.
Researchers study tourist needs in advance.
The goal is to provide better services before tourists even ask for them.
This shows how important tourism has become in the modern world.
2.6 Tourism in India: An Account
India has had an ancient tradition of travel and tourism.
Travel was not a new idea in India; it existed informally from ancient times.
People from all classes used to travel.
Ancient ideas about travel
In the Aitareya Brahmanam of the Rigveda (about 3000 years ago), the message was:
Be like the Sun and keep travelling tirelessly.
In Sanskrit literature, tourism is linked with the root word “atna”, which means:
going away from home for a short period
Three Sanskrit terms of tourism
Tirthatan – travelling to holy places for religious merit
Deshatan – travelling outside the country for economic gain
Paryatan – travelling for pleasure and knowledge
Pilgrimage Tourism
Tirthatan or pilgrimage is one of the most important forms of tourism in India.
India is a country of many religions and cultures, so pilgrimage travel has always been important.
Examples
Hindus visit:
Char Dham
sacred rivers for holy bath
Buddhists visit:
Bodhgaya
Sarnath
Kushinagar
Support from rulers
Kings and emperors also helped pilgrimage travel.
Ashoka the Great:
travelled widely to spread Buddhism
planted trees along roads
built rest houses
Emperor Harsha:
built institutions
built monasteries
built dharamshalas for travellers
Travel Infrastructure in Ancient India
The Arthashastra shows that travel infrastructure was important for the state.
It mentions good travel arrangements for:
military travellers
traders
civilians
Trade and travel
Trade and commerce were another major reason for travel.
The Silk Route is a good example.
Indian spices were traded through this route.
Facilities for travellers
Roads were well maintained.
Trees were planted on both sides of roads.
Dharamshalas and rest houses were built along the way.
During Mughal rule
Emperors travelled extensively across the kingdom.
The country became accessible because of:
mile stones
sarais
a network of roads and paths
Foreign Travellers to India
India attracted many foreign travellers because of:
rich trade links
culture
wealth
historical importance
Important foreign travellers
Herodotus
Greek traveller
wrote Historica
gives information about Alexander’s invasion of India
Megasthenese
Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya’s court
wrote about life during Mauryan rule
Unknown traveller
wrote Periplus of the Erythrean Sea
gives information about Indian sea trade, ports, and western trade relations
Fa Hien
Chinese traveller
visited India in the 5th century AD
wrote about social life, Buddhism, and political events
Yuan Chwang / Hsuang Tsang / Xuangzang
Chinese traveller
visited India in the 7th century AD
spent 16 years in India
described religious, cultural, and political life
Al-Masudi
Arab traveller
visited India from 941 to 943 AD
wrote about the Rashtrakutas
Alberuni / Abu Rayhan
Arab traveller and contemporary of Mahmud of Ghazani
wrote Tahkik-ul-Hind
gave an objective and unbiased description of India
Marco Polo
Venetian traveller
visited South India in 1294 AD
gave information on India’s economic history
Ibn Battuta
traveller from Morocco
visited India between 1333 and 1342
wrote Rehla
described many places across India
Rahul Sankrityayan
He gave the first travelogue in Hindi and many other languages.
He is known as the Father of Hindi travel literature.
He travelled widely in India and abroad.
He spent about 45 years travelling away from home.
He mostly travelled by surface transport, which makes his travelogues very interesting.
Awards:
Sahitya Akademi Award (1958) for Madhya Asia ka Itihaas
Padmabhushan (1963)
Tourism in Modern India
Modern tourism in India developed quite late.
Growth became possible because of:
railway network
air transport
better travel infrastructure
Air transport development
Air Corporations Act, 1 August 1963
air transport industry was nationalized
1993
private players were allowed in Indian aviation
Tourism infrastructure
ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation) was started.
Its purpose was to provide:
modern infrastructure
comfort to tourists
special facilities for foreign tourists
Domestic Tourism in India
Domestic tourism is the mainstay of Indian tourism.
Reasons:
huge population
vast size of the country
many tourist attractions
Domestic tourism is important because it continues even during crises.
Foreign tourism may be affected by wars, disasters, or disease, but domestic tourism still continues.
LTC
The government encourages domestic travel through Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
Employees get paid leave for travel every few years.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Earnings
International tourism in India has increased in recent decades.
India is being promoted as a tourist destination globally.
Important facts for 2011
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE):
US$ 16.56 billion
annual growth rate: 16.7%
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA):
6.29 million
annual growth rate: 8.9%
Global position
India’s share in global tourist arrivals was still low.
India ranked 38th with 0.64% of global tourism share.
This shows that tourism potential in India is still not fully developed.
2.6.1 Tourism Circuits
A tourism circuit means a route where at least three major tourist destinations are located.
These destinations should be:
in different towns/villages/cities
not too far from each other
The circuit should have:
a clear entry point
a clear exit point
Meaning
A tourist enters from the entry point and is encouraged to visit all the important places on that route.
The main aim is to:
increase the number of tourist visits
promote the development of all destinations on that circuit
Importance of Tourism Circuits
Tourism circuits help tourists visit many places in one trip.
They make travel easy, planned, and attractive.
They also help in the economic development of the region.
Tourism professionals should know about different circuits to:
guide tourists properly
promote tourism business
Examples of Tourism Circuits in India
1. Golden Triangle
It is the most popular tourism circuit in India.
Especially popular among international tourists.
It includes:
Delhi
Agra
Jaipur
Many foreign tourists enter through Delhi, visit all three places, and leave again from Delhi.
This circuit is famous because it covers major attractions of North India.
2. Buddhist Circuit
This circuit includes places linked with the life of Lord Buddha.
Important destinations include:
Sarnath
Gaya
Kushinagar
It is important for religious and cultural tourism.
1. What is the role of Thomas Cook in modern tourism?
Thomas Cook played a very important role in the development of modern organized tourism. He is often called the Father of Tourism Industry because he started the first organized tour in tourism history.
In 1841, Thomas Cook organized an excursion trip from Leicester to Loughborough in England for 570 passengers. Each passenger paid one shilling. The tour was done by chartered train and included a picnic lunch and a brass band. This became the first organized tourism tour.
After that, he arranged more tours, such as:
a trip for about 3000 students from Leicester to Derby in 1843
circular tours to Scotland between 1848 and 1863
about 5000 tourists travelled in one season on these tours
He also introduced new travel services like:
the first hotel voucher in 1867
foreign currency exchange in travel business
Because of these contributions, Thomas Cook helped tourism become planned, organized, and accessible to more people.
2. What is the importance of pilgrimage in tourism?
Pilgrimage is one of the most important forms of tourism in India. It is called Tirthatan in Sanskrit and means travel to religious places for holy purposes.
Pilgrimage is important because India has many religions, cultures, and sacred places. People travel to religious centers such as:
Char Dham for Hindus
Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar for Buddhists
Its importance is also seen in history. Kings and emperors supported pilgrimage travel:
Ashoka the Great spread Buddhism, planted trees along roads, and built rest houses
Emperor Harsha built institutions, monasteries, and dharamshalas for travellers
Pilgrimage helped in the growth of:
travel infrastructure
roads and rest houses
cultural and religious exchange
movement of people across regions
So, pilgrimage has always been a major part of Indian tourism and still remains important today.
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