EVOLUTION & THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM (1st Epoch)

         

THOMAS COOK(Father of Modern Tourism)

INTRODUCTION

The trend of travel begins since from the beginning of  the human civilization, which gradually becomes a basis for the evolution of travel and tourism. During the stone age of human civilization people used to travel for the sake of food, shelter e.t.c. After passing the several stages of human civilization the traveling practice of human had achived great significance.
                      Then the first Olympic was held in Greece in 776 B.C. People started going to watch Olympic games. Since then it is thought to be the milestone  in the history of tourism industry. In medieval period (12-17 A.D) the Europeans started visiting Rome recognizing it as a birth place of Europe & religious pilgrimage. In 18th century again, the mode of traveling was changed. Whonever became sick, they used to travel to SPA to get recovered. It is belived that modern tourism began from SPA. The credit to word Tourism goes to Thomas Cook, a british citizen. He was the first person to provide package tour in Europe in 18 century.
        
Before the industrial revolution, travel was primarily related to trade, commerce and pilgrimage. The travelers, during those periods were the merchants/traders looking for merchandise & the time was really suitable for aristocaratic, which laid the foundation for the modern tourism. Evolution of tourism can be really traced through the three phase, which are also regarded as epoch. One of the three phases is mentioned as below:

1) First Epoch (Period before 1840)
     This phase is the period before the industrial revolution, during which period; people basically traveled form one place to other for the sake of trade, commerce and pilgrimage puropse. Usually, motivating factor to the place for traveling during this period may be as follows:

a. Travel for trade and commerce: It was the strongest force/ motivating factor throughout the history that traders/ merchants have traveled for trade with other nations. The invention of money, during 300 B.C was the most significant development, which became a medium for various business dealing and als used by various accomodations.

b. Travel for seeking knowledge: The urge to explore new lands/ world, to seek knowledge was another motive of travelers. Some examples of such explorers are: marco polo, Alexander the Great.

c. Travel for religious purpose: During this period travel for the religious purpose was of significant importance. The spread of Christianity led to numerous pilgrimage tours in this regard.

    NOTE: Next two phases of the evolution of tourism will be given in next articles.