tsm 101- tourism through the ages

School of Hospitality Management

Tourism Through the Ages

Week 2


Early Beginnings of Travel

The Babylonians (Sumerians)– The creation of money and trade – Trade was developed around 400 B.C.– Babylonians were also credited with the

founders of travel business.


Early Beginnings of TravelThe Egyptians– First cruises were organized

and conducted from Egypt.• The first journey for Tourism

was made by Queen Hatshepsut to the land of Punt in 1480.

– Early Egyptians started the trait of purchasing souvenirs from the places they visit


Early Beginnings of Travel

The Egyptians– 2700 BC: the Pharaohs

began to build elaborate burial tombs (pyramids)

– Egyptians were also the first ones to start celebrating festivals.


First Voyage Around the World

Use of Early roads–Mesopotamian roads were mainly paved

dirt roads.– The island of Crete had better roads• 13 ½ feet wide two-lane road.


First Voyage Around the WorldUse of Early roads– The Romans developed

roads for military use and it covered most of their empire.• Developed at around 150

BC• Roman roads were quite

elaborate in construction. (cobblestones)

• And some of these roads are still in use.


First Voyage Around the World

The Silk Road– The fabled road where the east met the

west.– Some sections were directions across

trackless steppe or desert– A trade route where states along this

route traded.– Silk was not the only thing traded there.


The Classical World

The Olympic Games– Started in 776 BC. – City states gathered together every 4

years for competition– The games created festivals, and

attractions were born out of it.– Lodging also became a commodity

needed during these festivals


The Classical World

Herodotus– Father of History– Travelled all over Greecce and the

Aegean Islands, sailed to Cyrene and explored Sicily and Italy.

–Made records of his travels – Also considered as the worlds first

“Travel Writer”


Early Ships

Phoenicians– Master shipwrights.– Built a network of trading posts around the

Mediterranean.

Greeks– Followed the Phoenicians. – Improved ships and accelerated the

Mediterranean trade.– Merchantships also carried passengers for profit.


Early Ships and Records of Travel

Chinese– Had ministers for travel as early as

4,000 years ago.

Polynesians– Used small dugout canoes under 40 feet

and used these to travel from South East Asia.


Early Tourism Developments

Europeans– The fall of Rome spelled disaster for travel

and tourism. – Dark ages- only the most adventurous

persons would travel. Travel was not for pleasure. • The Crusades

– End of the Dark Ages; pilgrimages were popular.• The ancient Passport was born in 1388: permits

for pilgrimages were required


Early Tourism Developments

Europeans– The rise of tour guides came about in

the 14th century. – Pilgrimages gave birth to different

accommodation facilities.– The “Grand Tour”• Travelling for educational purposes.• Where present trips to Europe originated


Early Tourist Attractions

• Great Pyramids of Egypt (including Sphinx)

• Hanging Gardens of Babylon• Tomb of Mausolus at Halicarnassus• Statue of Zeus at Olympia


Early Tourist Attractions

• Collosus of Rhodes in the Harbor at Rhodes

• Great Lighthouse (Pharos) in Alexandria, Egypt

• Temple Artemis at Ephesus


Other Early Accommodation Facilities

Spas, Baths and Seaside Resorts– The use of Spas after the original use by

the Romans.– 18th century: Spas were very fashionable– Sea Bathing also became popular

because saltwater had medicinal effects.


First Travel Agents

Robert Smart– Self-Proclaimed first steamship agent.

Thomas Cook– Began Running a special excursion train

from Leicester to Loughborough–Was recognized as the first rail

excursion agent.


First Travel Agents

Thomas Benett– Served as the British consul general in

Oslo.– Arranged scenic tours in Norway for

visiting British notables.– 1850: he set up a “Trip Organizer”

business and provided tourists with itineraries, carriages, provisions and a “traveling kit”


Historic Transportation

Stagecoach Travel– Coaches were invented in Hungary

during the 15th century and provided regular service on prescribed routes.

– Stagecoach travel became so popular that it was responsible for the development of the famous English Tavern.



Water Travel– As early as 1772, market boats picked

up passengers and goods on ship canals in england.

– Transport Service between Manchester and the London Bridge• This water travel service had a coffee room

– Then came the Steamboats in 1815.


Historic Transportation• Rail Travel• Automobile and Motor coach Travel



Air Travel– 1926 saw the first US Airline: Variety

Airlines– First international route was flown by

Pan American Airways from Key West, FL to Havana, Cuba

– Gradual expansion of territories covered by US Airlines.

– Most of their staff and equipment was used for war service during WWII.



Air Travel– The Boeing 707: the first commercial Jet

made by the United States.– 1969: The Concorde takes flight– 2003: The Concorde took its last

Commercial Flight.


Historic Accommodations

• Private dwellings were the earliest guest rooms. Travellers were hosted almost like members of the family.

• Caravansaries and inns were used in the Middle East and in the Orient.