-
In this timeline, i will be writing about travel and tourism through the years, and how its adapted and improved. -
The grand Tour was a traditional trip across Europe from the 17th century until the late 18th century. These trips were taken by young and wealthy men from Northern Europe, especially England to improve there education, manners, art and architecture. The trips could last several months to years. -
In the 1700s, spas grew in popularity. They were seen as health and fun. Bath and Tunbridge Wells in particular were hotpots for the upper-class who visited for their mineral waters. This led to the construction of new buildings, increased social events so many new jobs opened up. These areas were seen as vibrant and a home to various activities, such as balls and concerts providing entertainment to its visitors -
The improvement of travel links and increase in desire for leisure time saw beach resorts skyrocket in popularity. Particularly the development of the railway systems made it simpler for people of all classes and social standings to visit seaside towns. There was various different options including more luxurious resorts for the wealthy and more affordable options for the lower-middle class. An example of a seaside town which grew in popularity was Brighton which George IV often visited. -
Before railways, travelling long distances was time-consuming and expensive, limiting tourism to the more wealthy people in society. In the 1840s, the mass construction of railways made travel faster, cheaper and more accessible to all people. They connected inland cities to coastal resorts and more scenic areas, opening up new destinations. Their speed and convenience encouraged day trips longer holidays, boosting the tourism industry drastically. -
During the 1930s, holiday camps rose in popularity as an affordable option which offered working class families activities, entertainment and accommodation. However, as foreign holidays became more affordable, these became more desirable as they offered more unique and exotic experiences. Many camps were forced to close due to bankruptcy whereas others adapted and upgraded to offer a more diverse experience to better compete with foreign destinations -
The 1950s saw the rise of package holidays to act as a way to make foreign holidays more affordable. Package holiday providers offered all-inclusive trips, covering transportation, accommodation, and meals all included under one set price. The introduction of jet airplanes opened up popular foreign destinations such as Spain and Italy to a much wider range of tourists. Over time, package holidays have developed further offering more destination options and becoming more affordable -
The 1950s saw a rise in disposable income and the move to a five-day workweek in most industries. Paid holidays also became more common allowing workers to take time off without a loss of income. These societal changes made travel and tourism more accessible to a broader segment of the population. People had both the money and the time to explore new destinations, leading to a surge in both domestic and international travel -
The internet has revolutionised travel and tourism industry by allowing travellers easy access to information. It has also streamlined the booking process making it simpler and faster. Online platforms provide detailed insight into destinations, booking options and activities upon arrival. Additionally, the internet allows for a more personalised travel experience and enables tourists to share their adventures through social media -
From 1997 onwards, budget airlines have transformed travel and tourism by offering significantly lower travel fees. Companies such as Ryanair and easyJet have become major airlines over the past 30 years by focusing on cost reduction and efficiency. They have simplified operations by flying a single type of aircraft, cutting complementary meals, flying out of secondary airports and charging extra for seat selection and checked baggage. These methods allow them to charge minimal fees. -
In 2018, the EU updated its Package Travel Directive. This update was designed to better protect travellers who are booking package holidays and linked travel arrangements, especially online. This ensured clear information about rights and responsibilities, reflecting a focus on customer protection in the travel market. It also promised consistent standards across different types of travel arrangements, focusing on ease and simplicity for the customer.