Unit 2

Why Tourists Travel

Lesson 5: History & Development

"I haven't even graduated from high school yet -- and I've realized in the last four years, with all the travelling I've done and all the movies I've made, that the world is my classroom." ~ Hailee Steinfeld

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Travel for leisure purposes has evolved from an experience reserved for very few people into something enjoyed by many. Historically, the ability to travel was reserved for royalty and the upper classes. As for the word tourist, it first appeared in print in 1772 when it was used to describe the act of circle and turn representing the activities of travelling away from home and the returning or circling back. From ancient Roman times through to the 17th century, young men of high standing were encouraged to travel through Europe to go on a grand tour. As the Middle Ages arrived, many societies encouraged the practice of going on a religious pilgrimage.


The first known travel agency Cox & King, was founded in 1759 making travel arrangements for the British Royal Armed Forces. However, it wasn't until almost 100 years later, in 1841, that Thomas Cook opened the first leisure travel agency to help British citizens improve their lives by seeing the world, albeit typically by train or boat. Fast forward to 1952 with the first commercial air flights from London, England to South Africa and Sri Lanka and the start of modern tourism. The 1950s also issued in the first Club Med holiday resort which eventually led to the creation of today's all-inclusive resorts.