Timeline: History of tourism

1970

Introduction of Boeing 747 ‘jumbo jet’

This aircraft revolutionised air travel by allowing more passengers to fly at once. With its larger capacity, airlines were able to offer more seats and lower fares, making air travel more accessible to a wider range of people. The Boeing 747 also made long- haul flights more efficient and comfortable, with amenities like spacious cabins and improved in-flight entertainment. This led to an increase in international travel and boosted tourism people could explore more far-east destinations.

1974

The number one UK tour operator Clarkson went into liquidation

Clarkson going into liquidation meant that the company had to cease operations and close. This had a ripple effect on both travellers and the industry. Customers who had booked vacations with Clarkson also created a void in the market, leading to changes in the competitive landscape of the industry. Other tour operators had to step in and fill the gap left by Clarkson’s departure. This event highlighted the importance of financial stability and customer trust in the travel industry.

1976

Concorde came into service 1976

Concorde’s journey to service in 1976 was a result of a collaborative effort between British and French aerospace industries. The airline was a game-changer, offering unprecedented speed and luxury in air travel. With its ability to fly at twice the speed of sound, concord drastically reduced travel times for long-haul flights. This made it possible for travellers to reach their destinations much faster, opening new possibilities for business and leisure travel.

1984

The launch of Ryanair

They revolutionised air travel by offering low-cost flights to various destinations. This made air travel more accessible and affordable for many people, leading to an increase in tourism and travel opportunities. It opened new possibilities for people to explore different places without breaking the bank.

1986

The number of package holidays topped 10million for the first time

It showed that more people were pre-arranged vacation packages that include flights, accommodations, and sometimes even activities. It influenced the way destinations and accommodations catered to these package holiday travellers, offering all-inclusive options and creating more diverse experiences. New technology made it easy for people to make reservations. There was also a growth in the holiday packages sold in travel agents.

1989

Worldwide tourists arrivals topped 400milion

It showed that more and more people were traveling and exploring different destinations. This increase in tourist arrivals meant a boost for the industry. It led to the development of new tourism infrastructure, more job opportunities, and economic growth in many regions. It also encouraged destinations to enhance their offerings and provide better experience for travellers.

1994

EasyJet launched

Easy jet was founded in March 1994 by businessmen Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The first flight took off on 10th November which was from London to Glasgow. Easy jet introduced the concept of low-cost flights, making air travel more affordable and accessible for people. It created more competition in the industry and pushed other airlines to offer more competitive prices. This made people change the way they travel as they could book flights and accommodation separately.

1994

Channel Tunnel opened

It created a direct link between the UK and mainland Europe, making it easier and faster to travel between the two. The Channel tunnel provided a convenient and efficient transportation option for both passengers and goods, opening new opportunities for trade and tourism. It allowed people to explore more destinations and experience different cultures without the hassle of long journeys.

1998

25.7 million overseas came to Britain, spending more than £12billion

This influx of visitors created numerous job opportunities in the tourism sector. It encouraged the development of new attractions, accommodations, and services to cater to the growing number of tourists. Additionally, it helped promote British culture, heritage, and landmarks to a global audience. By tourists spending this amount of money, it boosted the tourism industry and boosted revenue.

2001

9/11

It led to increased security measures and regulations worldwide, which affected the overall travel experience. People became more cautious about travelling, and there was a decline in air travel initially due to the safety concerns. The industry had to adapt and implement stricter security protocols to ensure the safety of travellers. It took some time for the industry to recover, but eventually, with improved security measures, it started to gain momentum.

2004

Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

Many popular tourist destinations in the affected areas were severely damaged or destroyed, leading to a decline tourist arrival. Additionally, the fear and uncertainty surrounding the natural disaster caused travellers to avoid these regions. It took some time for the affected areas to recover and rebuild their tourism infrastructure.

2008

Global Recession

Many people cut back on their travel expenses and opted for more budget-friendly options. This led to a decrease in overall travel demand and a decline in tourism revenue. Travel companies and airlines faced financial challenges, resulting in job losses and reduces services.

2010

Birth of social media(trip Advisor)

Trip Advisor is a popular online platform where travellers can share their reviews, ratings, and experience about hotels, restaurants, places, and more. This had empowered travellers to make more informed decisions and choose the best options for their travel experience. Trip Advisor has influenced the hospitality industry, as business strive to maintain positive reviews and ratings to attract more customers. Trip Adviser has been growing and by 2015, they had 320 million reviews on the site

2011

Game of Thrones

The show has showcased stunning filming locations, such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. These places have seen a surge in tourism as fans of the show flock to visit the iconic settings. The popularity of Game of Thrones has also inspired themed tours and experiences.

2019

Brexit

With the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, there have been changes in travel regulations, such as passport requirements and border controls. This has led to some uncertainty and potential disruptions for travellers. Additionally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates have affected travel cost for both UK residents travelling abroad and tourists visiting the UK. The UK visitor numbers dropped by 5.3% in the aftermath.

2020

Covid

The travel and tourism industry lost 12 months of trading due to the pandemic and most countries in the world were in lockdown. They were estimated to loose £1 billion due to the lack of visitor spend during that period.

2023