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776 BCE
The Olympic Games
The Olympic Games of 776 BC were the first international tourist event. People travelled from all over the world to watch and take part of this major event. -
27 BCE
The Roman Empire (27BC to 476)- Roads
During the heyday of the Roman Empire they built thousands of roads. -
1415
Age of Discovery- 1415 to 1543
This was what allowed the knowledge over the future world. The Portuguese people started to discover new places, people, food and materials... -
1476
Canterbury Tales
Pilgrims like Geoffrey Chaucer would tell each other stories to entertain themselves on the road. People would do this during their religious travels. -
Grand Tours by Thomas Cook
At first it was the nobility who set out in the 17th and 18th century on their "Grand Tours". It became an essential part of ever young gentleman's education. -
Developments in transports-17th and 18th centuries
This really opened up the tourist industry. First stagecoaches and coaching inns.
Then steamboats crossed the English Channel, and railways stretched their iron webs across the civilized world. -
Period: to
MASS TOURISM
The tourist industry in its modern form was born.
Middle classes had joined the tourist classes.
Mass Tourism was a reality! -
Organised Tours/ Excursions
Thomas Cook began to exploit England's potential by selling organised tours such as:
Excursions across continental Europe.
They started the concept of "resort" (introdution of vouchers and traveller's cheques), offering holiday packages with everything already included (accomodation and entertainment). -
First International Exhibition
Thomas Cook made arrangements for organised visits to the 1st International Exhibition, opened in London. Tourist came from different parts of England. -
First Jet Airliners
The introduction of of the first commercial jet airliners that the idea of foreing holidays really took off, this was a major development.
In recent decades things only got better for the tourist: faster and cheaper travel options. -
Formation of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
It promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.
UNWTO’s membership includes 158 countries, 6 territories and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. Its headquarters are located in Madrid.
