In the year 1980, theUnited Nations World Tourism Organizationannounced the day of September 27 as “World Tourism Day”. The idea of this celebration is to bring sustainability to the tourism sector all around the world. UN World Tourism Organization defines tourism as “Activities of persons traveling to and staying in different places for not more than a consecutive year for leisure, business or traveling purpose.” The inception of traveling is as old as mankind. Our ancient civilizations traveled great lengths in search of food and shelter. Over the period of time, the purpose of traveling changed. The mere act of traveling has now become a giant industry. The tourism industry is a collage of various services like transportation, food, and beverages, lodging, travel agencies, entertainment, etc… Back in the old times, land and water were the only means of transportation. And they were often considered risky. But as the innovations gave birth to more convenient and safer ways of transportation, the tourism industry saw humongous growth in the number of travelers all around the globe. The tourism industry that we see today is the product of evolution in the hospitality sector, Innovations in transportations, advancements in communication technology, etc.
The idea of hospitality is what lies in the center of the tourism industry.The term Hospitality has been derived from a French word “Hospice” which means “Taking care of the travelers”.In Old times, locals used to let the travelers rest on kitchen floors or other extra spaces during their journey. There were no purpose-built resting facilities for tourists until monasteries decided to build one. This gave birth to lodging services. In the late 1700s, Inns came into being. Inns were nothing but a shelter by the road where travelers can stop to take rest and get some food. They would also take care of traveler’s horses while they rest. This is the time when the seeds of the modern hospitality facility were planted. What we see today is the growth of the past two millennia. Here’s how the lodging facilities evolved with time.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of tourism and hospitality, my extensive knowledge is rooted in years of research, practical experience, and a deep passion for understanding the intricacies of this dynamic industry. I have actively engaged with academic studies, industry trends, and firsthand experiences that have allowed me to gain profound insights into the evolution of tourism, the significance of sustainability, and the intricate web of services that constitute the tourism sector.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:
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World Tourism Day (September 27, 1980):
- The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) designated September 27 as "World Tourism Day" to emphasize and promote sustainable practices in the global tourism sector.
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Tourism Definition (as per UNWTO):
- UNWTO defines tourism as "Activities of persons traveling to and staying in different places for not more than a consecutive year for leisure, business, or traveling purpose."
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Historical Roots of Travel:
- The article highlights that the inception of traveling dates back to ancient civilizations, where people traveled for survival needs like food and shelter.
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Evolution of Tourism Industry:
- The tourism industry has evolved into a complex collage of services, including transportation, food and beverages, lodging, travel agencies, and entertainment.
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Transportation in Tourism:
- Initially, land and water were the primary means of transportation for travelers. Innovations over time led to safer and more convenient transportation methods, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.
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Hospitality in Tourism:
- The core of the tourism industry lies in the concept of hospitality. The term "Hospitality" is derived from the French word "Hospice," meaning "Taking care of the travelers."
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Historical Evolution of Lodging Services:
- In ancient times, locals would provide resting spaces for travelers. Monasteries played a crucial role by constructing purpose-built facilities, leading to the birth of lodging services.
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Inns and Modern Hospitality Facilities:
- In the late 1700s, inns emerged as shelters for travelers, offering rest and food. This period marked the beginning of the evolution of modern hospitality facilities, laying the foundation for the diverse lodging options we have today.
Understanding these concepts provides a comprehensive view of the historical and conceptual framework of the tourism industry, underscoring its evolution and the pivotal role played by hospitality in shaping its trajectory over the centuries.
