How did the history of tourism in the world begin?

The sign of tourism has existed since the existence of human travel from one place to another and its development is in accordance with the socio-cultural community itself. Since then, there are human needs that must be fulfilled during the journey, as well as the motivation that encourages humans to fulfill their daily needs. With the increase of human civilization, the urge to travel is getting stronger and the needs that must be met are increasingly complex.

The motives for traveling from era to era have different levels, according to the development and socio-cultural, economic and environmental levels of the community itself. The motives and motives for the journey of society in prehistoric times are different from the motives and motives for the journey of society in modern times.

The methods of travel and facilities

The methods of travel and tourism facilities used by the community are still simple when compared to more developed societies. According to some experts, tourism has started since the inception of human civilization itself, marked by the movement of people who make pilgrimages and other religious journeys, as well as being driven by feelings of hunger, thirst, curiosity, fear, madness of honor, and power.

3 Eras History

The World Tourism Organization (WTO), at a glance, divides the development or history of this tourism into 3 (three) eras, namely:
  1. Ancient times
  2. Medieval times, and
  3. Modern times

Ancient times

History tourism in ancient times was characterized by limited and simple travel motives, namely:
  • There is encouragement due to practical needs in the fields of politics and commerce, a desire to know the customs and habits of other people or other nations, encouragement related to religion, such as making pilgrimages and visiting places of worship.
  • The facilities and facilities used during the trip in ancient times were still simple. Transportation using animals, such as horses, camels, or small boats along the coast is the most popular means of transportation. However, traveling by foot for distances of tens or hundreds of kilometers is at most practiced. Examples of travel in ancient times: such as the Arab traders to China to buy valuables, Greek traders to the Black Sea, Vinisian traders to Africa. The journey of Chinese Buddhists to India, Muslims who perform Hajj to Mecca or Christians to Jerusalem.
  • Agencies or organizations regulating travel services do not yet exist. Travel arrangements are determined individually, either by individuals or by groups. The accommodation used is still simple. Tourists build their own tents or live in the houses of traders, community leaders, religious leaders or places of worship, such as mosques and churches. There are no commercially managed accommodations at this time history.

Middle Ages

  • The travel motives in medieval times history are broader than the travel motives and motives in ancient times. Apart from the motive for traveling for trade, religious purposes and curiosity, at this time there has been a motive for purposes related to the interests of the state (mission) and the motive for increasing knowledge.
  • Traders no longer make barter exchanges. It was enough for traders to bring samples of goods offered through trade fairs. As in St. Denis, Champagne or Aix-la-Cappalle. 
  • To maintain relations between countries, both colonial and colonized countries or between independent countries, state officials must visit each other.
  • In medieval times history there were universities such as Al Azhar in Cairo, in Paris, Rome, Salamanca, and so on. Students from various countries make visits to these universities to increase or deepen their knowledge by listening to lectures given by professors.
  • With more and more people traveling between countries, various countries began to issue regulations to protect the interests of the state, its people and the interests of tourists.
  • Commercial accommodation began to appear, although it was still simple. Likewise restaurants that provide food for the needs of travelers.
  • The means of conveyance have not only been on horseback, donkey or camel, but have been increased by the addition of horse or donkey drawn carriages. Sea transport has used larger ships.

Modern Age

  • The development of tourism in modern times is marked by the increasingly diverse motives and desires of tourists that must be fulfilled as a result of increasing human culture.
  • The formalities or requirements for travelers to bring their own identity when visiting a country are starting to be applied.
  • Lodging places (accommodation) which are managed commercially thrive. The facilities used are more complete.
  • The emergence of an industrial revolution in Western countries has created a very important means of transportation in the development of tourism. The discovery of the steam engine, introduced railroad and steamships, and replaced the means of transportation that used animals.
  • Subsequent developments found a means of conveyance that uses a motorized engine, which is much faster and more flexible in transportation by land. The latest technology which is very important in modern times is the use of air transportation that can travel long distances in a shorter time.
  • Since the beginning of the modern century, it has also been marked by the existence of bodies or organizations that organize and organize trips.
As a modern phenomenon, historical milestones in travel can also be traced from Marcopolo's journey in 1254-1324 which explored Europe to China, then returned to Venice which was followed by the trip of Prince Henry (1394-1460), Cristophe Columbus (1451- 1506) and Vasco da Gama (late XV century). However, as a new tourism economic activity developed at the beginning of the XIX century and as an international tourism industry began in 1865 (Crick, 1989; and Graburn and Jafari 1991). Today tourism has become one of the mainstay industries in generating foreign exchange in various countries such as Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Fiji, including Indonesia (Godfrey, 1993, Hitchcock et al, 1993). With the important role of tourism in the economic development of various countries, tourism is often referred to as "passport to development", "new kind of sugar", tools for regional development, "invisible export", non-polluting industry "and so on (Pitana, 2002a).
As a modern phenomenon, historical milestones in travel can also be traced from Marcopolo's journey in 1254-1324 which explored Europe to China, then returned to Venice which was followed by the trip of Prince Henry (1394-1460), Cristophe Columbus (1451- 1506) and Vasco da Gama (late XV century).

However, as a new tourism economic activity developed at the beginning of the XIX century and as an international tourism industry began in 1865 (Crick, 1989; and Graburn and Jafari 1991). Today tourism has become one of the mainstay industries in generating foreign exchange in various countries such as Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Fiji, including Indonesia (Godfrey, 1993, Hitchcock et al, 1993).

With the important role of tourism in the economic development of various countries, tourism is often referred to as "passport to development", "new kind of sugar", tools for regional development, "invisible export", non-polluting industry "and so on (Pitana, 2002a).
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