Unit - 3: toUrism BUsiness – i
Evolution of the Business of Tourism
1) Early human history marked by nomadic lifestyle, constantly seeking food and shelter.
2) Early empires(Greek, Roman, Egypt) promotes travel for both business and leisure.
3) Factors like Nile river in Egypt and the Rome empire’s infrastructure facilitates travel, the trade activities in Asia and
the silk route promotes tourism business.
The Silk Route
the name “Silk Route” by a German geographer, Ferdinand van Richthfofen in 1870 and the most precious commodity
that was traded on this route –Silk.
it was a complex network of land and sea trade routes across the Afro-Eurasian landmass that connected East, South and
Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world.
It was a diverse route of 12,000 kilometers of ancient routes.
Indian spices and condiments, precious metals, and gems also traded on this route.
SILK ROAD ACTION PLAN
UNWTO has launched a SILK ROAD ACTION PLAN in 2010 wherein 24 member countries are coming together to develop
this route for the purpose of Tourism activity in modern times.
An action plan is decided every year so as to promote the Silk Route Tourism as well as to promote the cities near the silk
route.
The Grand Tour
The new beginning in Europe increasing interest of general population in the art and culture specially since royalty,
nobles and aristocrats in seventeenth and eighteenth century.
It was taken by wealthy young man as an opportunity to educate themselves, perfect their language skills, gain new
cultural experience, and for their social status.
The main purpose of this tour was to educate and provide knowledge from the “civilized world” to the young men and
women of “good birth and fortune” and for important positions and jobs in the government and politics.
Business of Tourism
Grand Tour and Early Travel Trends:.
1. Grand tour was the one of the main reason of making tourism business. Movement of people across Europe
during the grand tour marked the beggning of the travel. Industrial revolution was also played an important role
for transportation facilities like railways and steamboats.
2. Thomas cook, known as father of tourism industry, organized first excursion trip in 1841 with 570 passengers.
attraction, accommodation, infrastructure are crucial elements of tourism business.
Tourism Intermediaries and Linkages
The term intermediaries refer to the mediator who acts as a link between the producer and the customer.
General Sales Agent of Airlines, Travel Agents and Tour Operators are the tourism intermediaries. They form the
distribution channel of the tourism business and bring the tourism services to the customer and consumer and Thomas
Cook was the first tourism intermediary.
Thomas Cook was the first tourism intermediary play the key role like -
(i) The producer to sell in bulk (for example: hotels, flight tickets) .
(ii) The promotion costs of the producer to be cut down as the intermediaries help them reach the buyer.
(iii) The consumer to save time from searching for the services.
Tourism in Modern India
Tourism in modern india is increasing day by day as compared to the rest of the world.
evolution of leisure tourism:
In todays time air travel become more accessible for people with affordable prices.
Tours on Indian Railways :
*Indian railway, the fourth largest railway network globally, played a crucial role in Indian tourism extended over
63,000kms route and 6,909 stations connecting remote corners of the country.
*Indian Railways offers many Rail Tour packages such as the special ticketing facilities as the circular ticket, with
flexibility.
*Train like the Hill Trains operating in Shimla and Ooty as well as the World Heritage Train of Darjeeling – Himalayan
Railways, are a great way to explore the hilly terrain.
*Luxury Trains like the Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot offer a chance to travel to various
destinations in the lap of royal luxury and grandeur.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), plays a major role in development of Indian rail route, best
tour packages, hotel facilities etc.
