Evolution of Tourism

Evolution of Tourism

Evolution is the gradual development of ideas, situation and evolution of tourism is the slow, gradual and positive development of tourism through history to present. It is Progressive development of tourism over time. 

The evolution of tourism can be divided into three phases -

1. Phase 1 (the period before 1840):-

This phase is the before phase of the industrial revolution and people used to travel mainly for -

• Travel for trade and commerce people used to travel for trade and commerce from one country to another country. 

• Travel for seeking knowledge: They also used to travel for seeking knowledge and explore new land, places

• Travelling for pilgrimage purpose: Many people used to travel for religious purpose

2. Phase 2 (the period between first and second world war ) 

In phase two, the Transportation sector was very much developed and 

• Introduction of railway Transportation: The introduction of railway transport was early starting phase of tourism. In 1841, the birth of organized rail travel came in existence with the idea of Thoms cook who organized a tour of 570 people by train

• Introduction of the steam engine: James watt invented stem engine through which much big show was invented did. Many people started to travel by ship. Intercontinental travel started through seas.

• Contributions by Thomas Cook: Thomas Cook was a travel agent. He is known as the father of tourism and was the first person to establish the first tour and travel agency. He was the first person to develop an organized tour with help of train, ship, hotel.

• Industrial revolution Due to the industrial revolution the population of city and town start increasing. They felt the need for relief from work and a large number of accommodation and recreation place started operating in different places. 

3. Phase 3 ( After world war second to till now)

After the second world war two, tourism became a need in the countries and great expansion in tourism field started. New factories started opening and the living standard of people was greatly increased. In phase 3,

• Introduction of the motor car, bus: The motor car and bus manufacturing were started on a fully commercial scale for the public. People started travelling more than ever.

• Introduction of paid holidays: Also, the introduction of the paid holiday started and people started travelling for refreshment towards the various location. The package tour also started which was chosen by most people as it included all the cost in a package

• Air transport by the introduction of jet: Air Transportation was opened for public/civilian and different commercial airlines company started operating. The air transport was further developed by the development of jumbo jets which makes air transport even safer, comfortable and short. 

• Introduction of information technology:  information and technology has revolutionised tourism to great extent. Now reservation and travel arrangements can be done in a click with the tip of a finger. Different places can be promoted in with internet. 

Evolution of Tourism in Nepal

Nepal was closed to foreigners until 1951. The beginning of tourism in Nepal started through mountain tourism when Mr Hillary and Mr Tenzing successfully ascent mount Everest. The initial tourists were American of retirement age. 

Nepal issued its first tourist visa in 1955 on request by Borris lissanevitch who pleaded crown prince Mahendra to allow Thomas Cook and son ltd to send tourists. Mr Borris lissanevitch started the first tourist standard hotel, Hotel Royal. Similarly, Himalayan airlines also started operating flight. 

In 1956 First five year plan on tourism was developed and The national Tourist development board also came into existence. Similarly, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation started its operation in 1958. Nepal becomes a member of the international Union of Official Travel organization in 1959. There was an increment of tourist by 40 % in 1965. However, Hippies tourist trend started in late 1960. Almost 50% tourist was aged between 16 to 30 years travelling for sex, drug as hashish was legal at that time. Hippie tourism lasted from 1960 to 1970 and ended when drugs enforcement administration was introduced in 1973 and hashish consider illegal. Hippie trail came to end in 1979. 

During 1975 to 1991, Nepal was in a hot spot for cultural Tourist, adventure seekers and holidaymakers. The tourist count increase from one lakh to 3/4 lakh every year. Nepal celebrated visit Nepal 98 to promote tourism. There was a decrease in tourist when Indian Airlines flight was hijacked in 1999 and after the Royal massacre in 2001. Nepal tourism year was celebrated in 2011 and visit Nepal year was celebrated in the year 2020 but stopped due to Corona virus pandemic. Tourism was badly affected by the covid pandemic.

Now tourism is important to the source of revenue and Nepal is visited by more than 1 million tourists every year. Nepal is rich in flora and fauna with cultural and religious diversity. A country rich in natural resources with a  shade of Lord Buddha, the height of mount Everest gives pride.