Travel is the act of moving from one place to another for personal, business, or leisure purposes. Tourism involves individuals traveling and staying in places outside their regular environment for up to a year, with the main purpose not being work-related. While travel and tourism may appear similar, they represent different approaches to embarking on a journey.
Here are the distinctions between travel and tourism. The primary difference lies in the destination. Travelers, who desire educational and thrilling experiences, often venture far away from conventional routes compared to tourists. Tourists, on the contrary, prioritize pleasure and convenience, leading them to popular tourist-friendly locations. For instance, both a traveler and a tourist may spend two weeks at Kilimanjaro.
The traveler and the tourist adopt distinct approaches to transportation. The traveler prioritizes assimilation into the local culture, opting for the same modes of transportation as the locals, like riding buses alongside chickens or renting bicycles. Such experiences are integral to the traveler’s journey. Conversely, tourists have less concern about transportation arrangements. Tourist destinations consistently offer tour buses and taxis to transport them to all significant attractions. Moreover, there exists a disparity in cost between traveling and tourism.
Traditional sightseers frequently spend more money than explorers, as they anticipate convenience to be included in the prices of goods and services. Although a guided expedition to the Coliseum may be pricier, tourists consider it worthwhile so as not to worry about navigating public transportation. In addition, tourists anticipate higher expenses for high-quality dining experiences and mementos. However, travelers do not allocate their funds towards items such as souvenir key chains or extravagant nightclubs. They are content with consuming street food from vendors or purchasing essential items from a local market. The discrepancy between travel and tourism lies in the availability of amenities.
Tourists typically enjoy superior amenities compared to travelers because they opt for package deals or hotels that prioritize available services, ensuring satisfactory meals and comfortable accommodations. In the event of any issues, a minor complaint usually resolves the matter promptly. Conversely, travelers often endure discomfort when selecting destinations less frequented by tourists. The amenities provided in a remote fishing village on Lake Victoria would differ greatly from those offered to international tourists at Serena Hotel in Serengeti.
Travelers may opt to save money by staying in hostels or crashing on friends’ couches, where amenities are nonexistent. The choice between traveling and being a tourist often boils down to safety. Venturing far off the beaten path carries higher safety risks for travelers, but the rewards of intimately knowing a place outweigh the concerns. Tourists miss out on experiencing genuine local culture, yet they believe it is worth sacrificing for the sake of staying safe in an unfamiliar location. Conversely, obvious tourists are more vulnerable to petty criminals like pickpockets and scammers, whereas travelers tend to blend in better.
The history of tourism dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonian and Egyptian empires. In Babylon, a museum showcasing historic antiquities was open to the public. The Egyptians held religious festivals that attracted the devout and many individuals who traveled to cities to see renowned works of art and architecture. Similar to other regions, kings in India traveled to expand their empires, while Brahmins and common people embarked on journeys for religious purposes. Sarnath and Sravasti were bustling with thousands of Brahmins and ordinary citizens who sought to witness the enigmatic smile of the Enlightened One, Buddha.
The Sumerians (Babylonians) are credited with inventing money and pioneering trade around 4000BC, which marked the beginning of the modern era of travel. They were the first to use money in business transactions, as well as inventing writing and the wheel, making them the founders of the travel industry. Around 5000 years ago, cruises were organized and conducted from Egypt. Queen Hatshepsut made what is believed to be the first peaceful and touristic journey to the lands of Punt in 1480BC.
Starting from 2700BC, the pharaohs of ancient Egypt used the plentiful stone resources in the Nile valley to construct elaborate burial tombs. The roots of recreational travel can be traced back to both the Babylonian and Egyptian empires. In Babylon during the sixth century BC, there was a museum open to the public showcasing “historic antiquities,” while in Egypt, religious festivals were held that drew in both devout individuals and those curious about experiencing the famous structures and artworks found within their cities.
The local towns offered various services to cater to tourists, including food and drink vendors, guides, souvenir sellers, touts, and prostitutes. Some damage occurred due to the large number of tourists, such as graffiti. This evidence can be traced back to 2000BC when Greek tourists visited sites dedicated to healing gods. Since ancient Greece’s independent city-states did not have a central authority responsible for constructing roads, most tourists traveled by water, leading to the growth of sea sports. The Greeks also took pleasure in religious festivals which gradually transformed into forms of entertainment. Athens became a significant destination for travelers who wanted to see major attractions like the Parthenon. In larger towns and seaports, inns were established to meet the needs of travelers with courtesans being the main source of amusement. The Mediterranean Sea region played a crucial role in shaping travel for purposes such as trade, commerce, religion, festivals, medical treatment,and education.
In the Old Testament, there were numerous references to caravans and traders. Starting from 776BC, city-state inhabitants would convene every four years to honor Zeus through participating in sports competitions. Consequently, this led to the establishment of the Olympic Games and the emergence of four national festivals. Our understanding of travel and tourism during this period primarily relies on Herodotus’ writings, as he served both as a historian and an early traveler. Nevertheless, travel in the Middle Ages became arduous and perilous for individuals who embarked on journeys due to business purposes or a sense of duty and responsibility.
Adventurers sought fame and fortune through travel, with Europeans attempting to find a sea route to India for trade purposes. In doing so, they ended up discovering America and exploring parts of Africa. Strolling players and minstrels made their livelihood by performing while on the move. Similarly, missionaries and saints traveled to spread the sacred word. Additionally, leisure travel in India was introduced by the Mughals, who constructed lavish palaces and captivating gardens at sites of natural beauty. For instance, Jehangir was enticed by the allure of Kashmir during his travels.
During the early seventeenth century, a new type of tourism emerged as a result of the Renaissance. Queen Elizabeth 1 encouraged young men aspiring for court positions to travel to the continent to further their education. Eventually, it became customary for gentlemen to undertake a “Grand Tour” accompanied by a tutor, which lasted for three or more years. Although it was meant to be educational, these men predominantly sought pleasure and immersed themselves in the life and culture of cities like Paris, Venice, or Florence. By the late eighteenth century, this practice had become an established tradition within the upper-class society.
Gradually, pleasure travel replaced educational travel, and the tradition of the Grand Tour declined due to the Napoleonic wars, which hindered travel for about three decades. During the seventeenth century, spas gained popularity in Britain and later in Europe as people became more aware of the healing properties of mineral water. Taking part in spa treatments quickly became a symbol of social status. As a result, the resorts evolved into vibrant hubs of social activity for the upper classes.
During the nineteenth century, seaside resorts gradually replaced traditional spa destinations as the preferred vacation spots. The sea water came to be linked with various health benefits, leading early visitors to consume it rather than bathe in it. However, by the early eighteenth century, small fishing resorts emerged in England where visitors began both imbibing and immersing themselves in the sea water. As inland spas became increasingly crowded, these new coastal destinations gained popularity. Furthermore, the advent of steamboat services in the nineteenth century further contributed to the proliferation of seaside resorts. Over time, these resorts evolved into important social gathering places.
In the twentieth century, tourism saw a notable rise due to several factors. The First World War acted as a catalyst for many countries, arousing curiosity in international travel among those who were not affluent. The mass migration to the United States also led to increased travel over the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, the advent of private motoring prompted individuals to discover their own nations and regions in Europe and the western world. Consequently, coastal resorts became a favored option for yearly family holidays in Britain and other western countries, resulting in a surge of hotels in these locations.
The wars sparked a rise in global travel, which was transformed into mass tourism thanks to the aviation industry. The surplus of planes and the rise of private airlines facilitated the growth of air travel, as the aircraft became more comfortable, faster, and more affordable for international trips. The advent of the Boeing 707 jet in 1958 marked the dawn of air travel for the general public. The emergence of chartered flights further fueled the package tour sector and led to the establishment of organized mass tourism.
The Boeing 747, which had 400 seats, greatly reduced the cost of travel. Initially, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Caribbean were popular destinations for mass tourism. The hotel industry grew in response, leading to the formation of global hotel chains. In the 70s, tourism started to diversify as people began to visit alternative destinations. Hare Krishna movement and transcendental meditation attracted a large number of tourists to Nepal and India. Individual travel on a significant scale only began in the 80s.
Air travel has spurred a constant expansion in business travel, particularly with the rise of Multi National Corporations (MNCs). Currently, globalization has greatly contributed to the growth of the tourism industry worldwide. This progress is the result of scientific and technological advancements, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced social services. Ultimately, tourism is experiencing ongoing global growth, supported by the establishment of numerous institutions aimed at fostering its development and raising awareness about the significance of the tourism sector.
By: ABDULAZAIZ D MGAWE BACAT 1.
