Tourism as a social phenomenon has existed since ancient times. Much of what we know about early civilizations comes from travelers and their accounts—figures such as Herodotus, Strabo, Ibn Battuta, and Benedict the Pole. Their journeys, whether driven by curiosity, religion, or trade, laid the groundwork for future travel development.
The tourism economy as an organized sector began to take shape in the 19th century. Before that, travel was mainly reserved for elites, as seen in the Grand Tour tradition—educational journeys undertaken by young aristocrats across Europe.
A turning point came with the expansion of railways, urbanization, and the rise of the middle class. In 1841, Thomas Cook organized the first commercial group trip, marking the birth of organized tourism. His model—
combining transport, accommodation, and guided services—became the foundation of the modern travel industry.
The 20th century brought rapid expansion, especially after World War II. Visionaries like Juan Trippe helped develop intercontinental air travel, making long-distance journeys more accessible.
At the same time, tourism became a subject of academic research. Scholars began to explore its economic and social impact, including destination management, marketing, and sustainability.
The creation of international institutions such as UN Tourism (1975) further reinforced tourism’s role as a global economic sector.
With this publication, we begin a series highlighting key figures who have shaped the tourism economy—both globally and nationally.
