This unit has given you an insight about travel intermediaries and the benefits of the same for the tourist. Finally, you are familiar with the growth of tourism in India and the role of Indian Railways in the modern day Indian Tourism Industry.
Tourism Business Class 9 Unit 2 Notes
Introduction
Nowadays, people love to explore new places, they want to learn new things, and they like adventures. Due to the integration of new technology in travelling and tourism, it has become easier to go to the destination, and more fun is also included. There are big changes in space tourism;companies like Space Adventures and Virgin Galactic offer space trips. In India, tourism is growing fast. More people want to go to spiritual places, they want to learn culture, and they want to enjoy nature. The government supports tourism through campaigns like Incredible India.
Evolution of the Business of Tourism
In ancient times people travelled from one place to another place to find food and shelter; Ancient travellers like Megasthenes, Fa-Hien, and Hsuan Tsang documented how and why people travelled long ago. In early civilisations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, people also travelled not just for business. For example, Egyptians used the Nile River to travel, and Romans built roads for travelling. The most popular travel and trade route of this time was in Asia, commonly known as the Silk Route.
Silk Route
The Silk Route is the most important trade network in history; the Silk Route connects East and West. It was a single road but a vast network of routes over 12000 kilometres across Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa. The name Silk Route came in 1870 from German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen, inspired by luxurious silk that was heavily traded on these paths. This route not only carries silk from China and India but also spices, gems, ceramics, herbs, and exotic animals. The Silk Route also helps to spread ideas, cultures, and religions in different countries, especially Buddhism from East to West.
In modern times, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) recognised its historical values and launched the Silk Road Action Plan in 2010. This initiative brings 24 counties together to promote tourism and cultural heritage.
The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour was like an educational trip basically for rich young men in Europe, especially from England, during the 17th and 18th centuries. These young men travelled to famous cities like Paris, Florence, Venice, and Rome to learn about art, history, and different cultures, but the Grand Tour later on became a way to show off wealth. People who went on the Grand Tour would collect special things like books, paintings, and souvenirs and display them at home to impress others.
Business of Tourism
The Grand Tour saw a great movement of people across Europe. This was just the beginning of travel. In the 18th century, wealthy people were only able to travel for health reasons, visiting places like Bath and sea resorts. Then came the Industrial Revolution, which introduced cheaper and faster transportation like trains and steamships, which made travel more accessible. The main turning point was in 1841 when Thomas Cook, who is known as the father of the tourism industry, organised a group trip by train in England. It was a big success, and after that he arranged more tours, including hotel vouchers and foreign currency exchange services. His ideas helped shape tourism into a proper business.
Tourism Intermediaries and Linkages
The tourism intermediaries are bridges between travellers and the services like hotels, transport, food, attractions, shopping, etc. These intermediaries include travel agents, tour operators, and general sales agents who make travel comfortable. The first tourism intermediary was Thomas Cook. This intermediary must have a strong connection with hotels, airlines, cruises, souvenir shops, etc. They help tourists by:
- Giving expert advice and saving time
- Offering special deals and discounts
- Making sure services match the traveller’s needs
- Helping producers (like hotels) sell in bulk and reduce advertising costs
Tourism in Modern India
Tourism in modern India started from ancient times. In earlier times, people travelled to hear religious teachings, visit holy places, attend festivals like the Kumbh Mela, etc. This journey was deeply rooted in tradition and spiritual purpose. A major turning point came with the Air Corporations Act of 1963, which allowed the people to take flight with low cost and an easier method. In India the hospitality industry also expanded; this industry offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget hotels to luxury resorts.
Tours on Indian Railways
The Indian Railway is the largest railway in the world, with over 63000 kilometres of route and nearly 7000 stations, which connect major tourist destinations and remote corners across the country. The vast network helps the people from all economic backgrounds to travel comfortably and affordably. Indian Railway not only provides regular travel but also offers special tourist packages through IRCTC for both domestic and international travellers. This special tourist package includes some special trains like the Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot, and Buddhist Circuit Trains, which help the people to understand the heritage and spiritual exploration. Hill station trains, like trains in Simla, Ooty, and Darjeeling, showcase India’s natural beauty.
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