Contribution of ancient tourism activities in the world

Tourism in the true sense only began to develop in the mid-19th century. With the success of the industrial revolution in capitalist countries, it has promoted rapid economic development to a large extent. At the same time, a series of favorable conditions such as the increase in people's wealth, the improvement of transportation, and the acceleration of urbanization have greatly promoted tourism activities. Such development led to the birth of the world's first travel agency, Thomas Cook Travel Agency, in the mid-19th century. The emergence of this travel agency marked the beginning of tourism as an industry and the beginning of tourism activities in the true sense.

1. Ancient Greek period (5th century BC)

Medical travel: In the 3rd century BC, Greek tourists began to travel to the resorts where the god of medicine lived.

Religious travel: In the 5th century BC, the development of religious travel in Greece was the most prominent. Delos, Delphi and Mount Olympus in ancient Greece were world-famous religious resorts at that time. In Olympia, where the Temple of Zeus is built, the "Olympia Celebration" is the most prestigious celebration. On the day of the Zeus Festival, there is an endless stream of visitors. During the festival, horse racing, horse racing, Racing, racing, gladiatorial games and other sports, this sport later developed into the Olympic movement. Guide manuals were published in the 4th century BC, which introduced places such as Athens, Delphi, and Sparta. From this period onwards, advertisements also appeared in the form of signboards. Visitors followed the directions guided by the signboards. You can find hotels on the roadside.

2. The Roman Empire (30 BC to 476 AD)

Cross-regional travel: During the Roman Empire, travel began to become important, and the coins of the Roman Empire Accepted by all countries, Latin became the universal language of the time, and Romans could travel to Sicily, Greece, Rhodes, Troy, Egypt, and, from the 3rd century AD, to the Holy Land. The Romans also introduced their guidebooks, which used different symbols to indicate the level of each inn. Local tourism: Local tourism is also booming. In the early days, the most popular tourist destinations were concentrated around the Bay of Naples. Around 150 BC, the Romans began to build roads for military purposes. By the time of Emperor Trajan (AD 98-117), Rome already had an 80,000-kilometer road network, reaching Scotland, England and Germany in the north, Egypt and the southern coast of the Mediterranean in the south, and the Persian Gulf in the east, which is now Iraq and Kuwait. . With the improvement of the road network, special accommodation facilities, such as inns, appeared beside the highway. These favorable conditions prompted the Romans to travel long distances.

3. The Arab Empire Period (5th century BC to the mid-16th century)

Religious Pilgrimage: The feudal society in the Western Middle Ages was relatively dark, and travel activities were at a low ebb. But the rise of the Arab Empire in the 7th century AD greatly promoted the development of tourism activities. The Arab Empire spanned Asia, Africa, and Europe, and reached its peak in the 8th and 9th centuries AD. The empire was centered in Baghdad, with post roads extending in all directions. Islam stipulates that every believer must go to Mecca, Medina or Jerusalem is on pilgrimage, so there is an endless stream of religious pilgrims on the post road.

4. Period of Capitalist Expansion (from the 15th century)

Overseas expansion: In the 15th century, Western capitalism began to sprout. Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom were already maritime powers and began to expand overseas. and wealth plunder.

Global travel: Western science has proven that the earth is round, and Turkey occupies the Far East and Near East. The sea routes to India and China are cut off, so it is imperative to find new routes. Only later did Columbus discovered the American continent and Magellan traveled around the world.

5. Renaissance (beginning in the early 17th century)

Grand Tourism: Starting from the early 17th century, the Grand Tourism became the pursuit of freedom and desire for knowledge heralded by the Renaissance movement. A direct product of trends. Under Elizabeth's rule, young men seeking a career at court were encouraged to travel to the continent to complete their studies. Starting from the beginning of the 17th century in the West, people in the upper class believed that "grand tourism" was a necessary step for those who completed gentleman's education. In 1670, the term "Grand Tour" was already in use. Participants in this activity would spend three or more years traveling through major cultural centers in Europe, accompanied by a mentor. Tour itinerary Tour itinerary Tour itinerary Tour itinerary First a long stay in France, mainly Paris, then a year in Italy, visiting Genoa, Milan, Florence, Rome and Venice, and finally via Germany and the Low Countries (Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium (three countries), returning via Switzerland. By the end of the 18th century, this fashion was firmly established among the middle and upper classes of society.