The changing nature of tourism

Establishment of Package Holidays

In the post-WWII period, mass tourism began with the advent of package holidays. These holiday deals combined travel, accommodations, and sometimes meals in a single, convenient purchase.
The establishment of package holidays was fostered by increased discretionary income, longer paid vacations, and improvements in transportation technology.
Key locations included coastal areas across the Mediterranean, particularly Spain, Greece, and Italy.

Advent of Low-Cost Carriers

During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, low-cost carriers drastically reduced the price of air travel.
This resulted in the democratisation of tourism where international travel was no longer just accessible to the privileged few, but to a larger proportion of the population.
This also led to a surge of short-break holidays to various locations as travelling became more affordable.

Rise of Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism

As global awareness about environmental conservation grew, so did the popularity of ecotourism. This involves visiting pristine, fragile, and relatively undisturbed natural areas.
Adventure tourism, involving travel with a degree of risk, also became prominent. It often overlaps with ecotourism because it involves nature-based activities, but adventure tourism includes aspects like thrill-seeking and physical challenge.

Impact of the Internet on Tourism

The rise of the Internet completely transformed the tourism industry through online booking systems and ratings sites.
These new tools gave consumers more control over their travel plans. Enabling them to compare prices, read reviews, and make informed decision about destinations.
The ease of access to information also encouraged a new trend in DIY tourism where individuals create their own itineraries, bypassing the traditional tour operators.

The Growth of Dark Tourism

Another recent trend in the changing nature of tourism is the growth in dark tourism (also known as thanatourism). It’s focused on travelling to sites associated with death and suffering, such as Holocaust sites, war memorials, and areas of natural disaster.

Impact of Globalisation on Tourism

The trend of globalisation has led to a significant increase in travel, making distant destinations more accessible.
This surge in tourism has led to homogenisation of culture, loss of local traditions, and environmental degradation in some places. The term overtourism has been coined to define this phenomenon.
Globalisation has also led to the emergence of new tourist destinations in Asia, Africa, and South America, benefitting from improved infrastructure, increased connectivity, and portrayal as exotic destinations to a global audience.

Shift to Sustainable Tourism

A response to overtourism and global environmental concerns has been the shift towards sustainable tourism. It’s intended to have a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems.
This typically involves responsible travel practices, respecting local cultures, supporting local economies, and ensuring that benefits are shared equitably.