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Antiquity and Primitive Tourism
Tourism is a relatively modern phenomenon, but its origins can be traced back to different periods in history. The earliest forms of tourism date back to antiquity, when people traveled for religious, commercial, and cultural reasons.
The ancient Egyptians, for example, made pilgrimages to temples and religious festivals. In ancient Greece and Rome, travel became more sophisticated. The elite participated in religious festivals, sporting events such as the Olympic Games and visits to historical sites. During the Roman Empire, an advanced road infrastructure was built, which made it easier to travel throughout the regions under its control. However, not everything was perfect; shipwrecks were common on sea voyages, such as that of Robinson Crusoe, for example.
Robinson Crusoe, Lost on an Island
Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe, published in 1719, is an adventure classic that tells the story of Robinson Crusoe, a young adventurer who, after a shipwreck, is isolated for twenty-eight years on a desert island in the Caribbean. In his struggle for survival, he builds shelters, grows food, and faces isolation. Crusoe, the impulsive adventurer, becomes a resourceful man, with the ability to improvise and resist the obstacles he faces.
Hard work, discipline and the relationship between man and nature are themes that are very well developed in the plot of Robinson Crusoe. A religious transformation takes place in Robinson Crusoe, who passionately believes that his survival is the result of divine providence.
Walking around the island, Crusoe saves a native who is about to be devoured by cannibals and gives him the name Friday. He teaches him English and converts him to Christianity. This can be interpreted as the mentality of colonialism and the interaction between other cultures and European power.
For many years, Robinson Crusoe was considered an adventure tale, a colonialist allegory, a reflection on the nature of capitalism, loneliness, faith, and morality. The character Robinson Crusoe can symbolize the enterprising spirit, rationality, and the human capacity to overcome adversity.
Film and Television Versions of Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe (1954) – directed by Luis Buñuel, this is an adaptation of the novel with a more experimental and philosophical approach. The film is notable for its surrealist interpretation and critique of society.
Robinson Crusoe (1964) – also directed by Luis Buñuel, this is a faithful adaptation of the original text that highlights the theme of survival and the protagonist's relationship with nature.
Crusoe (1988) – directed by Caleb Deschanel and starring Aidan Quinn, this is a more realistic and dramatic version of the book, focusing on the struggle for survival and the psychology of the character.
Robinson Crusoe (1990) – Disney's version directed by Rod Hardy and aimed at a younger audience. It maintains the elements of adventure and comedy.
Robinson Crusoe (1997) – a looser version of the story, directed by George Miller and starring Pierce Brosnan. It incorporates elements of adventure and drama.
Cast Away (2000) – starring Tom Hanks, is a modern reinterpretation of the theme of survival on a desert island. The story follows Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive who is stranded on a desert island after a plane crash.
Tourism in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
After the fall of the Roman Empire, travel declined due to instability, but religious tourism flourished with pilgrimages to holy places such as Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. During the Renaissance (15th and 16th centuries), travel became more frequent, but only the elite and academics had the purchasing power to travel.
Then came the Grand Tour, a tradition of young European aristocrats, especially the English, who traveled throughout continental Europe in search of culture, art, and education. The main routes included Paris, Florence, Rome, and Venice, with their museums, architecture, music, and classical history. Some travelers, such as Lemuel Gulliver, became famous for their adventures in distant lands.
Gulliver's Travels
Gulliver's Travels (1726), by Jonathan Swift, is a classic of English literature that tells the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver on fictional islands. On his first voyage, Gulliver is captured by the Lilliputians, tiny creatures who value power and divide themselves over trivial matters. He becomes a favorite at court, helps to subdue Blefuscu, but is accused of treason and flees to the rival island.
Gulliver, on his second travel, is found by giants on the island of Brobdingnag, where a farmer displays him as a curiosity. Gulliver falls ill from the constant shows and is sold to the queen, who builds a "traveling box" to transport him. After several adventures, Gulliver is rescued and returns to England.
Rescued by the flying island of Laputa, on his third voyage, Gulliver devotes himself to impractical studies. He visits the Academy of Lagado, Glubbdubdrib, where he talks to historical ghosts, and Luggnagg, where he meets the struldbrugs, immortals who suffer from old age.
Finally, on his fourth voyage, Gulliver encounters the Houyhnhnms, rational talking horses who are above humans. Gulliver rejects humanity and begins to admire and imitate the Houyhnhnms' way of life. Expelled by them, Gulliver returns to England and becomes a recluse. In England, Gulliver avoids his family and spends hours talking to his horses.
Film Versions of Gulliver's Travels
1939 version – musical animation directed by Dave Fleischer focused on the first voyage to the land of Lilliput. The film tones down the satire and adopts a more family-friendly tone.
1960 live-action version – directed by Jack Sher, mixes the voyages to Lilliput and Brobdingnag, with innovative visual effects, but tones down the political criticism.
1996 miniseries – starring Ted Danson, it is one of the most faithful adaptations, as it presents all four of Gulliver's voyages and maintains the satire.
2010 comedy – starring Jack Black, it modernizes the first voyage and bets on contemporary humor with action scenes. It was criticized for lacking depth in relation to the original work.
Industrial Evolution and Leisure Tourism
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought a radical transformation to tourism. The development of new transport technologies, such as steam trains and ships, made travel faster, safer, and more accessible to a wider audience. The emerging middle class, with more free time and disposable income, began to travel for leisure, not just for necessity or culture.
In 1841, Thomas Cook, one of the pioneers of modern tourism, organized the first recreational train tour in England, which marked the beginning of mass tourism. Cook founded a travel agency that offered package tours, which popularized organized travel and laid the foundations of the tourism industry.
Around the World in 80 Days
Published in 1872, Around the World in 80 Days, by Jules Verne, is an adventure classic. Phileas Fogg, an eccentric English gentleman, bets his colleagues that he can travel around the world in eighty days. Fogg and his faithful servant, Passepartout, face unexpected challenges, crossing continents using trains, ships and even elephants. Detective Fix begins a relentless pursuit against Fogg because he believes him to be a bank robber. The contrast between Fogg's calm rationality and Passepartout's impulsive behavior gives depth to the plot.
In the book, Jules Verne addresses themes such as technological progress in the 19th century and overcoming challenges. He combines detailed descriptions of exotic places with surprising twists and turns. Human ingenuity and the ability to adapt, characteristics of Jules Verne's work, captivate readers of all ages and eras.
Film Versions of Jules Verne's Book
One of the most famous adaptations of Around the World in 80 Days was released in 1956, directed by Michael Anderson, starring David Niven and Cantinflas. The film was a tremendous success, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, and stood out for its stunning scenery. In 2004, a popular comedy version was released, directed by Frank Coraci, starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan. Both adaptations show exotic settings, diverse cultural landscapes, adventure, and humor.
20th Century and Mass Tourism
Tourism expanded significantly in the 20th century, especially after World War II, with economic growth, the expansion of air transport and increased leisure time. Commercial flights and the popularization of automobiles transformed tourism into a mass phenomenon, attracting millions of tourists to destinations such as the French Riviera, the beaches of Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Seaside resorts, resorts and theme parks became popular. The creation of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also helped to regulate and promote global tourism by encouraging sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Contemporary Tourism
In the 21st century, tourism has diversified with globalization, technological advances and new travel preferences, including ecotourism, adventure tourism and even space tourism. Social media and digital platforms such as Airbnb have transformed travel planning and personalization.
Tourism has become vital to the economy of many countries, generating jobs and income. However, challenges such as environmental impact, overtourism and the search for sustainability are emerging. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the sector, but it has also encouraged discussions about responsible travel and more conscious tourism. The overcrowding has been causing problems in countries such as Italy and Spain, which recently saw street protests against the "tourism tsunami" that threatens to consume everything in its path.
The natives of these countries have reason to protest, just as tourists also have the right to travel. Finding the balance between the two extremes is very difficult and will require creativity to prevent friction from growing. I myself will be traveling to Italy and Switzerland at the end of the month. I will be taking a closer look at this ֎
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