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Thomas Cook History: The Tale of the Father of Modern Tourism

Last updated: March 21, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 40 Comments

Do you know who Thomas Cook was and what contribution he made to the history of travel? Perhaps you have heard the name, seen it on the travel agencies that still carry his name, or maybe you’ve even taken a Thomas Cook tour. But my guess is that, like me, you don’t know too much about the man or how he fits into the history of travel.

Thomas Cook was a passionate man who was born into a world where most working class people worked long 6-day weeks and never traveled more than 20 miles from their home towns. Thomas would begin work at age 10, laboring in a vegetable garden for 1 penny per day; but with a lot of determination and hard work, this working class man would eventually build one of the largest travel companies in the world.

This post is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Cook and his role in history and will give you a good overview of Thomas the man, Thomas the travel pioneer, and a glimpse of what it was like to travel in the Victorian age.

Thomas Cook Thomas Cook & Son travel history

Table of Contents:

Who was Thomas Cook?

Thomas Cook was born in 1808 in the small town of Melbourne, England but would be best known for his time living in Leicester. He would finish his schooling at age 10 to begin working, often for only a penny a day, to help support his family.

Throughout his life, Thomas Cook would work as a Baptist preacher, carpenter, furniture maker, printer, publisher, political advocate, and travel organizer. As a Baptist preacher, he would walk thousands of miles and earned so little that he often worked in the dark to conserve candles and oil.

After seeing the effects of drunkenness at an early age, Cook believed that alcohol abuse was one of the major roots of the many social problems in the Victoria era and would spend much of his time and talents supporting the Temperance movement in England for the rest of his life. In fact, Cook’s beginnings as a travel organizer would come about because of his temperance beliefs.

In 1841, he would arrange for a special train to take over 500 people from Leicester to Loughborough to attend a temperance meeting. For 1 shilling, passengers got round trip train travel, band entertainment, afternoon tea, and food. Not a bad deal!

Thomas Cook Thomas Cook & Son travel history

T he Birth of Thomas Cook & Son

Then in 1845, he would organize his first railway excursion for profit, and the following year he would begin offering trips outside England to Scotland, a country that captivated Cook and would remain one of his favorite destinations. For many of his early passengers, this was their first time aboard a train and the furthest distance they’d ever traveled from their home.

His trips kept getting bigger and in 1851, Thomas got the chance to organize railway travel and travel accommodations for people from the provinces to travel to London to attend the Great Exhibition orchestrated by Prince Albert. Thomas would transport over 150,000 people to London during the 6 months of the exhibition. This was one of the largest events in England and one of the largest movements of people within Britain!

Up until this point in time, most people in the provinces would be unlikely to travel to a town 20 miles away, let alone to the city of London. It must have been quite a shock for many people, who likely had never attended an event bigger than a county agricultural fair, to witness the Great Exhibition, where many of the greatest industrial inventions of the time were on display, in the bustling capital city of London.

His early tours would be marketed towards the working class, but later his company would go on to escort more middle class passengers and even organize travel for royalty, the military, and other important figures given his increasing reputation for being able to efficiently organize travel.

Interestingly, a large percentage of Cook’s travelers would be single or unescorted women who likely would not have been able to travel on their own (remember these are the days of Gone with the Wind ), but being part of an escorted tour provided them with both protection and independence.

Cook would rapidly expand operations, escorting tours throughout Europe, North America, and even led the first commercial tour around the world. But perhaps no destination was more sacred to Thomas than his tours to Egypt and the Middle East. Here Thomas could witness firsthand the Biblical lands he had read and preached about all his life, and spending time in the Holy Land was truly a realization of many of his dreams as a young man.

Thomas Cook Thomas Cook & Son travel history

A Man with Many Personal Obstacles and Struggles

Although Thomas Cook & Son would thrive and go on to become one of the largest travel agencies in the world, things did not work out as well for Cook in his personal life. Thomas’ father died when he was very young as did his stepfather, and young Thomas was left to be raised by his widowed mother.

As an adult, he would suffer the tragic sudden death of his only daughter Annie—a young woman on the cusp of marriage—who shared a close relationship with her parents. Thomas’ wife would suffer a long period of ill health following her daughter’s death, eventually dying and leaving Thomas alone with his own failing health that left him almost blind.

In his later years, he had a very strained relationship with his only son and business partner John Mason Cook. Thomas felt that he was being pushed aside in his own company and eventually John Mason Cook would take over all operations from his father. The father and son never truly reconciled and spent very little time together towards the end of his life.

While Thomas’ poor health and eyesight made it increasingly difficult, he continued to be active in travel and temperance activities until near the end of his life. His son would continue to expand the travel business.

What was it like to Travel During the Victorian Era?

Thomas lived during the reign of Queen Victoria—the Victorian era—and while romantic imaginings of spending time aboard the famous Oriental Express, sailing on luxury White Star Line steamships, and staying in grand palatial hotels may have been partially true of the wealthiest of travelers, these are far from the accommodations you could expect as a working class or middle class traveler.

Before widespread railway transport, the stagecoach reigned as the quickest way to get around and only the wealthy could afford such conveniences. So poorer people often walked, hitched rides on the back of wagons and carts, or, if lucky, rode a horse or donkey. In the early days of railway travel, third class train accommodations were open wagons, some without seats, where passengers would have to worry about the wind, sun, dust, locomotive smoke, and glowing hot embers.

During Cook’s travels—particularly his early trips—you would need to worry about germs and disease as very little was understood about germs at the time and the lack of widespread refrigeration and hot water heightened the chances of disease. Restaurants, flush toilets, and even running water were not staples in Great Britain, let alone the rest of the world. Communication was slow and done primarily by postal mail, sometimes taking weeks to confirm reservations or transmit a message back home.

However, things were not all bad. During Thomas’s life so much would change that would make travel faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than ever before. Improvements in the postal service, use of the steam engine, opening of the Suez canal, and the great expansion of the railways would make it possible for Thomas Cook to accomplish things that would not have been possible a generation before him.

Thomas Cook Thomas Cook & Son travel history

Thomas Cook’s tours, with their discounted organized group rates, made it possible for a lot of working and middle class people to travel for the first time.  Cook believed that travel could help educate and enlighten people who, like him, often did not have a proper school education, eliminate prejudices and bigotry, and be a healthy leisure alternative to visiting pubs, gambling halls, and whorehouses.

However, these new travel opportunities for the lower classes was not something that was widely appreciated by many of those in the upper classes of society. Until the nineteenth century, popular tourist destinations were almost exclusively the playground of the wealthy who could afford the time away and expensive cost of travel. The upper classes did not want to mix with the lower classes when traveling.

As Thomas Cook and others began to offer affordable excursion tours to popular destinations such as English country homes (e.g., Chatsworth House), the Rhine River valley, the French Riviera, Egyptian pyramids, and the Swiss Alps, wealthy travelers complained about what they saw as a bunch of uncouth, uneducated common people invading their exclusive travel paradises.

They criticized Thomas Cook and the excursion travelers, and this criticism likely wounded Thomas, who although he strongly believed in the right for all people to be able to travel, he also strived to be accepted by the upper echelons of society. Despite his success, he never was accepted by the upper classes as he was not of gentle birth, but was a working man and a Baptist in a country still largely controlled by wealthy Anglicans.

However, despite all the criticism, the demand for discounted organized travel would only continue to increase. The number of travelers from London who crossed the Channel to continental Europe rose from 165,000 in 1850 to 951,000 by 1899. Travel agencies and organized travel were here to stay.

Why Thomas Cook was a Travel Pioneer

Thomas Cook was a travel pioneer who built one of the largest travel businesses in the world, a business that started very humbly as a way to transport travelers to nearby temperance meetings. Thomas was able to “organize travel as it was never organized before” and with the help of the railways and the steam engine, he was able to do it on a scale that would have never before been possible.

Although not the first to come up with most of the ideas, Thomas would make things like travel vouchers, traveler’s cheques, and printed guidebooks common and widespread. Cook would use his talents as a printer to print travel advertisements, bulletins, magazines, guidebooks, and train timetables.  In fact, Thomas Cook Continental Timetables would be published from 1873 to 2013 (last edition was published in August 2013) and were for many decades considered the bible for European train travelers.

His religious fervor would make him seek out exotic locations such as the Middle East and his determination would lead to Thomas Cook & Son opening offices around the world. Perhaps his greatest legacy is that he helped make it possible for a new group of people to engage in leisure travel. Cook understood well the drudgery of hard work and trying to support oneself on a meager income, and his tours provided working and lower middle class people the opportunity to explore a world they could have only have read about otherwise.

The Thomas Cook & Son name continued to exist as a travel company, offering travel tours until 2019. The company traded for 178 years. But it had not been a family-run business by the Cook family since the 1920’s when Thomas Cook’s grandsons, Frank and Ernest, sold the company to the Belgian Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens, operators of most of Europe’s luxury sleeping cars, including the Orient Express .

In the 1940’s it would become state-owned by the British Transport Holding Company. It would continue to change hands over the years. In 2001, it would become owned solely by C&N Touristic AG, one of Germany’s largest travel groups, who renamed the company, Thomas Cook AG.

Thomas Cook became one of the world’s largest travel agencies and the oldest in the UK. Its famous slogan developed by advertising expert Michael Hennessy: “Don’t just book it….Thomas Cook it” became well-known around the world.

Thomas Cook travel agency store UK

The Bankruptcy and Closure of the Thomas Cook Travel Agency in 2019

Sadly, the travel agency and airline that carried the Thomas Cook named declared bankruptcy in September 2019, leaving about 150,000 British travelers “stranded” all over the world (as well as a number of other nationalities). Perhaps the most devastating effect has been the immediate loss of thousands of jobs for people in the UK and abroad.

The travel agency, however, was properly insured and protected and most of those who booked a trip can apply for a refund, and those left “stranded” on trips were repatriated by the UK. It was the largest repatriation effort since World War 2.

In October 2019, it was announced that all the Thomas Cook travel agency offices in UK will be taken over by Hays Travel and rebranded under their name. Most of the reopened offices are being staffed by former Thomas Cook employees. Hays Travel is now the largest independent travel agency in the UK, and you can read more about them here .

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on all sectors of the global travel industry and Hays Travel was forced to close its travel offices in the UK for a large part of the year. Many of the former UK Thomas Cook offices have now been permanently shuttered and many of the employees who had been rehired were sadly made redundant. You can read more about that here .

Although the future of the Thomas Cook name in travel may be uncertain, I would be very surprised if the name does not continue to be associated in some way with a travel agency.

In fact, although all the UK based companies have stopped trading, some Thomas Cook owned resorted, like Cook’s Club are still operating. Some of its subsidiaries in some other countries are still trading as normal but are also in danger of closure.

What I Learned from Reading about Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook was a quite extraordinary self-made man. He had so many occupations and business ventures and so many setback and failures, even declaring bankruptcy at one point, but he was so persistent and never gave up. He was a passionate man who fought for his Baptist faith, beliefs in equality for all people, and for temperance.

In addition to being impressed by the determination and innovativeness of Thomas Cook himself, I was also quite intrigued in the ways that travel has changed and the ways it has not. We have come a long way since Thomas Cook escorted his first tour as we can travel so much lighter, faster, and more conveniently than would have seemed possible to Victorian age travelers who would accept unheated train cars, month-long ocean crossings, and hotels without hot water.

Cook, a teetotaler until his death, would likely be shocked by the tourism industry’s promotion of sun, sea and sex and the partying and drinking associated with many travel destinations. Indeed, many of these locations are the most popular destinations for British travelers on package holidays.

However, some things have not changed very much. Criticisms of organized travel remain with the notion that independent travel is better and people love to make the subjective “traveler” versus “tourist” distinction.  There are also still locations that remain primarily the playgrounds of the wealthy although never like during the Victorian age. Travel remains class segregated as those who can afford to do so can fly in first class seats, dine in the finest restaurants aboard ships, and sleep in the best cabins with little need to spend much time with other class passengers.

One of the things that I found perhaps the most interesting was the destinations promoted by Thomas Cook still remain, with few exceptions, major tourist destinations today. The country house of Chatsworth House is one of the most notable country houses in England today and people are still flocking to the Scottish highlands, Paris, Rhine River Valley, Swiss Alps, Egypt, the ancient city of Petra, Australia, and most of the other destinations promoted by Thomas Cook in the 1800’s.

While things have changed in some ways beyond recognition, many of the world’s wonders and great destinations continue to awe visitors as they must have awed those first pioneer tourists led by Thomas Cook.

Want to Learn More about Thomas Cook and Victorian Age Travel? 

Resources about Thomas Cook (I used these in writing this article) :

-Hamilton, Jill. (2005). Thomas Cook: The Holiday Maker . The History Press.

-Piers Brendon. (1991). Thomas Cook – 150 Years of Popular Tourism . Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd.

-Withey, Lynne. (1997). Grand Tours and Cook’s Tours – A History of Leisure Travel, 1750 to 1915 .  William Morrow & Co. [This book focuses on a broader view of the history of travel including a lot of attention to Thomas Cook tours and their impact on tourism]

-A great Wikipedia link to some of Thomas Cook’s Traveler Handbooks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook%27s_Travellers_Handbooks

Another book related to Thomas Cook on my to-read list:

-Swinglehurst, Edmund. (1974).  The Romantic Journey – The Story of Thomas Cook and Victorian Travel . Pica Editions.

Thomas Cook Thomas Cook & Son travel history

So what do you think about Thomas Cook and the Victorian Age of Travel? If you are interested in another article on travel during the Victorian age, check out our post on t wo American women who race around the world in less than 80 days .

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Chandra Gurung Post author

May 9, 2023 at 4:15 am

Very interesting post, thanks for the great travel History !!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 13, 2023 at 8:06 am

Hi Chandra,

Glad you enjoyed our post on Thomas Cook, thanks for taking the time to comment!

Best, Jessica

Karim Post author

October 29, 2022 at 3:01 pm

Thanks for your blog post on Thomas Cook, very helpful, nice to read.

October 31, 2022 at 10:04 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you enjoyed our post on Thomas Cook and a bit of the history of the man and his company 😉

Jeanne Gisi Post author

May 24, 2022 at 1:06 pm

While cleaning out some boxes filled with mementos of my travels over the years, I came upon an Itinerary prepared by Thos. Cook & Son for a 6 week European trip in 1965 for my parents & I (I was 13)! It was so fascinating to see the level of detail for each stop, which included England, France, Italy, Spain & Germany; and the beautiful cover & fancy paper used to produce the itinerary. I went looking on the internet to see if they were still in existence & found your blog, which I found so informative about the founder & the many iterations the company had gone through. Probably the most amazing detail in this itinerary was discovering that for hotels in 4 different cities, train rides, rental car & private transport for the entire trip was shown at $328 per person! Astounding! Appreciated reading your historical information about this venerable company.

May 25, 2022 at 5:10 am

So glad you enjoyed our article on the history of Thomas Cook.

Oh, wow, that must be wonderful finding old treasures from your family travels. I love things like that. And yes a 6 week trip for $328 per person (about $3,000 per person in today’s money) would still be a good value today for all that was included for a 6-week trip. And it would have taken longer to put together an itinerary then as the travel agent would have needed to call or mail for inquiries and reservations rather than clicking buttons on a computer.

Yes, Thomas Cook has gone through a lot in recent years. Hays Travel purchased most of the Thomas Cook offices/stores and hired back a lot of the staff in 2019. But then of course the COVID-19 pandemic came soon after, and many of the stores have since re-closed and a number of people had to be let go. For example, our local travel store (in Bath, England) went from a Thomas Cook to a Hays Travel to being empty again in about a year’s time. It will be interesting to see what will happen with traditional travel agencies like this as international travel goes back to 2019 levels and if they will continue to flourish in the face of online competitors.

Ruth Deeks Post author

March 21, 2021 at 8:39 am

Very interesting. My parents who were Baptist missionaries in India had told me that Thomas Cook was a Baptist and gave a special rate to missionaries travelling by boat to and from India, the journey taking 5 weeks approx. I am talking about the 1930s to 1950s. What a shame the The Thomas Cook co. was sold out of the family and went bankrupt.

March 21, 2021 at 9:05 am

Glad you enjoyed our article on Thomas Cook and the history of his travel business. He is an interesting man combining his religion with travel.

Yes, it is sad that the Thomas Cook business went bankrupt. Sadly, the UK travel company which took over most of the Thomas Cook offices in the UK, Hays Travel, has now had to close many of these offices in 2020 due to the coronavirus. This has also sadly left many of the former Thomas Cook employees, many of which were then re-hired by Hays Travel, without a job again. It’s been a very tough couple of years for UK travel agents. Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year for them.

Uwingabire Faustine Post author

November 28, 2020 at 1:03 pm

Hello I was inspired by the theory of Thomas Cook, but wanted to know above all that why was he important in tourism industry?

November 29, 2020 at 7:05 am

Glad you enjoyed our post on Thomas Cook and learning about his life. Hopefully you found your answer about why Thomas Cook was important in the tourism industry from the article. But if not, I’d go back and read the “Why Thomas Cook was a Travel Pioneer” section as that covers a good summary of his achievements related to travel and his importance in the tourism industry.

If you have any further questions, please let me know!

Seba Campos Post author

July 30, 2020 at 6:49 pm

Hi! I am a tourism student from Argentina, I really liked your article and it was extremely revealing for me. I’m working on the Thomas Cook story.

Do you have any information about his family? Why did they decide to sell the company? Why did your son remove him from the company? Thank you so much!

August 1, 2020 at 5:28 am

Glad that you are finding my article helpful in writing your paper on Thomas Cook.

If you are looking for additional information, I’d recommend checking out one of the books about Thomas Cook such as this one by Jill Hamilton published in 2005. The books will give you more details and context than you’ll find online. You should be able to buy it online through Amazon or ebay.

The Thomas Cook company website used to have some good historical information but that information has all been removed since Thomas Cook closed in the UK.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Colin Post author

October 6, 2019 at 5:41 am

Hi Jessica, I was just searching about Thomas Cook after the recent bankruptcy as I was one of the people affected. Luckily for us, we were not on the tour and it was booked several months away, so it seems all will be well in terms of getting our money back. We also have plenty of time to rebook our holiday, so we are luckier than most.

What a great post and what a detailed history of Thomas Cook and his travel company. I have used Thomas Cook to book holidays for years and never knew anything about Thomas Cook, the man or his background. This was a very interesting read!

October 6, 2019 at 6:09 am

Sorry to hear that you were one of the people affected by the Thomas Cook bankruptcy and closure. But I am happy to hear that it sounds like you will receive a full refund for your booked trip and will have plenty of time to rebook your holiday.

So glad you enjoyed our post. Yes, the history of Thomas Cook as a person is very interesting and he was definitely a pioneer in the field of tourism. I am sure the Cook name will continue to be associated with a travel company in one way or another in the future since it is so well recognized worldwide.

Happy travels, Jessica

Eran Post author

December 26, 2018 at 10:21 pm

Hi, Great post! Towards the end of it you mention that a lot of things haven’t changed in travel. However, I think in recent years, with the rise of low-cost flights, now tourism is more reachable to all segments than ever before…

December 27, 2018 at 3:37 am

Hi Eran, Yes, it is amazing how much hasn’t changed and in other ways how much things have changed since the time of Thomas Cook!

I do think that low cost travel has enabled more people to travel, but in more recent times it is probably more due to better economic conditions in countries than things like budget airlines, as we are seeing huge increases in the number of travelers from places like India, China, and Latin America. Travel for leisure is commonplace in many countries, but still remains something for those with money as much of the world’s population can not often afford to travel internationally for leisure. According to Hans Rosling, it is estimated that only the richest 1 billion people in the world live where they can easily afford airplane tickets, and 2 billion people spend less than $2 a day.

Interesting to look at travel from a global perspective as it can be easy for Western people to take it for granted.

Alok kumar mandal Post author

August 17, 2018 at 8:15 am

very interesting and useful facts about Mr. Cook…

August 17, 2018 at 11:32 am

Hi Alok, Yes, Thomas Cook was an interesting man and we the see the effects of his legacy on modern travel all over the place, especially since we are now living in the UK. Best, Jessica

Bryant Kerr Post author

November 4, 2017 at 10:08 pm

I have a old traveling trunk that have the names Colonel Thomas Cook and Sons the other name is Lieutenant Colonel Rodger Young military number 03443 79 New Delhi does anyone know anything about this trunk

November 7, 2017 at 8:29 am

Hi Bryant, I don’t know anything about the trunk, but there is a fairly well-known American from Ohio that was in the military named Rodger Wilton Young although not sure if he was ever in New Delhi. There was also a Thomas Cook who served at the Addiscombe Military Seminary in 1837. But the Thomas Cook & Sons are probably just the ones that arranged the travel so you’ll probably have better luck tracking down Young. Best of luck!! ~ Jessica

Taranath Bohara Post author

January 31, 2017 at 5:09 am

I love this guy Thomas Cook, who helped bring affordable tourism to the world. Many people are involved and have followed his principles. He was a great who taught the lesson of tour and travel. Great blog post!

January 31, 2017 at 6:20 am

Hi Taranath, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, I really love the story of Thomas Cook and I don’t think a lot of people know the influence he had on the modern tourism industry but at least his name is still carried on in the company he founded. Glad you enjoyed our article! Best, Jessica

LOUIS GEEN Post author

January 31, 2017 at 9:11 am

Could this be the same man? I am a Freemason and a member of the Port Natal Masonic Lodge in Durban, South Africa. The Lodge is almost 160 years old, having been consecrated on 12th August 1858. According to our records Thomas Cook was Master of the Lodge during the Masonic year 1883 – 1884. The Lodge is in possession of a beautiful oil painting of Thomas Cook that was donated by him to the Lodge. Until I discovered Thomas Cook’s name in the Port Natal Lodge’s records, I was not aware that the Father of Modern Tourism resided in South Africa. Could our Thomas Cook be the same man that turned tourism into the industry it has become?

January 31, 2017 at 10:22 am

Hi Louis, How interesting and thanks for commenting again on this post! It is possible of course as Thomas Cook lived from 1808-1892, but I don’t think that Thomas Cook was a freemason and I don’t remember reading about him spending time in South Africa. Thomas Cook is a fairly common name. However, I am no expert, and to find out for sure, I’d contact the Thomas Cook Group and they should be able to easily verify if the painting is of the same Thomas Cook of the travel agency. Let me know if you have any difficulty contacting them and I’d love to hear what you find out even if it turns out to be another Thomas Cook! Best Jessica

Tim Post author

June 7, 2016 at 7:22 am

Thanks for all this information on Thomas Cook! I am looking to for copy of one of the recommended books on Amazon!

travelcats Post author

June 13, 2016 at 7:30 am

Hi Tim, You are very welcome for the information on Thomas Cook. Amazing story and an important person in modern travel history and the current state of tourism. Good luck finding the book! ~ Jessica

Kerstin Post author

May 24, 2016 at 6:43 am

Meanwhile, Diccon Bewes has written a book on Cook’s Grand Tour of Switzerland, which I highly recommend to anybody interested in Victorian era travel: Slow Train to Switzerland , ISBN 9781857886092.

May 24, 2016 at 7:27 am

Hi Kerstin, Thanks for that book recommendation. I have not read it but it does have good reviews and I think it would be great for those readers interested in Thomas Cook tours to Switzerland or early mass tourism to the Alps! Best, Jessica

Louis Geen Post author

November 12, 2014 at 1:26 am

Thomas Cook was certainly an interesting character. Another interesting fact about this amazing man is that he was a Freemason and that he was Master of the Port Natal Lodge in Durban, South Africa, from 1883/1884. The Lodge now 156 years old, still exists and has in its possession a beautiful oil painting of Thomas Cook in its original gilded frame, which he donated to the Lodge.

November 15, 2014 at 9:28 am

Hi Louis, I did not know this. I don’t recall any reference to the freemasons or even South Africa during my readings and research on Thomas Cook. Do you have a reference for this for those interested in reading more about this? I couldn’t find any info about the lodge online.

Nic Post author

November 7, 2013 at 9:03 am

The quotes from Thomas Cook are great.

November 7, 2013 at 10:14 am

Agreed:) I really like the one in the green box.

Meghan Post author

November 6, 2013 at 6:24 pm

This is so interesting! I’m always so fascinated by stories about travel in the past. I recently learned that it wasn’t until the last few centuries that people began traveling for pleasure. I’ve even read that in some parts of the world, people think it is a little strange for a person to travel just because, and not for some business or personal errand. But all this information I never knew. I’ve never even heard of Thomas Cook until now. Thanks for sharing!

November 7, 2013 at 10:12 am

I know, it is so interesting to read about travels in prior centuries. That’s interesting about how some people see travel as strange today but I imagine in places where people have very little money, leisure travel is not much of a possibility.

bevchen Post author

November 5, 2013 at 11:51 pm

I knew only some of this. It’s very interesting!

November 6, 2013 at 7:20 am

Yes, it is a fascinating history.

Meredith Post author

November 5, 2013 at 9:52 pm

Wow, I had no idea! I’d heard the name but didn’t fully realize the history behind it. I feel like I owe him a big thank you! Even now there are some places in the world that would’ve been difficult for me to see without a tour group. Fascinating!

November 6, 2013 at 7:19 am

Yes, there are definitely several places in the world that make more sense with organized travel or travel guides than on your own. Thomas Cook’s company actually also helped people book unecorted independent travel and just made all the travel arrangements, allowing people to do it on their own. BTW, did you see how he was also captivated by Scotland (made me think of you).

Kate Post author

November 5, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Not only am I amazed I didn’t know any of this, but I am fascinated as to how much history there really is behind Thomas Cook!

November 5, 2013 at 7:21 pm

Yes, it really is an interesting history. The British, like Thomas Cook, were really the pioneers that started the modern tourism industry. It didn’t hurt that the British Empire stretched across the world:)

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thomas cook travel and tourism

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Thomas Cook and the Invention of Mass Tourism in Victorian Britain

thomas cook travel and tourism

Harry Sherrin

03 mar 2022.

thomas cook travel and tourism

After its inception in the mid-19th century, the travel agency Thomas Cook pioneered the development of mass tourism, launching the world’s first travel guidebooks, package holidays and round-the-world tours.

Thomas Cook grew from humble beginnings, carrying temperance activists to meetings by train in the English Midlands, into a vast multinational company. In the 19th century, its tours catered to increasingly wealthy Victorians during the height of the British Empire , successfully championing a travel revolution.

But in 2019, Thomas Cook declared bankruptcy. It was the world’s oldest and longest-serving tour operator at the time, having existed for more than a century and a half and endured world wars, economic crises and the rise of the internet.

Here’s the story of Thomas Cook and the advent of global mass tourism.

Temperance trips

Thomas Cook (1808-1892), a devout Christian and advocate of the temperance movement, organised a one-day rail excursion for a temperance meeting in 1841. The trip, on 5 July, involved a train journey between Leicester and Loughborough, courtesy of an arrangement with the Midland Counties Railway Company.

Cook continued this practice over the following years, organising railway journeys for temperance activist groups around the Midlands of England. In 1845, he organised his first for-profit excursion, in the form of a trip to Liverpool for passengers from three locations – Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.

For this tour, Cook crafted a passengers’ handbook, now widely considered a precursor to the popular travel guidebook that would be produced to accompany travel excursions for decades to follow.

Branching out to Europe

thomas cook travel and tourism

English tourist agent Thomas Cook and party in the ruins of Pompeii, Easter 1868. Cook is seated on the ground, just to right of center, in this carte-de-visite photograph.

Image Credit: Granger Historical Picture Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

By the 1850s, Cook had his sights set further afield than England. For the Paris Exposition of 1855 , for example, he organised guided trips from Leicester to Calais.

That same year, he also oversaw international ‘package’ tours, carrying parties from England to various cities in Europe, including Brussels, Strasbourg, Cologne and Paris . These excursions offered passengers everything needed to sustain them on their journeys, including transport, accommodation and meals.

By the 1860s, Cook’s sporadic temperance trips had grown into a profitable mass tourism operation – thought to be the first in global history. In response to his newfound success, Cook opened his first high-street store in London’s Fleet Street in 1865.

That same year, the London Underground opened as the first subterranean railway in the world. London was the most populous city on the planet at the time, and the enterprises of the British Empire saw wealth pouring into mainland Britain. With this came disposable income and, by extension, more Britons willing to spend large sums on international holidays.

For Cook, business was booming.

Going global

After tackling Europe, Thomas Cook went global. Now a father-son business comprising Thomas Cook and his son, John Mason Cook, the tour agency launched its first US tour in 1866. John Mason guided it personally.

A few years later, Thomas Cook escorted passengers on the company’s first trip to North Africa and the Middle East, stopping in Egypt and Palestine.

Tourism for Britons at the time was intimately tied to the endeavours of the British Empire. As British armies entered Egypt and Sudan in the late 19th century, so too did tourists, traders, teachers and missionaries, eager to capitalise on the newfound accessibility of far-flung nations and the relative safety offered by the presence of British forces there.

Thomas Cook and Son was even responsible for delivering military personnel and mail to British Egypt in the late 19th century.

thomas cook travel and tourism

1872 marked a huge moment in the history of Thomas Cook and indeed global tourism. That year, Thomas Cook escorted the first known round-the-world tour. The lengthy excursion, which lasted more than 200 days and covered nearly 30,000 miles, was targeted at wealthy Victorians – those with the time, funds and proclivity to see the world’s many cultures.

In that decade, Thomas Cook also helped invent the traveler’s cheque: the company offered a ‘Circular Note’ to its passengers which could be exchanged for currency around the world.

In the 1920s, Thomas Cook and Son launched the first-known tour through Africa. The excursion lasted some 5 months and took passengers from Cairo in Egypt down to the Cape of Good Hope.

Conquering air and sea

John Mason Cook took over primary leadership of the company in the 1870s, overseeing its continued expansion and the opening of various new offices around the world.

With this expansion came the launching of Thomas Cook’s company-owned steamers in the late 19th century. In 1886, a fleet of luxury steamers opened to passengers, offering cruises along the Nile.

thomas cook travel and tourism

A Thomas Cook flyer from 1922 advertising cruises down the Nile. This kind of travel has been immortalised in works such as ‘Death on the Nile’ by Agatha Christie.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thomas Cook eventually took to the skies in the 1920s, overseeing its first guided tour involving air travel in 1927. The trip carried 6 passengers from New York to Chicago, and also included accommodation and tickets for a Chicago boxing fight.

Into the modern era

During World War Two , Thomas Cook was briefly enlisted to assist with the ‘enemy mail service’, essentially the covert delivery of post from Allied regions to occupied territories.

The company went on to change hands several times during the 20th century, yet it managed to stay afloat despite various buyouts, economic crises and the rise of online travel agents.

In 2019, Thomas Cook was handed a bill of some £200 million by the Royal Bank of Scotland and other financial institutions. Unable to source the funds, the company declared bankruptcy.

At the time, Thomas Cook was responsible for more than 150,000 holiday-goers abroad. When the company collapsed, new arrangements had to be made to return every stranded customer home. The UK Civil Aviation Authority, which assisted with the repatriation efforts, called it the largest-ever peacetime repatriation in British history.

thomas cook travel and tourism

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English tourists climbing a pyramid during Thomas Cook tour of Egypt, 19th, early 20th Century.

Thomas Cook: the father of modern tourism – archive, 1958

22 November 1958: Tracing the career of Thomas Cook: from his devotion to temperance work to his foundation of the company that would become the largest travel company in the world

Few people in these sophisticated times would claim for travel all the virtues once believed to be inherent in it. But it remains, for those who have the leisure and money, a fine way of putting in the time. To-day it is a primary source of income for so many countries that it is hard to imagine what they did before Thomas Cook came on the scene.

Cook, who was born 150 years ago to-day, was not content to be merely the father of modern tourism: he was a newspaper reporter as well. During his tours, when he was ever on the look-out for cheaper transport, better accommodation, and “points of interest,” he sent to some local papers in Leicester and to the “Times” assorted letters to the editor, and even a few commissioned articles, describing the scenic wonders along the route.

This aspiration towards higher things was evident, too, in his devoted temperance work, which was the original cause of his becoming interested in popular travel. For a fare of one shilling he had arranged in 1841 for 570 supporters to travel by open rail carriage from Leicester to Loughborough to attend a temperance meeting. Four years later he arranged a rail trip from Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby to Liverpool, and he was really in the tourist business.

Advertising Poster of the Thomas Cook travel agency.

Song for the tunnel

The brochure produced for this rail trip contained a song written by a J. Bradshawe Walker, of Leeds, for the edification of the customers who were to sing it before entering the Summit Tunnel. The closing lines ran:

“But onward, snorting wild, Like a monster in its glee, The locomotive flies with us, A passing sketch to see.”

The following year – 1846 – saw the first of Cook’s Scottish tours, which were to be the backbone of his business for some decades. The Scottish hosts showed enthusiasm for the English visitors: guns were fired in welcome as the train drew into the Glasgow station, bands played, and speeches were made. Could this unlikely affection for the English have sprung from a shrewd Scots appreciation of being in early on a good thing? Or had Cook sent on ahead his public relations men?

In 1866 Thomas Cook produced a book for the benefit of Sassenachs crossing the Border for the first time. The book was called Cook’s Scottish Tourist: Practical Directory: A Guide To the Principal Tourist Routes, Conveyances And Special Ticket Arrangements, Sanctioned By Railway, Steamboat And Coach Companies Commanding The Highland Excursion Traffic. One chapter heading ran: “Is It Safe For Ladies To Join In Highland Tours?” The answer was reassuring. The majority of tourists during the past twenty years had been ladies, all of whom had had a fine. safe time.

During the same period the tourists’ path had been beaten by Cook to North Wales, the Isle of Man, and Ireland, and he was ready to see what the Continent had to offer. The first tentative steps were trips from Leicester (which continued to be his headquarters until 1865, when he opened a large central office in Fleet Street) to Calais for people wanting to attend the Paris Exhibition in 1855.

The next year he advertised “a grand circular tour of the Continent,” which was to cover Antwerp, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, and Paris. Then followed Swiss tours and Italian tours, and in 1865 Cook crossed the Atlantic to make excursion arrangements there.

Round the world

Cook completed his own first trip round the world in 1873, and was able to offer in the same year a planned world tour, from London to London, for only 200 guineas or 1.050 gold dollars. By this time his son, John Mason Cook, was active in the business, travelling in the years between 1866 and 1873 376,000 miles.

A Cooks Ticket, SE&CR poster, 1910.

Thomas Cook and Son were one of the first firms to use, in the 1870s, travellers’ cheques, which they called “circular notes”; and rather earlier they introduced hotel coupons which gave bearers the right to demand accommodation at any hotel in the scheme. In days when Foreign Office officials and diplomatists had an easier time, it was left to Cooks to arrange General Gordon’s trip to the Sudan in 1884. He tendered to the company his “thanks for the admirable manner in which we have been treated while on your steamers.”

Now the company which Cook founded is the largest travel agency in the world. It became a private limited liability company in 1924, and in 1948 its shares, which were then held by railway companies, were acquired by the British Transport Commission.

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The fascinating history of Thomas Cook

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The history of Thomas Cook plays an important role in the growth and development of the tourism industry. Thomas Cook is (or was) one of the biggest names in travel. Without this company the tourism industry wouldn’t look the way that it does today!

In this article, we take a look at the history of Thomas Cook in order to understand why this company is such an important part in the overall history of tourism .

The history of Thomas Cook: the very beginning

Thomas cook’s first excursions , the history of thomas cook & son, moving further afield , the history of thomas cook’s other successes , the modern history of thomas cook, the 1980s onwards, the collapse of thomas cook, the future of thomas cook, history of thomas cook: further reading.

Thomas Cook wasn’t just a company- there was a face behind the name! Thomas Cook himself was born in 1808 in Melbourne, Derbyshire, in the UK.

Business-minded from an early age, he started working for a local gardener at the age of 10. He earned six pence per week. At 14 he started an apprenticeship with his uncle, John Pegg, and worked for five years as a cabinet maker. He also became a Baptist missionary in 1826, touring the area as a village evangelist.

Later, in 1832, Thomas Cook moved to Market Harborough. On New Year’s Day 1833 he took the Temperance pledge. This meant he was part of a movement against the consumption of alcohol. Cook hosted meetings and held anti-liquor processions.

While walking to a Temperance Society meeting, Thomas Cook had an idea.

He decided, due to the extended Midland Counties Railway, that he would take a group of his fellow campaigners from Leicester Campbell Street Railway Station across to Loughborough to attend a teetotal rally. It was an 11 mile distance.

On July 5th 1841, Cook took around 500 people to this rally. They each paid one shilling for the privilege of a return journey with food and entertainment. He saw an instant demand for more of the same and the history of Thomas Cook begun…

 The history of Thomas Cook,

Over the next few years Cook planned and executed various excursions.

In August 1845 he took a group from Leicester to Liverpool, having visited himself beforehand to arrange deals with hotels and restaurants as part of the overall trip experience for his clients.

In 1846 he arranged for 350 people to travel from Leicester to Scotland.

Then in 1851, Cook took 150,000 people to the Great Exhibition in London.

And four years later he arranged his first ever trip abroad. This was a grand circular tour of Belgium, Germany and France with the final stop being Paris for a special exhibition. 

Keep reading and you’ll see that the history of Thomas Cook and the history of tourism go hand in hand…

In 1865, Cook got some business premises in London on the famous Fleet Street. This was always an important through route in the city, with businesses having been established here since the Middle Ages. It eventually became the home of British national newspapers, which it remained until the 1980s.

The history of Thomas Cook as a brand was born on Fleet Street. It was an office for Cook but also a shop: it sold guide books, footwear, telescopes, luggage and other travel essentials and accessories. 

Cook introduced the hotel coupon in 1868, refining the business model. Essentially, Thomas Cook had a list of businesses (hotels as well as restaurants) and customers could buy a coupons which were to be exchanged for a meal or overnight stay at one of these establishments.

Seven years after opening the Fleet Street office, in 1872, Cook decided to partner up with his son, John Mason Andrew Cook, who was already working for him. Together they renamed the travel agency to Thomas Cook & Son. John provided a lot of commercial expertise, which allowed the company to grow.

Cook also opened a temperance hotel with his wife, Marianne Mason, located above the office.

History of Thomas Cook

A lot was happening at once. In 1866, the year after the Fleet Street office opened, the history of Thomas Cook moved slightly further afield.

The agency launched escorted tours of the US for British travellers, and they were the first to do so! John was the one to lead these excursions, which included tours of Civil War battlefields and more.

Later, in 1871, a partnership was born: Cook, Son and Jenkins. This was with an American businessman, but it didn’t last long and is largely forgotten about.

Also in the 1870s, Thomas Cook & Sons led the first ‘round the world’ tour. It left London in late 1872 by steamship – this headed across the Atlantic. Once in America the group boarded a stage coach. They then took a paddle steamer to Japan, then travelled overland across China and India. A lengthy trip, of course, but a fascinating one nonetheless!

Learn more: Thomas Cook: 150 Years of Popular Tourism

In the 1880s, when Thomas Cook himself had retired, John and his three sons grew the company even more. They were involved with military transport while organising tours to and of the Middle East; in 1884, the British army were transported up the Nile by Thomas Cook & Son – something quite big for the business!

By 1888, there were offices around the world. The history of Thomas Cook is one that started in Leicester and before long, was present in Australia , New Zealand and many other far-flung corners of the globe.

There are plenty of other things that Thomas Cook as a brand introduced to the travel industry .

For example, in 1874, Cook introduced something he called ‘circular notes’. These were essentially early travellers’ cheques, which offered people a secure was of using currency abroad without having to carry large amounts of cash around at any one time. The idea went on to be really popular.

Cook’s Continental Timetable launched in 1873 as a quarterly publication. It moved to being published monthly later, in 1883, and is now known as the European Rail Timetable . It was proposed by Thomas Cook employee John Bredall who thought it would be wise to publish a compendium of timetables for steamships and trains across the European continent . A softcover book, it shows all major lines and most minor lines too. Publishing was suspended in August 1939 due to World War II, and it picked up again during 1946.

It is still published today under its new name – but Thomas Cook stopped publishing it in 2013. A new company, European Rail Timetable Ltd, was born; owned by John Potter, a former member of editorial staff for the timetable, it still makes the book today. This is alongside the digital version which launched in 2016. The timetable comes highly recommended by tourists and business travellers as well as book shops, librarians, travel agents and high-profile travel writers.

What started as a family business didn’t stay that way. During the Edwardian times, travel became a much more popular activity and the business (now being run by John Mason Cook’s sons) was going extremely well. However, they sold the business to Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et de Grandes Express Europèens in 1928. This was the company who operated the Orient Express. 

During World War II, however, the Paris HQ of Wagons-Lit was taken by the Germans after the Fall of France. The British assets were also taken over – by the Custodian of Enemy Property, who handled property claims created by war. Later, in 1942, Thomas Cook & Son was sold to Hays Wharf Cartage Company, which led to the company (Thomas Cook) being nationalised in 1948. It was part of the British Transport Commission.

The history of Thomas Cook

In the 50s, the history of Thomas Cook and package holidays was solidified. The worked with scheduled (charter) airlines to sell all-inclusive tours to foreign destinations such as France, Italy , Switzerland and Spain. However these trips weren’t particularly cheap as the company didn’t want to compromise on quality. This led to a loss in share prices, and eventually the company was denationalised again in 1972.

It was now owned by a consortium made up of Trust House Forte, Midland Bank and the Automobile Association. Five years later in 1977, Midland Bank acquired sole control of the Thomas Cook and started to move administrative functions to Peterborough. By this time, the company was no longer known as Thomas Cook & Son, Ltd. It was now Thomas Cook Group Ltd.

It was during the 80s that Thomas Cook was really successful in the US. This was partly due to the aforementioned travellers’ cheques, and a whole US division of Thomas Cook was eventually sold for $1.3 billion in 1989.

During the 90s, Midland Bank was acquired by HSBC. They sold the Thomas Cook company to WestLB, a German bank, and the charter airline LTU Group. Amex bought the corporate side of things in 1994, and in 1999 the Carlson Leisure Group merged with the Thomas Cook Group Ltd.

thomas cook travel and tourism

By this time Thomas Cook had become a household name. They thousands of travel agencies and tour operators in the UK and partnerships around the world. The organisation demonstrated both vertical and horizontal integration , meaning that they had a significant market share and control over the market. There were many subsidiaries of Thomas Cook too.

Most recently in 2019, Thomas Cook collapsed.

The collapse of Thomas Cook led to various holidaymakers having to be repatriated and thousands of future holidays being cancelled. There were many potential causes of the collapse: Brexit uncertainty, of course, as well as high fuel costs, terrorist attacks and more. Hays Travel acquired all 555 of the UK Thomas Cook stores and were able to save around 2,500 jobs.

The history of Thomas Cook

The collapse of Thomas Cook shocked the world. The history of Thomas Cook was long and the company had established itself as a key player in the tourism industry marketplace. There is not one reason why the company collapsed, but rather a plethora of reasons. Perhaps they were not innovative enough in their thinking.

They could have implemented more niche tourism products and focussed less on mass tourism , for example, as there is clear evidence that consumers have been moving in this direction for some time. But hindsight is a wonderful thing I guess, and we will never know what ‘could have been’.

So does Thomas Cook have a future? Well, maybe- but not in the same way that we have known and loved Thomas Cook.

While 2020 was been a disastrous year for much of the travel industry, it did see the ambitious relaunch of Thomas Cook Tourism by Fosun International, an online travel company with 50 employees.

Fosun was already a Thomas Cook shareholder. The company paid around £11 million for the company trademarks, social media accounts and websites in November 2019. There is certainly a lot of scope for online. products and services in the future, so we will see what the future has in store for the new ‘Thomas Cook’, it will be interesting to see how this new venture pans out…

If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of Thomas Cook, I recommend the following resources:

  • Thomas Cook: The Holiday Maker
  • Thomas Cook: 150 Years of Popular Tourism

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A Brief History of Tourism and Thomas Cook

http://dighist.fas.harvard.edu/courses/2015/HUM54/files/original/cba4a40791859939d5a67dacdfc728ba.jpg

Thomas Cook (1808-92), a book salesman, Baptist preacher and tract distributor of Derbyshire, was a pioneer in the tourist industry. The map discussed in this exhibit was created by his company "Thomas Cook & Son," which is in its 175th year of business today. 

http://dighist.fas.harvard.edu/courses/2015/HUM54/files/original/8719145a7efaf4947db47b38db1ec5df.jpg

According to Paul Smith, the company's archivist, Thomas Cook's son John was the one that was more "commercially minded" and consequently "internationalised" the company with offices in the US, Egypt and India. These are two of the over 10,000 brochures currently in the firm's archive.

Before delving into a deeper analysis of the map, it is necessary to discuss the historical context of Thomas Cook, the map’s creator, and the industry of tourism. This historical overview will provide us with a greater understanding of the map’s larger context, purpose and physical details that make it unique as a form of rhetoric and identify why it may be a “selective view of reality [1] ” under the direction of its subjective creator.

The beginning of modern tourism is often traced back to the Grand Tour, a trip around the European continent, which was directed primarily at the wealthy classes. The Grand Tour flourished mainly from the late 16 th century until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840’s. The Tour and other trips of similar kind were mainly associated with the nobility, wealthy gentry and wealthy youth of Western and Northern European nations [2] , until around the mid-19 th century during which the availability of rail and steamship travel extended the practice to more of the middle class [3] .  

In 1841, Thomas Cook, a book salesman, Baptist preacher and tract distributor of Derbyshire, was inspired to take a group of over 500 temperance campaigners from Leicester to Loughborough and back for a delegate meeting on the Midland Counties Railway [4] . This soon became the first privately chartered excursion train to be public advertised, and the first of many more organized mass excursions to follow. Utilizing his initiative and organizing skills, Cook planned more and more trips that grew in demand, much of which was enabled via the revolution in transport technology. Eventually Cook established the Thomas Cook & Son Company with his son John Mason Cook, and grew tremendously in power and influence that nearly came to match that of the government. Eventually Cook began to expand his business beyond the European continent and extended his reach to America, Egypt, and India [5] . The nature of his tours also experienced a great shift as he moved beyond Europe into the less industrialized nations, in large part under his more “commercially minded” son [6] – his enterprise in Egypt, for example, was more commercialized, luxurious and ultimately imperial. While Thomas Cook’s early European tours of the 50’s and 60’s were aimed to be democratic and philanthropic missions, motivated by an idea of moral and social improvement and extending “the privilege of upper classes to the bourgeois and petit bourgeois of the industrialised nations [7] ” so that the tours can be ‘an agent of ‘Human Progress’, the tours of the 1880’s in the dependencies and colonies of the British Empire reverted to a rich man’s business, a tourism for aristocrats and colonials through “palatial hotels and houseboats [8] .” This latter form reinforced “rigidly hierarchic distinctions between white ruling classes and coloured subject peoples; it [was] entirely dedicated to the convenience and amusement of aristocrats and colonials [9] .” By this point Thomas Cook & Son became an institution of the British Empire – both representative of and essential to the empire’s operation, and deviating largely from the moral and social principles upon which the tours were originally founded [10] .

[1] Mark S. Monmonier, Mapping It Out: Expository Cartography for the Humanities and Social Sciences (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1993), 21.

[2] Sorabella, Jean. "The Grand Tour." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oct. 2003. Web. 22 Nov. 2016.

[3] "The Grand Tour and Development of Tourism, 1600 to 1900." Osher Map Library - Smith Center for Cartographic Education . University of Southern Maine, 4 Oct. 2011. Web.

[4] Sharma, Kewal K. Tourism and Culture . New Delhi: Sarup, 1999. 54-64.

[6] "Thomas Cook Steam Train Marks 175th Year since First Excursion." BBC News . BBC News, 5 July 2016. Web.

[7] Sharma, Kewal K. Tourism and Culture . New Delhi: Sarup, 1999. 54-64.

A “Cook’s Tour” of Imperialism

Thomas Cook and Son Ltd. pioneered middle class tourism during the Victorian era, when it followed the course of the British Empire.

An advertisement for 'Cook's Nile Service', a cruise on the Express Steamer 'MS Hatasoo' run by Thomas Cook & Son Ltd., circa 1900.

The charter tour, round-trip fare, in-flight magazine, and traveler’s check were all standards of late twentieth century travel. But each was predicated on innovations introduced long before the age of commercial jet travel. Thomas Cook and Son Ltd., which filed for bankruptcy in September 2019, pioneered all these familiar set pieces of middle class tourism during the Victorian era, when tourism followed the course of the British Empire.

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“Thomas Cook” and “Cook’s Tours” were once synonymous with “travel.” Until recently, the Cook name was associated with “ the world’s foremost travel services agency ,” writes the scholar F. Robert Hunter from the heart of the company archives, near Cambridge, England:

The key to Cook’s success was invention of the hotel coupon (begun in 1868), used to pay for accommodations and meals; the circular note (from 1874), a kind of traveler’s check; round-trip fares at relatively low prices; and exceptional promotion skills. By the 1880s, these elements were in place and the age of mass tourism, appealing to the appetites of Europe’s growing middle classes, had begun. Cook and Son’s monopoly of mass tourism continued well into the 20 th Century.

Although Cook and Son became international in scope, Hunter concentrates on the Middle East, a major site of tourism before the Second World War, and its postcolonial aftermath. Cook publications were a key component of their promotional strategy in the region. They explicitly “linked themselves with development and modernization.” References to “barbaric” and “uncivilized” places and peoples were commonplace.

Thomas Cook's World Ticket Office in Jerusalem.

Company newsletters, the Excursionist and the Traveller’s Gazette, were filled with the romance of the Nile (“Egypt Is So Gay Now,” 1902) and Biblical Palestine (“The Land that is Desolate,” 1913). As Hunter writes:

There is no doubt that Thomas Cook and Son became powerful and influential, but this was a power linked to and made possible by empire. Without the support of the British government and its diplomatic representatives abroad, Cook and Son would have achieved much less fame and fortune.

But this relationship was mutual. “The British government turned to Cook and Son for assistance in empire building,” Hunter continues. The examples he gives include the company’s shipping being used as an extension of the Royal Navy. Cook and Son conveyed the general staff of the occupying British Army to Egypt in 1882 and organized the evacuation of British wounded after the battle of Tel al-Kabir, that same year. Hunter quotes a British commentator, writing in 1898:

Egypt is now in the hands of two armies of occupation. One is composed of British soldiers, and the other of the men of Thomas Cook and Son. The latter generals have certainly taken possession of the Nile. The former are here to preserve order and insure good government.

Actually, they were there to insure the Suez Canal stayed in British hands.

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Hunter ultimately recognizes that “there was only one power on the Nile—the British.” Empire prepared the way for tourism, and tourism reinforced empire. Their successors adapted Thomas Cook and Son’s tools of tourism for the aviation age.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story erroneously implied that Palestine was under British rule in 1913. British rule of Palestine didn’t begin until 1917.

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Thomas Cook: tourism experts explain the travel company’s collapse

thomas cook travel and tourism

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thomas cook travel and tourism

The shock of Thomas Cook’s collapse may create reverberations that travel much further than the 150,000 holidaymakers who are reportedly stranded overseas or the many people who have already paid for travel with the company. The impact of Thomas Cook’s failure is even more stark because the company’s 19th-century founder was the father of package holidays, taking the first group of travellers abroad in 1855.

On the bright side there is a scheme in place to help them. When tourists buy their holiday as a package the law requires that it is protected. ATOL is a UK scheme, which was first introduced in 1973, that covers most air package holidays and some forward booked flights sold by UK operators.

The ATOL scheme currently provides protection for more than 20m travellers each year. The benefits of ATOL are far reaching and include bringing stranded tourists back to the UK if the company they bought their package from goes into liquidation while they are overseas or will compensate or find alternative packages if the company fails before the traveller goes overseas.

The term package is important because if a traveller purchases, say a flight only, from a travel agent or directly from an airline and is issued with a valid ticket, this is outside the scope of ATOL. So independent travellers (people who book the different components of their holidays would not be covered by ATOL unless the flight or hotel element explicitly states that it is ATOL protected). ATOL is funded through a levy on travel businesses of £2.50 per traveller and it is operated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulator and the funds are held by an organisation called the Air Travel Trust .

thomas cook travel and tourism

The ATOL protection was introduced in response to several major travel business failures, which left British travellers stranded overseas, but to date has not had to cope with a failure on the scale of this Thomas Cook one. The major task of organising the repatriation of so many people, code name “Operation Matterhorn”, has meant that the government (through the CAA) has had to hire planes from as far away as Malaysia to help transport not just the holidaymakers but also the thousands of staff who are also stranded overseas. This is the largest peacetime repatriation the UK has ever undertaken, and it is inevitable that there will be delays and problems during the operation that is being hastily put together.

Although the company’s products are ATOL protected there are limits to the cover and to many people who had planned their vacations, the financial costs are only a part of the problem. For instance, there are people who were travelling to get married, attend funerals or other significant functions who may not be able to easily make alternative arrangements and if events are cancelled there will be costs not covered by ATOL.

As with most things, there is rarely a single cause for such a big failure. This can be seen as a perfect storm for Thomas Cook. It was already stretched from earlier operational changes, some of which can be taken back to its merger with MyTravel Group in 2007 and others that demonstrate the changing nature of travel throughout the 21st century.

This changing nature also includes the growing intensity of competition in the travel-related sector. Tourism businesses operate on high volume sales with small profit margins – that is to say they need to fill seats on planes and rooms in hotels to make a profit. One empty seat is dead weight and eats into whatever slim profits are derived from all the other seats and rooms sold.

While the ultimate responsibility for the business failure of Thomas Cook must rest with the hands of its management, they faced a number of factors outside their control. The effects of the Brexit discussions, together with a poor economic growth rate, have resulted in a much weaker pound . This has meant higher costs for the overseas travel industry, putting even greater pressure on their already slender profit margins.

The size of Thomas Cook brings the obvious advantages of economies of large-scale production. But while it may prosper in growing business environments, with a declining market and increased competition from the rapid growth of AirBnB and numerous specialist travel agencies and tour operators, size can become a burden . The vagaries of the UK’s weather also played a part, with record temperatures fuelling a rise in staycations and curtailing demand in a market with ever-increasing sources of supply.

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What Is the Role of Thomas Cook in the History of Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Thomas Cook is a name synonymous with travel and tourism. The company has a long and storied history, playing a pivotal role in the development of the tourism industry as we know it today. In this article, we will explore the role of Thomas Cook in the history of tourism.

The Beginning of Thomas Cook

The story of Thomas Cook begins in 1841. At the time, Cook was a Baptist preacher from Leicester, England. He was concerned about the negative effects of alcohol on his community and organized a day trip for members of his congregation to attend an anti-alcohol rally in Loughborough.

Cook’s first excursion was a resounding success, and he began to organize more trips for his congregation. Soon, he was organizing trips for people outside his congregation as well. In 1845, Cook organized his first overseas trip—a journey from Leicester to Calais—and thus began his career as a travel agent.

The Growth of Thomas Cook

Over the next few decades, Thomas Cook continued to grow and expand its offerings. The company began offering package tours that included transportation, accommodations, and meals. This made travel more accessible to middle-class individuals who previously could not afford to travel.

In 1855, Thomas Cook launched its first tour to Europe—taking passengers from London to Paris by train—and soon began offering tours to other European destinations as well. By 1865, the company had developed an extensive network of agents across Europe and North America.

Thomas Cook’s Legacy

Thomas Cook’s impact on the tourism industry cannot be overstated. The company pioneered many innovations that are now commonplace in modern travel—including package tours and group travel.

Moreover, Thomas Cook played a crucial role in making travel accessible to middle-class individuals who previously could not afford it. By providing affordable transportation, accommodations, and meals all in one package deal, Thomas Cook made travel more accessible and less intimidating.

Today, Thomas Cook is no longer in business, having declared bankruptcy in 2019. However, the legacy of Thomas Cook lives on in the tourism industry. The company’s innovative approach to travel has had a profound impact on the way we approach travel today.

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Simple Flying

The impact of thomas cook's collapse on tourism.

Thomas Cook's collapse has had ramifications across the world. In the UK, the government hopes to repatriate up to 150,000 stranded Brits abroad . In Germany, Federal and State governments are looking to loan 380m euro to Thomas Cook subsidiary, Condor. Yet, there is another group of people who can no longer sleep at night, Ministers of Economy.

Thomas Cook A330 side view

Thomas Cook was sizable

In order to understand the importance of Thomas Cook's collapse, it is first necessary to understand the company's scale. And indeed, Thomas Cook was sizable.

According to the Company's 2018 financial report, the company employed 21,000 people in 16 different countries.

In addition to owning 100 aircraft across the group's airlines, the company also operated 186 own-brand hotels and resorts. In the Canary Islands, for example, the group owned 20 hotels, 29 in Turkey, three in the Gambia, and more than 10 in Tunisia.

Navagio

Moreover, the company partnered with internet giants such as Expedia, further diversifying its hotel and accommodation partnerships beyond its own portfolio.

Taken together, the Thomas Cook Group had 22m customers in the 2018 reporting period.

Ministers, hoteliers are worried

Considering Thomas Cook's size, the company's collapse will not go noticed by hoteliers and even government budgets.

In Greece, for example, Thomas Cook brought over 1m British tourists to the sun-soaked European country, reports Deutsche Welle . Experts further told the German news service that Thomas Cook's collapse could cost Greece between 250 to 500m euro.

Puerto de Mogán Gran Canaria January 2016

On the other side of Europe, the story is no different. El Pais reports that Thomas Cook managed 63 hotels and employed 2,500 workers in Spain. Its demise will be acutely noticed particularly in the Canary and Balearic Islands, where the group accounted for 25% and 15% of all visitors, respectively.

Turning to the African continent, Thomas Cook brought in 40% of the Gambia's annual visitors, according to Reuters . Moreover, the news organization reports that Thomas Cook had exclusivity deals with 45 hotels in Tunisia.

Tourism can be a vital economic lifeline

For a low-income country like the Gambia, tourism accounts for more than 20% of GDP according to UNCTAD . Reuters, however, reports that this number is closer to 30% of GDP output.

Tourist beach huts, Gambia

Turning to lower-middle-income countries like Tunisia, for example, tourism not only accounts for 8% of economic output but also employs some 400,000 people.

In Europe, the situation is no different. Tourism represents 14.6% of Spanish GDP output, while in Greece, that number is closer to twenty percent, says the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

In terms of employment, the WTTC estimates that around one-quarter of all employment in Greece is based in travel and tourism.

Athens riot

In Spain, the organization estimates that 14.7% of all jobs are employed in the tourism sector. Additionally, it is believed that one out of every seven euro generated in the economy, comes from tourism.

Globally, the WTTC estimates that 10.8% of global GDP is generated in the travel and tourism sector and supports one in ten jobs.

The wide-spreading impacts Thomas Cook's collapse are thus abundantly clear.

Thomas Cook Airlines A330

In addition to the 21,000 direct job losses and hundreds of thousands of stranded passengers, the 178-year old company's demise could very well jeopardize the economies, and the social peace, of the countries Thomas Cook once operated in.

Indeed, travel, tourism, and aviation, have a much broader impact than some care to see.  In turn, the social policies affecting the industry, must take these ramifications into account.

Have you been affected by Thomas Cooks' collapse? Do you think other companies could fill the voids left by the British tour operator? Let us know in the comments.

Bon Voyaged

Bon Voyaged

30 Defunct Airlines That Went Out Of Business

Posted: February 27, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

<p>The history of aviation is dotted with the stories of airlines that once connected cities, countries, and continents, serving as the backbone of international travel and commerce. These airlines, through their innovations, services, and global networks, helped shape the modern world, making distant lands accessible and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. The volatile nature of the airline industry, marked by economic fluctuations, intense competition, regulatory changes, and unforeseen global events, has led to the downfall of many once-prominent carriers. Exploring their contributions to the aviation industry, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. From pioneering giants like Pan American World Airways and Trans World Airlines to regional favorites like FlyBe and Kingfisher Airlines, each of these defunct airlines tells a story of ambition, innovation, and, ultimately, the harsh realities of the skies.</p>

The history of aviation is dotted with the stories of airlines that once connected cities, countries, and continents, serving as the backbone of international travel and commerce. These airlines, through their innovations, services, and global networks, helped shape the modern world, making distant lands accessible and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. The volatile nature of the airline industry, marked by economic fluctuations, intense competition, regulatory changes, and unforeseen global events, has led to the downfall of many once-prominent carriers. Exploring their contributions to the aviation industry, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. From pioneering giants like Pan American World Airways and Trans World Airlines to regional favorites like FlyBe and Kingfisher Airlines, each of these defunct airlines tells a story of ambition, innovation, and, ultimately, the harsh realities of the skies.

<p>Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was an iconic symbol of the golden age of air travel, operating from 1927 until its collapse in 1991. It was renowned for pioneering intercontinental travel, making the world more accessible to the average person. Pan Am played a crucial role in developing the Boeing 747, the first widebody airliner, which revolutionized air travel with its capacity and range. Financial difficulties, exacerbated by the 1973 oil crisis and increased competition, led to the airline’s decline. Its legacy lives on in the annals of aviation history, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and the globalization of air travel.</p>

Pan American World Airways (Pan Am)

Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was an iconic symbol of the golden age of air travel, operating from 1927 until its collapse in 1991. It was renowned for pioneering intercontinental travel, making the world more accessible to the average person. Pan Am played a crucial role in developing the Boeing 747, the first widebody airliner, which revolutionized air travel with its capacity and range. Financial difficulties, exacerbated by the 1973 oil crisis and increased competition, led to the airline’s decline. Its legacy lives on in the annals of aviation history, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and the globalization of air travel.

<p>Trans World Airlines, better known as TWA, was once a major player in the American airline industry, with its heyday from the 1940s to the 1960s. It was famed for its luxurious service and the innovation of transatlantic flights, making international travel more accessible. TWA’s terminal at JFK Airport in New York, designed by Eero Saarinen, is an iconic symbol of mid-century modern architecture. Financial troubles and operational challenges in the 1980s and 1990s led to its eventual acquisition by American Airlines in 2001. TWA’s legacy is remembered for its contribution to making air travel a significant part of modern life.</p>

Trans World Airlines (TWA)

Trans World Airlines, better known as TWA, was once a major player in the American airline industry, with its heyday from the 1940s to the 1960s. It was famed for its luxurious service and the innovation of transatlantic flights, making international travel more accessible. TWA’s terminal at JFK Airport in New York, designed by Eero Saarinen, is an iconic symbol of mid-century modern architecture. Financial troubles and operational challenges in the 1980s and 1990s led to its eventual acquisition by American Airlines in 2001. TWA’s legacy is remembered for its contribution to making air travel a significant part of modern life.

<p>Eastern Air Lines was a major American carrier that served as a key player in the airline industry from 1926 until its financial collapse in 1991. Known for its extensive network along the East Coast, it helped popularize air travel in the United States with innovations like shuttle services. The airline faced numerous challenges, including labor disputes, deregulation impacts, and rising fuel costs, which ultimately led to its downfall. Eastern played a significant role in the development of the aerospace industry, contributing to the growth of airports and air travel infrastructure. Despite its end, Eastern Air Lines remains a significant part of aviation history, remembered for its contributions to the golden age of air travel.</p>

Eastern Air Lines

Eastern Air Lines was a major American carrier that served as a key player in the airline industry from 1926 until its financial collapse in 1991. Known for its extensive network along the East Coast, it helped popularize air travel in the United States with innovations like shuttle services. The airline faced numerous challenges, including labor disputes, deregulation impacts, and rising fuel costs, which ultimately led to its downfall. Eastern played a significant role in the development of the aerospace industry, contributing to the growth of airports and air travel infrastructure. Despite its end, Eastern Air Lines remains a significant part of aviation history, remembered for its contributions to the golden age of air travel.

<p>Swissair, known as the “Flying Bank” due to its financial stability, was the national airline of Switzerland until it ceased operations in 2002. Its collapse was a major shock to the global aviation industry, stemming from a failed expansion strategy and the aviation downturn following the September 11 attacks. Swissair was renowned for its quality service, punctuality, and safety record, setting the standard for international air travel. The airline’s demise led to the creation of Swiss International Air Lines, formed from the remnants of Swissair and Crossair. Swissair’s story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of over-expansion and the volatility of the airline industry.</p>

Swissair, known as the “Flying Bank” due to its financial stability, was the national airline of Switzerland until it ceased operations in 2002. Its collapse was a major shock to the global aviation industry, stemming from a failed expansion strategy and the aviation downturn following the September 11 attacks. Swissair was renowned for its quality service, punctuality, and safety record, setting the standard for international air travel. The airline’s demise led to the creation of Swiss International Air Lines, formed from the remnants of Swissair and Crossair. Swissair’s story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of over-expansion and the volatility of the airline industry.

<p>Air Berlin was Germany’s second-largest airline and Europe’s tenth-largest airline in terms of passengers carried, before it ceased operations in October 2017. Founded in 1978 as a US company to circumvent West Berlin’s aviation restrictions, it grew rapidly after German reunification, but struggled with profitability throughout its history. Air Berlin’s business model, straddling between low-cost and full-service, faced challenges from both market segments. The airline’s financial troubles were compounded by failed investments and an inability to find a sustainable niche. Its collapse marked the end of an era for German aviation, with Lufthansa and other airlines absorbing parts of its operations and fleet.</p>

Air Berlin was Germany’s second-largest airline and Europe’s tenth-largest airline in terms of passengers carried, before it ceased operations in October 2017. Founded in 1978 as a US company to circumvent West Berlin’s aviation restrictions, it grew rapidly after German reunification, but struggled with profitability throughout its history. Air Berlin’s business model, straddling between low-cost and full-service, faced challenges from both market segments. The airline’s financial troubles were compounded by failed investments and an inability to find a sustainable niche. Its collapse marked the end of an era for German aviation, with Lufthansa and other airlines absorbing parts of its operations and fleet.

<p>Ansett Australia was a leading Australian airline that operated from 1936 until its dramatic collapse in 2001, leaving thousands jobless and stranding passengers worldwide. It was known for its high level of service and extensive domestic and international network. The airline’s financial troubles were attributed to poor management decisions, a failure to adapt to a changing market, and intense competition from other carriers. Ansett’s demise was hastened by a downturn in the global aviation industry and the financial difficulties of its parent company, Air New Zealand. The fall of Ansett Australia had a profound impact on the Australian aviation landscape, leading to increased market share for competitors like Qantas and the rise of new low-cost carriers.</p>

Ansett Australia

Ansett Australia was a leading Australian airline that operated from 1936 until its dramatic collapse in 2001, leaving thousands jobless and stranding passengers worldwide. It was known for its high level of service and extensive domestic and international network. The airline’s financial troubles were attributed to poor management decisions, a failure to adapt to a changing market, and intense competition from other carriers. Ansett’s demise was hastened by a downturn in the global aviation industry and the financial difficulties of its parent company, Air New Zealand. The fall of Ansett Australia had a profound impact on the Australian aviation landscape, leading to increased market share for competitors like Qantas and the rise of new low-cost carriers.

<p>Braniff International Airways was an American airline that made headlines for its bold colors, innovative marketing, and at one point, the fastest transcontinental service. Founded in 1928, it expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, introducing the first fully coordinated air-ground service design. Braniff’s aggressive expansion strategy led to significant financial difficulties, exacerbated by the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act. The airline attempted to innovate with concepts like the “Air Strip” and the “Ultra Look,” but these were not enough to save it from bankruptcy in 1982. Braniff’s legacy is remembered for its contribution to airline branding and design, leaving a lasting impact on the aviation industry.</p>

Braniff International Airways

Braniff International Airways was an American airline that made headlines for its bold colors, innovative marketing, and at one point, the fastest transcontinental service. Founded in 1928, it expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, introducing the first fully coordinated air-ground service design. Braniff’s aggressive expansion strategy led to significant financial difficulties, exacerbated by the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act. The airline attempted to innovate with concepts like the “Air Strip” and the “Ultra Look,” but these were not enough to save it from bankruptcy in 1982. Braniff’s legacy is remembered for its contribution to airline branding and design, leaving a lasting impact on the aviation industry.

<p>Canadian Airlines was formed in 1987 from the merger of several airlines, becoming Canada’s second-largest carrier. It played a significant role in developing Canada’s aviation industry, offering international service to five continents. Despite its ambitions, Canadian Airlines struggled with financial issues, exacerbated by fierce competition and economic challenges. In 2000, facing bankruptcy, it was acquired by Air Canada, marking the end of its operations as a separate entity. The merger of Canadian Airlines into Air Canada significantly reshaped the Canadian aviation market, leading to less competition and higher airfares in some markets.</p>

Canadian Airlines

Canadian Airlines was formed in 1987 from the merger of several airlines, becoming Canada’s second-largest carrier. It played a significant role in developing Canada’s aviation industry, offering international service to five continents. Despite its ambitions, Canadian Airlines struggled with financial issues, exacerbated by fierce competition and economic challenges. In 2000, facing bankruptcy, it was acquired by Air Canada, marking the end of its operations as a separate entity. The merger of Canadian Airlines into Air Canada significantly reshaped the Canadian aviation market, leading to less competition and higher airfares in some markets.

<p>Continental Airlines, founded in 1934, was a major American airline that eventually merged with United Airlines in 2010. It was known for its customer service and innovation, including being one of the first to offer frequent flyer miles. Continental had a significant impact on the aviation industry, pioneering routes to previously underserved international destinations. The merger with United created one of the world’s largest airlines, but also marked the end of the Continental brand. Continental’s legacy lives on through the operational practices and route networks that have been integrated into United Airlines.</p>

Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines, founded in 1934, was a major American airline that eventually merged with United Airlines in 2010. It was known for its customer service and innovation, including being one of the first to offer frequent flyer miles. Continental had a significant impact on the aviation industry, pioneering routes to previously underserved international destinations. The merger with United created one of the world’s largest airlines, but also marked the end of the Continental brand. Continental’s legacy lives on through the operational practices and route networks that have been integrated into United Airlines.

<p>Kingfisher Airlines, based in India, was known for its high-quality service and ambitious expansion plans, aiming to redefine air travel in the country. Founded in 2005 by the flamboyant entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, the airline quickly became a favorite among travelers for its premium services. Its aggressive expansion, coupled with high operational costs and a challenging economic environment, led to significant financial distress. By 2012, Kingfisher Airlines was grounded after failing to pay debts and losing its flying license. The airline’s collapse not only left thousands of employees jobless but also shook the Indian aviation market, highlighting the risks associated with rapid expansion and high leverage in the competitive airline industry.</p>

Kingfisher Airlines

Kingfisher Airlines, based in India, was known for its high-quality service and ambitious expansion plans, aiming to redefine air travel in the country. Founded in 2005 by the flamboyant entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, the airline quickly became a favorite among travelers for its premium services. Its aggressive expansion, coupled with high operational costs and a challenging economic environment, led to significant financial distress. By 2012, Kingfisher Airlines was grounded after failing to pay debts and losing its flying license. The airline’s collapse not only left thousands of employees jobless but also shook the Indian aviation market, highlighting the risks associated with rapid expansion and high leverage in the competitive airline industry.

<p>Trump Shuttle, Inc., launched in 1989 by then-businessman Donald Trump, was an attempt to create a luxury airline service operating on the highly competitive East Coast corridor, specifically between Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Acquiring the assets of the Eastern Air Lines Shuttle, Trump aimed to infuse the airline with his signature luxury, outfitting planes with chrome seatbelt latches, maple wood veneer, and premium leather seats, aiming to attract business travelers with an eye for comfort. Despite these luxurious upgrades, the airline struggled to turn a profit, facing stiff competition, high operating costs, and an economic downturn. By 1992, unable to sustain its financial losses, Trump Shuttle was sold to USAir, marking the end of Trump’s foray into the airline industry. The venture is often cited as an example of Trump’s ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful business projects in the 1990s.</p>

Trump Shuttle

Trump Shuttle, Inc., launched in 1989 by then-businessman Donald Trump, was an attempt to create a luxury airline service operating on the highly competitive East Coast corridor, specifically between Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Acquiring the assets of the Eastern Air Lines Shuttle, Trump aimed to infuse the airline with his signature luxury, outfitting planes with chrome seatbelt latches, maple wood veneer, and premium leather seats, aiming to attract business travelers with an eye for comfort. Despite these luxurious upgrades, the airline struggled to turn a profit, facing stiff competition, high operating costs, and an economic downturn. By 1992, unable to sustain its financial losses, Trump Shuttle was sold to USAir, marking the end of Trump’s foray into the airline industry. The venture is often cited as an example of Trump’s ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful business projects in the 1990s.

<p>Malev Hungarian Airlines served as Hungary’s national flag carrier for 66 years, from its inception in 1946 until it ceased operations in 2012. The airline played a pivotal role in connecting Hungary to the rest of the world, offering flights to over 50 countries. Despite its historical significance and role in promoting Hungarian culture abroad, Malev faced insurmountable financial difficulties, exacerbated by the global financial crisis and rising fuel prices. The European Commission’s order to repay state aid considered illegal further strained its finances, leading to its eventual bankruptcy. Malev’s disappearance left a void in Hungary’s aviation market, impacting Budapest Airport’s traffic and highlighting the challenges faced by national carriers in a competitive and regulated environment.</p>

Malev Hungarian Airlines

Malev Hungarian Airlines served as Hungary’s national flag carrier for 66 years, from its inception in 1946 until it ceased operations in 2012. The airline played a pivotal role in connecting Hungary to the rest of the world, offering flights to over 50 countries. Despite its historical significance and role in promoting Hungarian culture abroad, Malev faced insurmountable financial difficulties, exacerbated by the global financial crisis and rising fuel prices. The European Commission’s order to repay state aid considered illegal further strained its finances, leading to its eventual bankruptcy. Malev’s disappearance left a void in Hungary’s aviation market, impacting Budapest Airport’s traffic and highlighting the challenges faced by national carriers in a competitive and regulated environment.

<p>Monarch Airlines was a British low-cost carrier and charter airline, offering flights to destinations across Europe, the United States, and India before its collapse in 2017. Founded in 1967, Monarch became known for its budget-friendly travel options, but struggled with financial issues due to rising fuel costs, competition, and currency fluctuations. The airline’s efforts to restructure and reduce costs were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to its liquidation and leaving 110,000 passengers stranded abroad. The UK government undertook a massive repatriation effort to bring affected passengers back home, in what was called the country’s “biggest peacetime repatriation.” Monarch’s failure underscored the volatility of the airline industry and the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in maintaining profitability amidst fierce competition.</p>

Monarch Airlines

Monarch Airlines was a British low-cost carrier and charter airline, offering flights to destinations across Europe, the United States, and India before its collapse in 2017. Founded in 1967, Monarch became known for its budget-friendly travel options, but struggled with financial issues due to rising fuel costs, competition, and currency fluctuations. The airline’s efforts to restructure and reduce costs were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to its liquidation and leaving 110,000 passengers stranded abroad. The UK government undertook a massive repatriation effort to bring affected passengers back home, in what was called the country’s “biggest peacetime repatriation.” Monarch’s failure underscored the volatility of the airline industry and the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in maintaining profitability amidst fierce competition.

<p>National Airlines was an American airline that played a significant role in the development of the commercial aviation industry in the United States. Founded in 1934, it became known for innovative marketing campaigns and a strong presence in the southeastern U.S., with Miami as its main hub. The airline introduced several firsts in the industry, including jet services across the Atlantic and the inclusion of female pilots in commercial operations. Competition and financial difficulties led to its merger with Pan American World Airways in 1980, marking the end of its operations under its own name. National Airlines’ legacy is remembered for its contributions to airline service innovations and the expansion of the U.S. air travel market.</p>

National Airlines

National Airlines was an American airline that played a significant role in the development of the commercial aviation industry in the United States. Founded in 1934, it became known for innovative marketing campaigns and a strong presence in the southeastern U.S., with Miami as its main hub. The airline introduced several firsts in the industry, including jet services across the Atlantic and the inclusion of female pilots in commercial operations. Competition and financial difficulties led to its merger with Pan American World Airways in 1980, marking the end of its operations under its own name. National Airlines’ legacy is remembered for its contributions to airline service innovations and the expansion of the U.S. air travel market.

<p>Northwest Airlines was a major U.S. airline known for its extensive network in Asia and its role as a pioneer in international aviation. Established in 1926, it became one of the world’s five largest airlines, with a strong presence in the Pacific region. Northwest’s innovative strategies, including the development of the first U.S. direct flights to Japan, helped open new markets and promote global connectivity. Financial struggles, exacerbated by the challenges of the early 2000s, led to its merger with Delta Air Lines in 2008, creating one of the largest global carriers. Northwest’s legacy includes its contributions to global aviation routes and the integration of advanced technology in air travel.</p>

Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines was a major U.S. airline known for its extensive network in Asia and its role as a pioneer in international aviation. Established in 1926, it became one of the world’s five largest airlines, with a strong presence in the Pacific region. Northwest’s innovative strategies, including the development of the first U.S. direct flights to Japan, helped open new markets and promote global connectivity. Financial struggles, exacerbated by the challenges of the early 2000s, led to its merger with Delta Air Lines in 2008, creating one of the largest global carriers. Northwest’s legacy includes its contributions to global aviation routes and the integration of advanced technology in air travel.

<p>Olympic Airlines, the flag carrier of Greece, was founded in 1957 by the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and played a crucial role in connecting Greece with the world. It was known for its distinctive logo, a six-ring symbol representing the Olympic rings, and its commitment to showcasing Greek culture and hospitality. Despite its national significance, Olympic struggled financially for years, burdened by high operating costs and government intervention. In 2009, after several failed attempts at privatization and restructuring, Olympic Airlines ceased operations, replaced by the smaller, privatized Olympic Air. Olympic Airlines’ story reflects the challenges faced by national carriers in adapting to the competitive and changing landscape of the aviation industry.</p>

Olympic Airlines

Olympic Airlines, the flag carrier of Greece, was founded in 1957 by the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and played a crucial role in connecting Greece with the world. It was known for its distinctive logo, a six-ring symbol representing the Olympic rings, and its commitment to showcasing Greek culture and hospitality. Despite its national significance, Olympic struggled financially for years, burdened by high operating costs and government intervention. In 2009, after several failed attempts at privatization and restructuring, Olympic Airlines ceased operations, replaced by the smaller, privatized Olympic Air. Olympic Airlines’ story reflects the challenges faced by national carriers in adapting to the competitive and changing landscape of the aviation industry.

<p>People Express, founded in 1981, revolutionized the airline industry with its low-cost, no-frills service model, directly challenging the traditional carriers of the time. The airline’s rapid expansion and innovative practices, such as charging for checked luggage and onboard purchases, made air travel accessible to a broader audience. Its aggressive growth strategy and the challenges of integrating several acquisitions led to operational difficulties and financial strain. By 1987, People Express was unable to sustain its business model, leading to its acquisition by Continental Airlines. The legacy of People Express lives on as a pioneer of the low-cost carrier model that transformed the airline industry, influencing the strategies of budget airlines worldwide.</p>

Peoples Express

People Express, founded in 1981, revolutionized the airline industry with its low-cost, no-frills service model, directly challenging the traditional carriers of the time. The airline’s rapid expansion and innovative practices, such as charging for checked luggage and onboard purchases, made air travel accessible to a broader audience. Its aggressive growth strategy and the challenges of integrating several acquisitions led to operational difficulties and financial strain. By 1987, People Express was unable to sustain its business model, leading to its acquisition by Continental Airlines. The legacy of People Express lives on as a pioneer of the low-cost carrier model that transformed the airline industry, influencing the strategies of budget airlines worldwide.

<p>SkyEurope Airlines was a Slovak low-cost airline that operated from 2001 until its insolvency in 2009. It aimed to connect Central and Eastern Europe with the rest of the continent, offering competitive fares to various destinations. Despite early successes and expansion, SkyEurope struggled with financial instability, exacerbated by rising fuel prices and the economic downturn. The airline’s inability to secure long-term financing or a strategic partner led to its eventual bankruptcy, leaving passengers and employees in limbo. SkyEurope’s story highlights the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in maintaining profitability while competing in a highly saturated market.</p>

SkyEurope Airlines was a Slovak low-cost airline that operated from 2001 until its insolvency in 2009. It aimed to connect Central and Eastern Europe with the rest of the continent, offering competitive fares to various destinations. Despite early successes and expansion, SkyEurope struggled with financial instability, exacerbated by rising fuel prices and the economic downturn. The airline’s inability to secure long-term financing or a strategic partner led to its eventual bankruptcy, leaving passengers and employees in limbo. SkyEurope’s story highlights the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in maintaining profitability while competing in a highly saturated market.

<p>Spanair was a Spanish airline that operated from 1986 until it ceased operations in 2012, primarily serving destinations within Spain and across Europe. Known for its role in the development of Spain’s domestic and international air travel market, Spanair faced financial difficulties for several years. The airline’s situation worsened following the economic crisis of 2008, leading to decreased passenger numbers and revenue. Despite efforts to find investors and restructure the company, Spanair was forced to shut down, impacting thousands of jobs and leaving passengers stranded. The collapse of Spanair marked a significant moment in Spanish aviation, demonstrating the impact of economic downturns on the airline industry.</p>

Spanair was a Spanish airline that operated from 1986 until it ceased operations in 2012, primarily serving destinations within Spain and across Europe. Known for its role in the development of Spain’s domestic and international air travel market, Spanair faced financial difficulties for several years. The airline’s situation worsened following the economic crisis of 2008, leading to decreased passenger numbers and revenue. Despite efforts to find investors and restructure the company, Spanair was forced to shut down, impacting thousands of jobs and leaving passengers stranded. The collapse of Spanair marked a significant moment in Spanish aviation, demonstrating the impact of economic downturns on the airline industry.

<p>Tower Air, founded in 1983, was known for its charter and scheduled service, particularly between New York and Tel Aviv, as well as military and civilian charter flights. The airline differentiated itself with often lower-than-average fares but faced criticism for its customer service and aging fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft. Financial instability and operational challenges plagued Tower Air throughout its existence, leading to its eventual shutdown in 2000. The airline’s demise was attributed to poor management, inadequate maintenance practices, and a failure to modernize its fleet and service. Tower Air’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in operations and customer service in the competitive airline industry.</p>

Tower Air, founded in 1983, was known for its charter and scheduled service, particularly between New York and Tel Aviv, as well as military and civilian charter flights. The airline differentiated itself with often lower-than-average fares but faced criticism for its customer service and aging fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft. Financial instability and operational challenges plagued Tower Air throughout its existence, leading to its eventual shutdown in 2000. The airline’s demise was attributed to poor management, inadequate maintenance practices, and a failure to modernize its fleet and service. Tower Air’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in operations and customer service in the competitive airline industry.

<p>US Airways was a significant player in the American aviation market, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century and undergoing several name changes and mergers throughout its history. As a key domestic and international carrier, US Airways developed a comprehensive network connecting major cities across the United States and abroad. The airline was known for its contributions to aviation safety and innovation, including advancements in flight operations and customer service. Financial struggles, competition, and the challenges of merging with America West led to its eventual merger with American Airlines in 2015, marking the end of the US Airways brand. The merger created one of the world’s largest airlines, combining the strengths and legacies of both carriers.</p>

US Airways was a significant player in the American aviation market, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century and undergoing several name changes and mergers throughout its history. As a key domestic and international carrier, US Airways developed a comprehensive network connecting major cities across the United States and abroad. The airline was known for its contributions to aviation safety and innovation, including advancements in flight operations and customer service. Financial struggles, competition, and the challenges of merging with America West led to its eventual merger with American Airlines in 2015, marking the end of the US Airways brand. The merger created one of the world’s largest airlines, combining the strengths and legacies of both carriers.

<p>Varig, founded in 1927, was Brazil’s flagship carrier and a symbol of national pride, offering extensive domestic and international flights. It played a crucial role in connecting Brazil with the world, renowned for its quality service and safety record. Despite its strong brand and loyal customer base, Varig faced severe financial difficulties in the early 2000s, exacerbated by Brazil’s economic volatility and the competitive pressures of the airline industry. In 2006, after failing to overcome its financial challenges, Varig ceased most of its operations, leading to a significant restructuring and the eventual absorption of its remaining assets by other carriers. Varig’s legacy lives on in Brazil’s aviation history, remembered for its contributions to the country’s connectivity and aviation development.</p>

Varig, founded in 1927, was Brazil’s flagship carrier and a symbol of national pride, offering extensive domestic and international flights. It played a crucial role in connecting Brazil with the world, renowned for its quality service and safety record. Despite its strong brand and loyal customer base, Varig faced severe financial difficulties in the early 2000s, exacerbated by Brazil’s economic volatility and the competitive pressures of the airline industry. In 2006, after failing to overcome its financial challenges, Varig ceased most of its operations, leading to a significant restructuring and the eventual absorption of its remaining assets by other carriers. Varig’s legacy lives on in Brazil’s aviation history, remembered for its contributions to the country’s connectivity and aviation development.

<p>Viasa was Venezuela’s flagship airline from its founding in 1960 until its closure in 1997. As a major carrier, Viasa connected Venezuela with destinations in Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, promoting the country’s tourism and international trade. The airline struggled with financial problems for years, exacerbated by management issues and Venezuela’s economic difficulties. Despite efforts to privatize and revitalize the airline, Viasa could not overcome its financial hurdles, leading to its eventual shutdown. The loss of Viasa was a significant blow to Venezuela’s aviation sector, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the country’s economy and infrastructure development.</p>

Viasa was Venezuela’s flagship airline from its founding in 1960 until its closure in 1997. As a major carrier, Viasa connected Venezuela with destinations in Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, promoting the country’s tourism and international trade. The airline struggled with financial problems for years, exacerbated by management issues and Venezuela’s economic difficulties. Despite efforts to privatize and revitalize the airline, Viasa could not overcome its financial hurdles, leading to its eventual shutdown. The loss of Viasa was a significant blow to Venezuela’s aviation sector, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the country’s economy and infrastructure development.

<p>Virgin America, founded in 2004, was a U.S. airline that aimed to provide low-fare, high-quality service for long-haul point-to-point service between major metropolitan cities on the Eastern and West Coast seaboards. Known for its innovative in-flight entertainment, customer service, and distinctive branding, Virgin America quickly gained popularity among passengers. The airline’s business model focused on combining low fares with exceptional service, aiming to disrupt the traditional airline market. Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, Virgin America faced intense competition and financial pressures, leading to its sale to Alaska Airlines in 2016 and the brand’s complete integration by 2018. Virgin America’s legacy continues to influence the industry through its focus on customer experience and innovation in air travel.</p>

Virgin America

Virgin America, founded in 2004, was a U.S. airline that aimed to provide low-fare, high-quality service for long-haul point-to-point service between major metropolitan cities on the Eastern and West Coast seaboards. Known for its innovative in-flight entertainment, customer service, and distinctive branding, Virgin America quickly gained popularity among passengers. The airline’s business model focused on combining low fares with exceptional service, aiming to disrupt the traditional airline market. Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, Virgin America faced intense competition and financial pressures, leading to its sale to Alaska Airlines in 2016 and the brand’s complete integration by 2018. Virgin America’s legacy continues to influence the industry through its focus on customer experience and innovation in air travel.

<p>WOW Air, established in 2011, was an Icelandic low-cost carrier known for its budget-friendly transatlantic flights, connecting Europe and North America via Iceland. The airline quickly made a name for itself with eye-catching branding and aggressive pricing strategies. Rapid expansion and the competitive pressures of the low-cost long-haul market led to financial instability. In 2019, WOW Air ceased operations after failing to secure investment or a buyer, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The collapse of WOW Air highlighted the challenges of sustaining low-cost, long-haul service models in the volatile aviation industry.</p>

WOW Air, established in 2011, was an Icelandic low-cost carrier known for its budget-friendly transatlantic flights, connecting Europe and North America via Iceland. The airline quickly made a name for itself with eye-catching branding and aggressive pricing strategies. Rapid expansion and the competitive pressures of the low-cost long-haul market led to financial instability. In 2019, WOW Air ceased operations after failing to secure investment or a buyer, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The collapse of WOW Air highlighted the challenges of sustaining low-cost, long-haul service models in the volatile aviation industry.

<p>XL Airways France, founded in 1995, operated as a French airline specializing in long-haul flights, particularly to the Caribbean, the United States, and the Mediterranean. The airline was known for offering competitive fares to popular tourist destinations, attempting to carve out a niche in the crowded market of long-haul travel. Despite a focus on cost-efficiency and customer service, XL Airways faced economic challenges, including rising fuel prices and competition from both traditional and low-cost carriers. In 2019, the airline declared bankruptcy, citing difficulty in securing financial backing to continue operations. The cessation of XL Airways France’s operations underscored the precarious nature of the airline industry, especially for carriers operating in the highly competitive long-haul segment.</p>

XL Airways France

XL Airways France, founded in 1995, operated as a French airline specializing in long-haul flights, particularly to the Caribbean, the United States, and the Mediterranean. The airline was known for offering competitive fares to popular tourist destinations, attempting to carve out a niche in the crowded market of long-haul travel. Despite a focus on cost-efficiency and customer service, XL Airways faced economic challenges, including rising fuel prices and competition from both traditional and low-cost carriers. In 2019, the airline declared bankruptcy, citing difficulty in securing financial backing to continue operations. The cessation of XL Airways France’s operations underscored the precarious nature of the airline industry, especially for carriers operating in the highly competitive long-haul segment.

<p>Jet Airways, once India’s premier international airline, was founded in 1993 and quickly rose to prominence for its quality service and extensive network. The airline served as a gateway for international travelers to India, offering flights to numerous destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its success, Jet Airways faced financial difficulties due to rising fuel costs, competition, and debt. In April 2019, the airline suspended all operations after failing to secure emergency funding from its lenders. The downfall of Jet Airways left a significant void in the Indian aviation market, affecting thousands of employees and disrupting travel for countless passengers.</p>

Jet Airways

Jet Airways, once India’s premier international airline, was founded in 1993 and quickly rose to prominence for its quality service and extensive network. The airline served as a gateway for international travelers to India, offering flights to numerous destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its success, Jet Airways faced financial difficulties due to rising fuel costs, competition, and debt. In April 2019, the airline suspended all operations after failing to secure emergency funding from its lenders. The downfall of Jet Airways left a significant void in the Indian aviation market, affecting thousands of employees and disrupting travel for countless passengers.

<p>Thomas Cook Airlines was part of the Thomas Cook Group, offering leisure flights from the UK to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Founded in 2003, the airline was known for its package holiday model, combining flights with hotel bookings for a complete vacation experience. Despite a strong brand and a loyal customer base, Thomas Cook Airlines and its parent company faced financial challenges that led to their collapse in September 2019. The sudden shutdown of operations triggered the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history to bring back stranded passengers. The demise of Thomas Cook Airlines highlighted the vulnerabilities of the travel and tourism industry to economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors.</p>

Thomas Cook Airlines

Thomas Cook Airlines was part of the Thomas Cook Group, offering leisure flights from the UK to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Founded in 2003, the airline was known for its package holiday model, combining flights with hotel bookings for a complete vacation experience. Despite a strong brand and a loyal customer base, Thomas Cook Airlines and its parent company faced financial challenges that led to their collapse in September 2019. The sudden shutdown of operations triggered the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history to bring back stranded passengers. The demise of Thomas Cook Airlines highlighted the vulnerabilities of the travel and tourism industry to economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors.

<p>FlyBe was a British airline that focused on connecting smaller cities and offering routes across the United Kingdom and Europe. It declared bankruptcy in March 2020, becoming one of the first major airline casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the travel industry. FlyBe’s business model, heavily reliant on regional travel, struggled with competition from road and rail alternatives, as well as from larger airlines. The airline’s failure left a significant gap in regional connectivity, highlighting the challenges of operating in the competitive and cost-sensitive airline market. Despite efforts to revive the airline, FlyBe’s legacy remains as a cautionary tale of the vulnerabilities in the aviation sector, especially among regional carriers.</p>

FlyBe was a British airline that focused on connecting smaller cities and offering routes across the United Kingdom and Europe. It declared bankruptcy in March 2020, becoming one of the first major airline casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the travel industry. FlyBe’s business model, heavily reliant on regional travel, struggled with competition from road and rail alternatives, as well as from larger airlines. The airline’s failure left a significant gap in regional connectivity, highlighting the challenges of operating in the competitive and cost-sensitive airline market. Despite efforts to revive the airline, FlyBe’s legacy remains as a cautionary tale of the vulnerabilities in the aviation sector, especially among regional carriers.

<p>Sabena, short for Société Anonyme Belge d’Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, was Belgium’s national airline from its founding in 1923 until its bankruptcy in 2001. It was one of the world’s oldest airlines, known for its extensive African routes developed during Belgium’s colonial period. The airline struggled financially in the 1990s due to increased competition, high operational costs, and the challenges of deregulation. Sabena’s bankruptcy was a significant event in Belgian history, leading to job losses and the loss of national pride associated with the airline. Its legacy lives on through Brussels Airlines, which took over many of Sabena’s routes and serves as Belgium’s flag carrier today.</p>

Sabena, short for Société Anonyme Belge d’Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, was Belgium’s national airline from its founding in 1923 until its bankruptcy in 2001. It was one of the world’s oldest airlines, known for its extensive African routes developed during Belgium’s colonial period. The airline struggled financially in the 1990s due to increased competition, high operational costs, and the challenges of deregulation. Sabena’s bankruptcy was a significant event in Belgian history, leading to job losses and the loss of national pride associated with the airline. Its legacy lives on through Brussels Airlines, which took over many of Sabena’s routes and serves as Belgium’s flag carrier today.

<p>The cessation of operations by these 30 airlines marks significant turning points in the history of aviation, reflecting the industry’s susceptibility to economic downturns, operational challenges, and the ever-evolving nature of global travel demands. Each airline’s story, from pioneering giants like Pan Am and TWA to regional connectors like FlyBe and Adria Airways, offers valuable lessons on the complexities of running an airline and the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics. Their legacies, whether through innovation, service excellence, or lessons learned in failure, continue to influence the aviation sector today. As the industry moves forward, the memories of these airlines serve as reminders of the relentless pursuit of connectivity and the spirit of aviation that inspires us to explore the world.</p><p><a href="https://bonvoyaged.com/?utm_source=msnstart">For the Latest Travel News, Headlines & Videos, head to Bon Voyaged</a></p>

The cessation of operations by these 30 airlines marks significant turning points in the history of aviation, reflecting the industry’s susceptibility to economic downturns, operational challenges, and the ever-evolving nature of global travel demands. Each airline’s story, from pioneering giants like Pan Am and TWA to regional connectors like FlyBe and Adria Airways, offers valuable lessons on the complexities of running an airline and the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics. Their legacies, whether through innovation, service excellence, or lessons learned in failure, continue to influence the aviation sector today. As the industry moves forward, the memories of these airlines serve as reminders of the relentless pursuit of connectivity and the spirit of aviation that inspires us to explore the world.

For the Latest Travel News, Headlines & Videos, head to Bon Voyaged

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Corporate travel is resuming in India, with overseas markets like Hong Kong, Moscow, Turkiye, Dubai, and more betting big on hosting meetings and conferences. Hong Kong sees traction from various sectors, while Moscow plans to directly reach out to Indian corporate clients. Dubai introduces a 5-year visa to boost travel, and Turkiye expects high MICE traveler numbers from India.

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WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam sacks her deputy Steve Thomas over Brian Burke admissions

A woman with blonde hair looks to the side, as a man in a suit stares ahead.

WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam has sacked her deputy leader after it emerged he enlisted the help of disgraced former Labor premier Brian Burke to secure a meeting.

Ms Mettam had repeatedly raised concerns about the state Labor government's interactions with Mr Burke in recent weeks.

On Monday it was reported by The West Australian newspaper that deputy leader Steve Thomas had used Mr Burke as a middleman to arrange a meeting with businessman John Poynton, despite initially denying any contact with the former premier.

In a statement, Ms Mettam said she met with Dr Thomas for a "full explanation" of the "disappointing" interaction.

Libby Mettam stands behind Steve Thomas who speaks into microphones

"I accept that he was motivated by trying to do the very best by his electorate," she said.

"However, engaging with Mr Burke and failing to disclose those interactions were a significant failure of judgement by Dr Thomas and do not meet the high standards I expect of my Deputy and a senior shadow minister in my team.

"On this basis I have required and received the resignation of Dr Thomas as the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and from his senior shadow ministerial appointments."

A mid-shot of John Poynton walking outdoors in the Perth CBD wearing a suit and tie.

'I let the party down': Thomas 

Dr Thomas held a midday press conference and apologised for what he described as a handful of phone calls and interactions with Mr Burke.

He said during one call he mentioned wanting to find out more information about the Bluewaters power plant in Collie, which sits in his electorate and is involved in problems with a nearby coal mine.

A close up of a man with greying hair standing in front of a limestone wall

At that point, he said Mr Burke offered to connect him with Mr Poynton.

"I regret doing what I've done and I've apologised to all of my parliamentary colleagues and I apologise to the wider Liberal Party because they expect a higher standard than that," Dr Thomas said.

"I can only blame my over enthusiasm in relation to the energy issues in Collie and that's not an adequate excuse."

Dr Thomas said he told Ms Mettam he had communicated with Mr Burke when she asked about the interaction on Monday.

A man wearing a black suit stands at a press conference

But he said he had not disclosed the full extent of the interactions, which he said he probably should have done.

"I thought I had this under control. I obviously didn't," he said. 

"I thought I could manage this small amount of interaction. I obviously couldn't and I let the party down."

The now-backbencher said he did not have an "exact memory" of the meeting with Ms Mettam and whether she asked for his resignation, but said he went into Tuesday morning's meeting planning to resign.

'I won't be intimidated': Mettam

Ms Mettam was asked a number of times at a subsequent press conference on Tuesday whether Dr Thomas had lied when previously asked about his contact with Mr Burke.

"He has certainly misrepresented the truth," she said in response.

"It was an error of judgement that he made with a view to get in a good outcome for his community. I accept his explanation, but it is not without consequence."

A woman surrounded by reporters and microphones

Ms Mettam would not directly comment on whether she thought Dr Thomas should resign from the party.

Ms Mettam said she had again asked other Liberal MPs to reveal any contact they have had with Mr Burke, with no "substantive conversations" reported.

But she said Mr Burke had made "approaches to many in our team".

"Brian Burke sent me an email last Friday in a bid to perhaps try to intimidate me. I will not be intimidated by Brian Burke," she said.

Mettam to consider 'future role' for Thomas 

Dr Thomas, whose electorate office is based in Bunbury, currently serves as shadow treasurer and the opposition's spokesperson on energy and industrial relations.

A woman with blonde hair and glasses speaks at a press conference

Ms Mettam said she would consider over the coming days what "future role" Dr Thomas might play in the shadow ministry.

"As Leader of the WA Liberal Party, I have worked hard to rebuild the party to ensure we are a credible alternative government for Western Australia," she said in her initial statement.

"I have not been afraid to make the difficult decisions required for the Liberal Party to regain the trust and support of Western Australians and I will continue to do so."

When she took the party's leadership from David Honey last year, she removed so-called WA Liberals 'Clan' member Nick Goiran from the shadow ministry for his involvement in the group, which leaked messages showed bragged about stacking branches and made derogatory jokes about women.

Mr Goiran has denied the existence of The Clan or his part in it.

Earlier this month, Dr Honey lost a preselection battle for his seat of Cottesloe to property council chief Sandra Brewer.

Liberal ranks left thin

The move to sack Dr Thomas threatens to put further pressure on the already depleted Liberal ranks, with the party's representation in the lower house having been slashed from 13 seats to two after the 2021 state election.

The Liberals were left with seven seats in the upper house, including Mr Goiran.

The party's lower house ranks inched upwards when WA Nationals MP for North West Central Merome Beard announced her defection to the Liberals in October.

Opposition Leader and WA Nationals leader Shane Love would not be drawn at the time on whether the move destabilised the alliance with the Liberals.

A mid-shot of WA Liberal MP Steve Thomas outside parliament wearing a suit, tie and dark sunglasses.

But the Liberal Party passed a motion at its state conference that it would not run any joint tickets with the Nationals at the 2025 state election.

Ms Mettam acknowledged the impact Dr Thomas' removal from the frontbench would have on the already resource-stretched party.

"We have a very small team. This was a very difficult decision for me to make, but I take the issues of leadership and integrity very seriously," she said.

Ms Mettam said a meeting was expected to be held on Wednesday to appoint a new deputy leader for the party. 

WA Premier Roger Cook told reporters at an unrelated press conference on Tuesday the revelations were further proof the Liberal Party was not a credible alternative to government.

Premier Roger Cook in a suit jacket and yellow tie, standing behind a row of microphones.

"They are a shambles. They're dysfunctional," he said. 

"It's another sign that they can't be trusted as leaders of this state."

Veteran WA political commentator Peter Kennedy said he's astonished by the day's events.

"I'm also astonished that Brian Burke is considered so toxic in West Australian politics in 2024," he said.

A man in a blue polo shirt smiling in front of a house with a white picket fence

"He's been retired from politics for more than 30 years.

"He is a fixer — if various groups have problems, they can go to him and see if he can help them out. And it seems he has quite a good success rate in helping people out."

Mr Kennedy said Dr Thomas was one of more effective liberal MPs in parliament.

"And I really don't think the Liberal Party can afford to lose his contribution to state politics, given his years and experience," he said. 

Who is Brian Burke?

Mr Burke was WA's premier from 1983 to 1988 and is regarded as one of the most controversial and influential figures in modern Australian politics.

His government's dealings with prominent business figures became the full-blown political scandal now known as WA Inc.

Former WA premier Brian Burke

A subsequent royal commission led to Mr Burke being charged with various offences and serving seven months' jail in 1994 for rorting his travel expenses.

He also served six months of a three-year jail term for stealing $122,585 in campaign donations, but that conviction was quashed on appeal.

Mr Burke emerged from jail to rebuild his career, using his extensive political networks to become a powerful and effective lobbyist with his business partner and fellow former Labor MP, Julian Grill.

By the mid-2000s, the pair's business activities caught the attention of the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC), which probed allegations of improper dealings with WA public officials and cabinet ministers.

A man with sunglasses and a hat walks out of a government office

Ultimately, all corruption charges against the pair were dismissed, however Mr Burke was fined $25,000 for lying to the CCC.

Successive Labor leaders at state and federal levels have banned their MPs from having any contact with Mr Burke.

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

  • Good for Kids
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  • Good for Big Groups
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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

thomas cook travel and tourism

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

thomas cook travel and tourism

2. Statue of Lenin

thomas cook travel and tourism

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

thomas cook travel and tourism

5. Museum of Labor Glory

thomas cook travel and tourism

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

thomas cook travel and tourism

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

  • Statue of Lenin
  • Electrostal History and Art Museum
  • Park of Culture and Leisure
  • Museum and Exhibition Center
  • Museum of Labor Glory

Elektrostal Attractions Information

IMAGES

  1. In Pictures: Thomas Cook journeys around the world

    thomas cook travel and tourism

  2. Travel History: The Tale of Thomas Cook, Father of Modern Tourism

    thomas cook travel and tourism

  3. The History Of Thomas Cook

    thomas cook travel and tourism

  4. Thomas Cook’s first trip was 178 years ago

    thomas cook travel and tourism

  5. Thomas Cook & Son in the History of Tourism

    thomas cook travel and tourism

  6. Thomas Cook: Holiday operator set to relaunch online ‘as soon as this

    thomas cook travel and tourism

COMMENTS

  1. Thomas Cook History: The Tale of the Father of Modern Tourism

    Cook would rapidly expand operations, escorting tours throughout Europe, North America, and even led the first commercial tour around the world. But perhaps no destination was more sacred to Thomas than his tours to Egypt and the Middle East.

  2. Thomas Cook

    Thomas Cook (born November 22, 1808, Melbourne, Derbyshire, England—died July 18, 1892, Leicester, Leicestershire) was an English innovator of the conducted tour and founder of Thomas Cook and Son, a worldwide travel agency. Cook can be said to have invented modern tourism.

  3. Thomas Cook and the Invention of Mass Tourism in Victorian Britain

    After its inception in the mid-19th century, the travel agency Thomas Cook pioneered the development of mass tourism, launching the world's first travel guidebooks, package holidays and round-the-world tours.

  4. Thomas Cook: A history of one of the world's oldest travel firms

    CNN — One of the world's most well-known tour operators, Thomas Cook offered low-cost package holidays to dozens of destinations worldwide, making it a popular option for travelers in search...

  5. Thomas Cook: the father of modern tourism

    The book was called Cook's Scottish Tourist: Practical Directory: A Guide To the Principal Tourist Routes, Conveyances And Special Ticket Arrangements, Sanctioned By Railway, Steamboat And Coach...

  6. The Fascinating History Of Thomas Cook

    The history of Thomas Cook plays an important role in the growth and development of the tourism industry. Thomas Cook is (or was) one of the biggest names in travel. Without this company the tourism industry wouldn't look the way that it does today!

  7. Thomas Cook

    In 1851 he arranged for 150,000 people to travel to the Great Exhibition in London. Four years later, he planned his first excursion abroad, when he took two groups on a 'grand circular tour' of Belgium, Germany and France, ending in Paris for the Exhibition. [2]

  8. A Brief History of Tourism and Thomas Cook

    A Brief History of Tourism and Thomas Cook. Thomas Cook (1808-92), a book salesman, Baptist preacher and tract distributor of Derbyshire, was a pioneer in the tourist industry. ... until around the mid-19 th century during which the availability of rail and steamship travel extended the practice to more of the middle class. In 1841, Thomas Cook ...

  9. Thomas Cook: the life of the father of mass tourism

    Thomas Cook travel agents were, until recently, a common site across the country Photo: John K Thorne, Flickr ... Whilst no longer on the high street, it is now known as Thomas Cook Tourism and opened as an online travel agent in 2020, so the name continues to live on. Founder Thomas Cook moved back to Knighton, Leicester, where he died on July ...

  10. A "Cook's Tour" of Imperialism

    "Thomas Cook" and "Cook's Tours" were once synonymous with "travel." Until recently, the Cook name was associated with "the world's foremost travel services agency," writes the scholar F. Robert Hunter from the heart of the company archives, near Cambridge, England: The key to Cook's success was invention of the hotel coupon (begun in 1868), used to pay for accommodations ...

  11. About Us

    Yes! Thomas Cook Tourism opened as an online travel agent (OTA) in 2020. We offer holidays in popular spots around the globe, from budget-friendly fly-and-flop breaks to 5-star luxury escapes with all the whistles and bells. We're a member of ABTA and ATOL, with extra protection in the form of a secure trust account to keep your payments safe ...

  12. The History Of Thomas Cook

    The story of a company that changed the world of travel forever. Thomas Cook was closing in on two centuries of business before its demise in September 2019. After efforts to seek a £200 million bailout failed, Thomas Cook fell into liquidation, ending a business that had operated for 178 years. The failure of Thomas Cook Airlines became the ...

  13. Who Is Thomas Cook and What Is His Contribution in Tourism?

    By Alice Nichols Thomas Cook is a name that has become synonymous with the tourism industry. He was an entrepreneur who revolutionized the way people travel and explore new places. His innovative ideas and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on the world of travel and tourism.

  14. The History of Tourism: Thomas Cook and the Origins of Leisure Travel

    The History of Tourism: Thomas Cook and the Origins of Leisure Travel History of tourism Volume 4 of The history of tourism : Thomas Cook and the origins of leisure travel: Editor: Paul Smith: Contributor: Paul Smith: Publisher: Psychology Press, 1998: ISBN: 0415193168, 9780415193160 : Export Citation: BiBTeX EndNote RefMan

  15. Thomas Cook: tourism experts explain the travel company's collapse

    The shock of Thomas Cook's collapse may create reverberations that travel much further than the 150,000 holidaymakers who are reportedly stranded overseas or the many people who have already...

  16. What Is the Role of Thomas Cook in the History of Tourism?

    By Michael Ferguson Thomas Cook is a name synonymous with travel and tourism. The company has a long and storied history, playing a pivotal role in the development of the tourism industry as we know it today. In this article, we will explore the role of Thomas Cook in the history of tourism. The Beginning of Thomas Cook

  17. The Impact of Thomas Cook's Collapse on Tourism

    Home Analysis The Impact of Thomas Cook's Collapse on Tourism By Thomas Jérémie Hayden-Lefebvre Published Sep 27, 2019 Photo: Aero Pixels / Wikimedia Commons Thomas Cook's collapse has had ramifications across the world. In the UK, the government hopes to repatriate up to 150,000 stranded Brits abroad.

  18. Thomas Cook & Son in the History of Tourism

    In 1855. Thomas Cook released his first organized tour of Europe for sale. On the occasion of the Universal Exhibition in Paris, he designed a trip with departure in the United Kingdom and stops in cities such as Cologne or Strasbourg. The route ended in Paris. Thomas Cook & Son all Inclusive

  19. 30 Defunct Airlines That Went Out Of Business

    The demise of Thomas Cook Airlines highlighted the vulnerabilities of the travel and tourism industry to economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors.

  20. Thomas Cook Holidays

    BOOK NOW Deals from £129pp City breaks Amsterdam, Dublin, Krakow and more! Discover your perfect escape today SEARCH NOW DEALS Popular holidays Summer Winter City breaks Long haul Luxury Turkey All Inclusive 7 nights from £267pp Greece Self Catering 7 nights from £216pp

  21. APELSIN HOTEL

    Total number of rooms reached 81. The hotel has got a number of significant advantages: comfortable location, luxury and standard hotel rooms, free parking, moderate prices and highly qualified staff. According the experts in the tourism and hospitality business the hotel is reckoned the leading middle class hotel in Moscow region.

  22. Global markets chase Indian MICE biz as corporate travel bounces back

    Corporate travel is resuming in India, with overseas markets like Hong Kong, Moscow, Turkiye, Dubai, and more betting big on hosting meetings and conferences. Hong Kong sees traction from various sectors, while Moscow plans to directly reach out to Indian corporate clients. Dubai introduces a 5-year visa to boost travel, and Turkiye expects high MICE traveler numbers from India.

  23. Elektrostal, Russia 2024: Best Places to Visit

    Things to Do Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars Tripadvisor Plus More. Add a Place Airlines Travelers' Choice Help Center. Plan Your Trip to Elektrostal: Best of Elektrostal Tourism. Essential Elektrostal. Do. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. See all. Electrostal History and Art ...

  24. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam sacks her deputy Steve Thomas over Brian

    WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam dismisses her deputy leader Steve Thomas after it emerges he used disgraced former premier Brian Burke as a middleman to secure a meeting.

  25. Kostino, Russia 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Kostino Tourism: Tripadvisor has 33 reviews of Kostino Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Kostino resource.

  26. Things to Do in Elektrostal

    Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia: See Tripadvisor's 801 traveler reviews and photos of Elektrostal tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. We have reviews of the best places to see in Elektrostal. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.