Travel over time: spode over overtourism and past

Travel over time: spode over overtourism and past

Berlin, Deutschland - On May 17, 2025, the renowned tourism researcher Hasso Spode discussed in a conversation about the history and development of tourism. With Rose and Jesse from England, Spode not only discusses the fascination of travel, but also expresses significant criticism of overtourism, which over the years has increasing pressure on popular travel destinations. Because tourism has been perceived as exaggerated for more than 100 years, which Spode underpins in his conversation based on historical developments.

he explains that traveling is not naturally anchored in the genes of people, but was only regarded as a deviation from the norm after the sedentary nature. Early forms of travel, such as pilgrimage, show parallels to modern tourism, in which travelers often seek authentic experiences and bring souvenirs as common elements to express their travel experiences.

The evolution of travel culture

Spode also draws an interesting bow from the industrial revolution, in which inventions such as the steam engine and the railway revolutionized people's mobility to the today's possibilities that have democratized travel. The introduction of the "Baedeker" travel guide was an important step that enabled the bourgeoisie to travel independently and explore new travel destinations. The first "Baedeker" travel guide appeared in 1835 and is still considered a reliable source of information for individual tourists who want to prepare for their travels.

In addition, NDR since the Middle Ages existed as travel, soldiers and pilgrims. Thomas Cook, who invented package tourism in the 19th century, set another milestone in the history of travel by making trips accessible for wider sections of the population.

The demand for travel increased in particular in the post -war period when the economic miracle in West Germany also led to the fact that trips abroad, especially after Italy, were trendy. At the same time, there was a constitutionally anchored right for all working people on vacation. Nowadays, thanks to the Internet and mobile apps, trips are easier than ever and offer a variety of ways that go far beyond the creation of trips in the 19th or 20th century.

social perception and challenges

Currently, however, the protests against tourism are increasing. Spode points out that the negative attitude towards tourists is not new, but is historically grown and deeply rooted. It is noticeable that often the people who complain about tourists themselves and are therefore part of the problem.

In a personal note, Jesse tells that he and Rose travel to Berlin on the day of death from Jesse's father, which illustrates the emotional dimension of travel and the personal connections that are associated with it. Spode concludes his explanations with a plea for being all tourists and emphasizing the need to deal with each other in a friendly and respectful way.

In a historical review, it becomes clear how traveling has changed over the centuries and which deep cultural, political and social changes are associated with it. Hasso Spode and his commitment with the TU TU tourism archive make this change tangible and offer a valuable contribution to travel literature, which is supplemented in today's form by the competition of online resources.