History of T&T

  • introduction of the Boeing 747 `jumbo jet`

    introduction of the Boeing 747 `jumbo jet`
    The Boeing 747, often referred to as the "Jumbo Jet," Known for its distinctive humpbacked fuselage, the It was the first aircraft to feature a two-deck design, which allows for greater capacity and comfort. The 747 has been used for both commercial and cargo purposes and is recognized for its long-range capabilities, making it a popular choice for international flights. Its iconic status in aviation history is complemented by its role in shaping modern air travel.
  • The then number one UK tour operator Clarkson went into liquidation.

    The then number one UK tour operator Clarkson went into liquidation.
    In 1974, Clarkson, which was the then number one tour operator in the UK, faced a significant setback by going into liquidation. This unexpected turn of events shocked the travel industry, as Clarkson had been a leading name in providing holiday packages and travel services. The liquidation was primarily due to a combination of financial difficulties and the impact of economic challenges at the time, which affected consumer spending on travel.
  • Concorde came into service

    Concorde came into service
    The Concorde, a marvel of aviation engineering, came into service in 1996, marking a significant milestone in commercial air travel. Known for its sleek design and ability to cruise at supersonic speeds, the Concorde could travel from London to New York in under four hours, drastically reducing flight times. Its introduction revolutionized long-distance travel, offering passengers an unparalleled experience of speed and luxury. It has left a lasting legacy even after its retirement in 2003.
  • The launch of Ryanair

    The launch of Ryanair
    Ryanair was launched in 1985, marking the beginning of a new era in low-cost air travel in Europe. Founded by Tony Ryan and a group of investors, the airline initially operated a modest service between Waterford in Ireland and London Gatwick. With a focus on affordability and efficiency. The airline's business model, which emphasized no-frills services and low fares, allowed it to expand rapidly, opening routes across Europe and revolutionizing the way people approached air travel.
  • Worldwide tourists arrivals topped 400 million

    Worldwide tourists arrivals topped 400 million
    Worldwide tourist arrivals surpassed the remarkable milestone of 400 million, highlighting a significant growth in global travel and tourism. This surge in numbers was driven by various factors, including increased disposable income, the rise of budget airlines, and the growing popularity of international travel among consumers. Destinations across the globe began to see the benefits of this influx, with many countries investing in infrastructure and marketing to attract even more visitors.
  • Tim Berners-Lee invented the internet.

    Tim Berners-Lee invented the internet.
    In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, made a big contribution to the digital world by inventing the World Wide Web, which laid the foundation for what we now refer to as the internet. He aimed for communication and collaboration among researchers, ultimately transforming how we connect and share information globally. This monumental development not only revolutionized the way people accessed data but also paved the way for the vast digital landscape we navigate today.
  • The Channel Tunnel opened

    The Channel Tunnel opened
    The Channel Tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, officially opened in 1994, marking a significant engineering achievement and a major milestone in transportation between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Spanning approximately 31 miles beneath the English Channel, connecting England and France. The opening of the Channel Tunnel revolutionized travel, allowing for quicker and more convenient access to Europe.
  • EasyJet launch

    EasyJet launch
    EasyJet launched in 1994, introducing a new era of low-cost air travel in Europe. Founded by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the airline began operations with a single route between London Luton and Glasgow, aiming to provide affordable flights to a wider audience. EasyJet's innovative business model focused on offering no-frills services while keeping ticket prices low, As the airline expanded its network, it became known for its distinctive orange branding and revolutionizing the budget airline market.
  • UK`s Government tourism strategy Tomorrows Tourism launched

    UK`s Government tourism strategy Tomorrows Tourism launched
    In 1999, the UK government launched its tourism strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism," aimed at enhancing the country's position as a leading global tourist destination. This initiative focused on sustainable tourism development, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment while promoting economic growth in the sector. "Tomorrow's Tourism" aimed to create a more vibrant and resilient tourism sector, ensuring that the UK could attract and retain visitors.
  • Tripadvisor founded

    Tripadvisor founded
    Tripadvisor was founded in February 2000 by Stephen Kaufer, Langley Steinert, and a group of partners. It started as a platform where travelers could share their experiences and reviews about hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it easier for others to plan their trips. Over the years, Tripadvisor has grown significantly, becoming one of the world's largest travel websites, offering a wealth of user-generated content, including millions of reviews and ratings.
  • Hybrid cars increase

    Hybrid cars increase
    Plans for getting hybrid vehicles on the road began. The Toyota Prius (a gas-electric hybrid) was introduced to the streets of Japan in 1997 and took hold outside Japan in 2001. Toyota had sold 1 million Priuses around the world by 2007. This is to improve air pollution in the world. The success of Teslas, chargeable BMWs, and the electric car adoption we've now seen around the world. It's been impactful not only for the road trippers but for the average American commuter.
  • 9/11

    9/11
    On September 11, 2001, a series terrorist attacks orchestrated by the extremist group al-Qaeda shook the United States and the world. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked, with two crashing into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane struck the Pentagon. While the fourth plane lost control leading to its crash in Pennsylvania. 9/11 remains a pivotal moment in history, shaping international relations, security, and the collective memory of many nations
  • The first super plane

    The first super plane
    The Airbus A380 was first used by Singapore Airlines on a trip to Sydney in 2007. This had a huge impact on the Travel and Tourism sector as it was one of the biggest planes in the world that could seat 800 passengers. Today, Super planes are used all over the world and have been developed even further to be able to hold more passengers and get to the destination quicker.
  • Self check-in at airports

    Self check-in at airports
    Air New Zealand were the first Airport to offer self check-in, where passengers could check in just 10 minutes before boarding. Self check in mean't that people who had booked online could just put their tickets into a machine at the airport, choose their seats and then board the plane if they had no luggage to send through onto the plane. This had a huge effect on the Travel and Tourism sector as it shortened queues and you did not have to wait as long to check in.
  • The collapse of Thomas Cook

    The collapse of Thomas Cook
    The collapse of Thomas Cook in September 2019 marked one of the largest failures in the travel industry, affecting hundreds of thousands of customers and thousands of employees. Founded in 1841, Thomas Cook was a pioneer in the travel business, but financial struggles, increased competition caused collapse. As a result, the UK Civil Aviation Authority was forced to intervene, repatriating over 150,000 stranded holidaymakers in one of the largest peacetime repatriation efforts in British history.
  • Brexit

    Brexit
    Brexit, the term used to describe the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, officially began with a referendum held on June 23, 2016, where 51.9% of voters chose to exit the EU. This landmark decision sparked intense debates about the implications for trade, immigration, and sovereignty. Following years of negotiations, the UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020, entering a transition period that lasted until December 31, 2020.