Page 85 - Introduction to Tourism
P. 85
built wonders such as great cities, museums,
dams, and monuments.
Spas, Baths, Seaside Resorts
Another interesting aspect in the history of
tourism was the development of spas, after their
original use by the Romans, which took place in
Britain and on the Continent. In the eighteenth
century, spas became very fashionable among
members of high society, not only for their
curative aspects but also for the social events,
games, dancing, and gambling that they offered.
The spa at Bath, England, was one such
successful health and social resort.
Sea bathing also became popular, and some
believed that saltwater treatment was more
beneficial than that at the inland spas. Well
known in Britain were Brighton, Margate,
Ramsgate, Worthing, Hastings, Weymouth,
Blackpool, and Scarborough. By 1861, the
success of these seaside resorts indicated that
there was a pent - up demand for vacation travel.
Most visitors did not stay overnight but made one
85