The original package holiday was a train journey from Leicester to Loughborough in 1841. There were 500 passengers on board that day. And for most of them, it was the first time they’d ever ridden a steam train.
People crowded the streets, filled the windows, and packed onto bridges enroute just to get a glimpse of the carriage as it hurtled along the tracks at breakneck speed. And when the train pulled into Loughborough, the intrepid travellers were greeted by a brass band and throngs of cheering crowds.
The trip was organised by Thomas Cook, who later wrote of the journey: “And thus was struck the keynote of my excursions, and the social idea grew upon me.”
The 22-mile package holiday cost a shilling and sixpence - about a day’s wages back then. But financially, there was nothing in it for Mr Cook. Although he organised repeat trips each summer for the next three years, he wouldn’t turn a profit until 1845.
This initial foray into tourism was a time of discovery. It proved that if travel was convenient and accessible, more people would, in Mr Cook's own words,“go beyond”. And “go beyond” they most certainly did.
For the next 33years he shuttled tourists up, down and around the country. And then across the channel into Switzerland, Italy and France, introducing thousands of people to the Swiss Alps, the Colosseum and the joys of devouring a well-curated charcuterie. He later shipped travellers as far as Japan, India and the United Statesona 222-day world tour he called 'China via Egypt'.
After Mr Cook’s retirement, the company was passed on from son to grandsons, and in 1928 it ceased to be a family business. From that point on, it changed hands five times, counting among its owners a Belgian train operator, a German bank and even the British government.
Like the man himself, Thomas Cook moved with the times. Mr Cook’s lifetime saw the rise of train travel and steamships. And he embraced both with enthusiasm. As time went on, the business traded rail journeys for motor car tours and steamers for flights, always finding new ways to help more people discover the world.
Thomas Cook was the pioneer of trouble-free travelling. He was also the inventor of convenient package holidays. And for us who work under his name in the new business, his life was a legacy we hope to live up to.
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FAQs
Thomas Cook (22 November 1808 – 18 July 1892) was an English businessman. He was best known for founding the travel agency Thomas Cook & Son. He was also one of the initial developers of the "package tour" including travel, accommodations, and the like.
What are some interesting facts about Thomas Cook? ›
Thomas Cook is the creator of the travel industry as we know it! Born on 22nd November 1808 in Melbourne (no, not that one; the one in Derbyshire, England), he made use of the new-fangled Victorian railways and steamships to arrange the first package trips. Thomas Cook died on 18th July 1892.
What is the tagline of Thomas Cook? ›
The online brand has reworked the famous “Don't Just Book It, Thomas Cook it” phrase into a new slogan, “Love It, Book It, Thomas Cook It”. Thomas Cook launched in September 2020 following China's Fosun Tourism Group's acquisition of the collapsed former Cook brand and its digital assets in November 2019.
What is the vision of Thomas Cook? ›
The Vision - Exceptional Service from Exceptional People.
What is Thomas Cook's equivalent to? ›
Thomas Cook India's competitors and similar companies include China Cyts Tours Holding, G Adventures, FROSCH and Riya Travel and Tours. Thomas Cook India (TCIL) is an integrated travel and financial services company.
What was Thomas Cook's success? ›
Thomas Cook opened his small company in 1841 in Leicestershire, England. Over the following decades, he expanded his business model, and as modes of transportation developed, so did his global reach. Eventually, the small but ambitious travel agency built a sturdy reputation for itself.
What is the meaning of the Thomas Cook logo? ›
Cook's World Travel Service
Introduced after World War Two, this symbol combined the scallop shell emblem of pilgrims with the winged helmet of Mercury, Messenger of the Gods. A globe was also included for good measure. This logo featured on company letterheads and shop windows rather than brochure covers...
What happened with Thomas Cook? ›
Thomas Cook, the oldest UK travel company, collapsed this week. The 178-year old company, soaked in British heritage, went into liquidation after talks of a government funded bailout failed. The repatriation of 150,000 British citizens is well covered in the media. But, why did Thomas Cook collapse?
What is the most famous slogan? ›
The 50 Best Slogans of All Time
- Just do it. ( Nike)
- Think different. ( Apple)
- Choosy moms choose Jif. ( Jif Peanut Butter)
- A diamond is forever. ( De Beers)
- Got Milk? ( California Milk)
- Breakfast of champions. ( Wheaties)
- The few. The Proud. The Marines. ( ...
- When you care enough to send the very best. ( Hallmark)
Thomas Cook's main aims are to make a profit, to be successful, provide scheduled flights and to promote tourism within the UK.
Thomas Cook's Mission Statement
- Exceptional Service From Exceptional People. Our Values. Taking Personal Responsibility For Achieving the Mission. Pursuing Excellence in Everything We Do.
- Taking Personal Responsibility For Achieving the Mission.
- Pursuing Excellence in Everything We Do.
At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to providing the best hospitality solutions, sparking innovation, delighting residents and driving new solutions to enrich the lives of seniors every day. Our passion is serving REAL FOOD to fuel superior living.
What did Thomas Cook create? ›
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.
What does Thomas Cook offer? ›
Thomas Cook is an online travel agent offering package holidays, hotel only, city breaks and more, to destinations all over the world.
Who was James Cook and why is he famous? ›
James Cook was a British naval captain, navigator, and explorer who sailed the seaways and coasts of Canada and conducted three expeditions to the Pacific Ocean (1768–71, 1772–75, and 1776–79), ranging from the Antarctic ice fields to the Bering Strait and from the coasts of North America to Australia and New Zealand.
What is the role of Thomas Cook in modern? ›
Thomas Cook, an English businessman, laid the foundation for modern tourism through the introduction of organized excursions for pleasure. His most notable contributions include a trip from Leicester to Loughborough in 1841, followed by trips to Europe and America, thus revolutionizing international travel.
