Images of tourism past and present

Explores aspects of the changing relationship between tourists and those working in the tourism industry. Gives a historical overview of the development of tourism and notes its change from élite to mass consumption. Considers aspects relating to the customer‐employee interface, particularly the aspect of “social distance”. Suggests that ideally this interface will be one based on mutual respect and equality and that the search for such a relationship will be a goal for the industry as it moves towards the next millennium.