Definition of travel agency

The term "travel agency" originated in the early 20th century, as growing numbers of people began to travel for leisure and work reasons. Initially, most people planned their own trips by consulting maps, brochures, and travel guides, but as the travel industry expanded, the services of travel agents became more popular. The term "travel agency" can be traced back to the late 1800s in the United States, where a company called "Pullman's Travel Agency" was established in 1870 to offer Pullman sleeping cars to travelers. Another early example is the "Stewart Travel Agency," which was founded in New York in 1904. However, it wasn't until the 1930s and 1940s that the term "travel agency" became commonly used. During this time, several well-known travel agencies emerged, such as the Thomas Cook Agency, which was founded in 1841 in Britain, and the American Express Travel Agency, which was established in 1915. These agencies provided a range of services to travelers, including hotel bookings, airline tickets, tours, and car rentals, becoming one-stop-shops for all travel needs. Since then, the role of travel agencies has evolved with the growth of the internet and online booking platforms. However, the term "travel agency" continues to be widely used to refer to companies that offer travel and tourism services to customers.