Inventions that have revolutionized the tourism industry.

Backpack

In 1938, Gerry Cunningham, a rock climber in Boulder, Colorado (USA), introduced a backpack made of nylon with a zipper closure. The backpack allowed users to move hands-free, comfortably, and carry a large amount of gear. Traveling with a backpack became the safest and best way to travel at the time. In the 1960s and 1970s, rock climbing techniques advanced further. Climbers used equipment and safety harnesses that made the process lighter and more efficient.

Hotel key card

In 1974, Norwegian inventor Tor Sornes heard a report of a woman being attacked by an intruder in her hotel room. At the time, traditional hotel keys were metal and usually contained the name, address, and room number. This story inspired Sornes to create a more secure door opening system. This invention, called VingCard, became the world's first programmable key card. The key card quickly became a global leader in hotel room security.

Suitcase

Previously, travel was exclusively for the wealthy, who hired porters to carry their large and heavy suitcases. In 1972, Bernard D. Sadow patented the wheeled suitcase. The invention of the wheeled suitcase revolutionized the travel industry. We can now move our luggage effortlessly with the suitcase gliding smoothly across the ground. Moreover, anyone, regardless of health or age, can easily pull the suitcase without much effort or strain.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS is a positioning system based on a network of 27 artificial satellites orbiting the Earth (of which 24 are operational), designed, built, operated, and managed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Initially intended for military purposes, GPS has been permitted for civilian use since 1980. Everyone is allowed to use some GPS functions free of charge, regardless of nationality. In addition to the U.S.-managed GPS system currently serving the entire planet, Europe, China, and Russia are attempting to develop their own positioning systems, which may come with user fees.

iPad

The iPad has revolutionized the aviation industry by replacing the "aircraft library," a collection of technical manuals. Previously, these documents were neatly stored in the cockpit, taking up considerable space on the aircraft. Now, the data is transferred to the iPad. Flight crews can update information with the push of a button instead of having to search through manuals. This change is not only more convenient and useful but also helps save fuel during aircraft operations.

ATM

ATMs were developed from three independent devices in England and Sweden, expanding banking services and avoiding crowds at branches. With the advent of ATMs, travel became less cumbersome and dangerous, and spontaneous travel became increasingly popular. The development of ATMs took a decade of trial and error, overcoming consumer skepticism in a time when technology was not yet fully developed. Credit card sizes were standardized in the mid-1970s, and plastic ATM cards became the standard we see today.

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