This article analyzes the development of the tourism industry, starting from the earliest times, in stages. For this purpose, the most developed points of the world in ancient times were studied, like Mesopotamia, the Nile and Indus valleys, China, ancient Greece and Rome. The historical state of tourism in each of these countries was studied and compared. In addition, factors that directly and indirectly influenced the development of tourism in ancient times were studied. Key innovations that have made a significant contribution to the development of tourism and society were also considered a relevant topic