Timeline as analytic tool for investigating tourism evolution and development

The use of a timeline as analytic study tool has often been discouraged due its subjective character. This study is presented as consequence of the positive outcome of an exercise that made evident the positive aspects of building an events timeline, especially in the field of tourism studies. Through the case study, the paper aims to validate the ‘trans_versality’ of this methodology through trans-disciplinary work. The multiculturalism of the student group activated a wider range of argumentative perspectives, which resulted in establishing different levels of importance to certain topics. The use and physical overlap of distinct issues—from legislation to historical, economic, cultural, technological events, etc.—allows to cross-check a huge amount of information and to individuate which are the main events that influence the touristic evolution of a country. This holistic approach is necessary to provide a complete overview of a complex system, such the tourism, and to address the systematic definition of a touristic vision.