Thomas Cook was a British travel pioneer who founded the first organized package tours in the 19th century. In 1841, he arranged a train journey for a group of temperance supporters, marking the beginning of modern tourism. His innovative approach made travel more accessible to the general public. Over the years, Thomas Cook expanded his business, offering various travel services, including hotel bookings and travel insurance. The company became a well-known name in the travel industry, operating for over 175 years before facing financial difficulties and entering liquidation in 2019.