Is Celebrated as World Tourism Day?

By Anna Duncan

World Tourism Day is celebrated on the 27th of September every year to promote awareness about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value worldwide. This day was first observed in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as a means of raising public awareness about the significance of tourism and its impact on society.

Since then, World Tourism Day has become an annual event that is celebrated by governments, organizations, and individuals all around the world. The day serves as an opportunity for people to come together to discuss various issues related to tourism, exchange ideas, and share experiences.

One of the main goals of World Tourism Day is to highlight the role that tourism plays in promoting sustainable economic growth and development. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, generating billions of dollars in revenue every year. It provides employment opportunities for millions of people globally and helps to support local communities by providing income and resources.

To celebrate World Tourism Day, various events are organized worldwide. These events include seminars, conferences, exhibitions, cultural events, and competitions.

The theme for this day changes every year according to the current trends in tourism. For example, in 2020 the theme was “Tourism & Rural Development” which aimed to promote rural tourism as a means of supporting economic growth in rural areas.

Tourism has been severely impacted due to COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020. Many countries have closed borders or imposed travel restrictions which have negatively affected tourism industry worldwide with millions job losses globally. In this scenario UNWTO has launched “Restarting Tourism Campaign” which aims to revive international tourism industry through innovative approaches.

In conclusion, World Tourism Day serves as a reminder that tourism has a significant impact on our lives beyond just leisure activities. It plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and development while also preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainability practices for future generations. We should all strive to make tourism more responsible, sustainable, and inclusive while celebrating this day every year.