World Tourism Day is a special day that is celebrated annually on September 27th. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980 to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.
What is tourism?
Tourism refers to the activity of people traveling and visiting different places for leisure, business, or other purposes. It includes various aspects such as transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and catering services. Tourism has become one of the most significant industries in the world today.
Why do we celebrate World Tourism Day?
The main purpose of World Tourism Day is to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices worldwide. It aims to raise awareness among people about the impact of tourism on different aspects of life such as culture, environment, economy, and society.
Themes of World Tourism Day
Each year, World Tourism Day is celebrated with a specific theme that focuses on a particular aspect related to tourism. The themes are chosen based on current global trends and issues related to tourism.
Some recent themes include:
- “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” (2016)
- “Sustainable Tourism – A Tool for Development” (2017)
- “Tourism and Digital Transformation” (2018)
- “Tourism and Jobs – A Better Future for All” (2019)
The Importance of World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day plays an essential role in promoting sustainable tourism practices worldwide. It helps in creating awareness among people about the significance of responsible tourism and its impact on different aspects of life.
Through this day’s celebration, people can learn how they can contribute to sustainable tourism practices by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures and traditions while traveling.
The Impact of COVID-19 on World Tourism Day
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the tourism industry worldwide, leading to a massive decline in international travel. As a result, the theme for World Tourism Day 2020 is “Tourism and Rural Development,” which aims to highlight the role of tourism in preserving rural communities’ livelihoods.
As the world continues to navigate through this pandemic, sustainable tourism practices are more crucial than ever before. By promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, we can ensure that the tourism industry can recover from the impact of COVID-19 and continue to contribute positively to society’s growth and development.
Closing Thoughts
World Tourism Day is an essential event that promotes sustainable tourism practices worldwide. It helps raise awareness among people about the impact of tourism on different aspects of life and encourages them to adopt responsible travel practices. By celebrating this day every year, we can ensure that we contribute positively to society’s growth and development while enjoying the beauty that our world has to offer.