What Is the Purpose of World Tourism Day?

By Anna Duncan

World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27th. This day aims to raise awareness about the role of tourism in promoting global cultural, social, and economic development. The purpose of World Tourism Day is to foster a better understanding of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.

The History of World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day was first established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980. The purpose was to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its role in promoting international cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.

Since then, World Tourism Day has been celebrated annually on September 27th. Each year, a different theme is chosen by the UNWTO to highlight a particular aspect of tourism.

The Importance of World Tourism Day

The purpose of World Tourism Day is to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices that benefit both travelers and local communities. It aims to create awareness about the positive impact that tourism can have on society as a whole.

Tourism has become one of the world’s largest industries in recent years. It contributes significantly to many countries’ GDP and creates jobs for millions of people worldwide. However, it also has negative impacts such as environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and social inequality.

Therefore, it is essential to celebrate World Tourism Day to promote responsible tourism practices that respect local cultures and environments while also benefiting communities economically.

The Theme for World Tourism Day 2021

The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.” This theme aims to highlight the potential of tourism to promote inclusive growth and create opportunities for all people regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

Inclusive growth means creating economic opportunities that benefit all members of society equally. It means creating jobs that pay fair wages and providing access to education and training to ensure that everyone has the skills they need to succeed.

The Role of Tourism in Inclusive Growth

Tourism can play a significant role in promoting inclusive growth. It can create jobs and economic opportunities for people living in rural areas or disadvantaged communities. It can also help preserve local cultures and traditions by promoting sustainable tourism practices.

However, to achieve inclusive growth through tourism, it is essential to create policies and programs that support local communities and promote responsible tourism practices. It is also crucial to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed fairly among all members of society.

Conclusion

World Tourism Day is an essential day for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices that benefit both travelers and local communities. This year’s theme, “Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” highlights the potential of tourism to create economic opportunities that benefit all members of society equally.

As travelers, we have a responsibility to travel responsibly and support local communities by choosing sustainable tourism practices. By doing so, we can help promote inclusive growth and ensure that everyone benefits from the positive impacts of tourism.