Who Started World Tourism Day?

By Anna Duncan

World Tourism Day is a day that celebrates the importance of tourism in various parts of the world. It is a day that has been celebrated every year since 1980, but do you know who started World Tourism Day? Let’s take a closer look.

The Beginnings of World Tourism Day

The idea for World Tourism Day was first proposed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1979. The UNWTO is an agency of the United Nations that focuses on the promotion and development of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.

On September 27, 1980, the first World Tourism Day was celebrated. The date was chosen because it marked an important milestone in the history of tourism – on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted.

The Purpose of World Tourism Day

The purpose of World Tourism Day is to raise awareness about the role that tourism plays in various aspects such as social, cultural, political and economic development around the world. It aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and highlight its contribution to global growth.

Themes for World Tourism Day

Each year, a theme is selected for World Tourism Day. This theme provides a focus for celebrations and activities on the day itself as well as throughout the year.

For example, in 2020, the theme was “Tourism: Building Peace! Fostering Knowledge!”, which aimed to emphasize how tourism can contribute to peacebuilding and promote mutual understanding between different cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, World Tourism Day was started by UNWTO to raise awareness about responsible tourism practices and its impact on global growth. Since its inception in 1980, it has become an important annual celebration with different themes each year. As we celebrate this important day each year let us remember its purpose and continue to promote sustainable tourism in our communities.