World Tourism Day: Theme, Date, Significance, History,

Every year September 27 is celebrated as World Tourism Day all over the world with the aim to raise awareness of the important role that tourism play in building social, cultural and political values worldwide.

September 27 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970 which led to the formation of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) five years later. The day also emphasizes on the role of tourism in boosting the international economy.

World Tourism Day Date

World Tourism Day dates in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 are provided below-

World Tourism Day Overview

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Significance of World Tourism Day

Tourism sector has a major impact on a nation’s economy and thus contributes towards the rise of global economy. Also, tourism is an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially to meet goals 8, 12, and 14. The industry also looks as a promising future for women, youth, migrant workers and rural populations in developing and under developed countries.

It is important that the tourism sector is provided the right opportunity for growth seeing its potential to boost world’s economy exponentially. World Tourism Day highlights the importance of tourism sector and attracts attention of people worldwide towards the significant role this industry plays in nation’s development.

History of World Tourism Day Observation

A meeting took place in Spain highlighting the importance of tourism and the role it plays in the growth of economy of a nation. At the meeting, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) adopted the celebration of World Tourism Day on 27 September. The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970. The first celebration of World Tourism Day was held in the year 1980.

The United Nations General Assembly at its 70th session in 2015 designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to observe a whole year dedicated to world tourism. The celebration encouraged support for sustainable tourism as a means of promoting and accelerating sustainable development, especially poverty eradication.

About United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a special agency of the UN established to promote sustainable, responsible and universally accessible tourism. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, UNWTO is an international organization that supports and promotes economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability through tourism including maritime, coastal and inland water tourism.

Their priorities include Mainstreaming tourism in the global agenda, improving tourism competitiveness, advancing tourism’s contribution to poverty reduction and development, promoting sustainable tourism development and much more. The organization also encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism Development.

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World Tourism Day 2024 Theme

Every year a theme is decided by the UNWTO to celebrate World Tourism Day (WTD). The year 2024 observes the 44th anniversary of World Tourism Day and theme is “Tourism and Peace“.

World Tourism Day 2023 Theme: “Tourism and green investments”

World Tourism Day 2023 Celebration

United Nations Member States, non-members states, sister UN agencies, businesses and individuals are encouraged to celebrate World Tourism Day with great enthusiasm.

Many events and seminars are organized in celebration of the day to educate people about the importance of tourism and the ways to promote it.

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