World Tourism Day has been celebrated on 27 September since 1980. This year, the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has chosen the theme “Tourism and Peace” and Georgia as the host country for the celebrations.
It all began 45 years ago in Spain
It was at its 3rd session, in Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979, that the UN Tourism General Assembly decided to institute World Tourism Day, commencing in the year 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.
The timing of World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate as it marks the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere.
10% of global GDP
World Tourism Day is a celebration to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic impact on the global community. With growing environmental concerns, this day also serves as an opportunity to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Furthermore, tourism accounts for about 10% of global GDP and employs one in ten people worldwide. This industry stimulates local economies through direct spending on goods and services, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.
World Tourism Day 2024: a tool to promote peace
The theme is particularly timely given the current global climate of conflict and division. The announcement was well-received by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), which recently convened to discuss the role of global tourism in peace-building.
Tourism should always serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and mutually beneficial interactions between people and countries.
WCTE
The committee recognises and reaffirms tourism’s vital role as a catalyst for peace and sustainable development by fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship among people worldwide.
So, as we embrace the joy of celebrating this year’s World Tourism Day, remember that it’s never been more important to travel sustainably, respecting the places we visit and ensuring tourism benefits both the planet and local communities. And especially this year, that it benefits peace.
