World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is an annual celebration held on September 27 since 1980, established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Proclamation
World Tourism Day was proclaimed by the UNWTO in September 1979. The proclamation took place during the third meeting of the UNWTO in Torremolinos, Spain, aiming to highlight:
- The importance of tourism as a global economic sector.
- Its impact on employment.
- Its role in fostering cultural understanding and biodiversity conservation.
At its 70th session in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, promoting sustainable tourism as a tool to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Celebration
World Tourism Day has been celebrated every September 27 since 1980. The date was chosen to coincide with:
- The 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on September 27, 1970.
- The transition between high tourist seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Celebration activities focus on:
- Highlighting tourism’s contributions to economic and social development.
- Promoting sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
- Encouraging investment in education and training, construction of sustainable infrastructure, and innovation in entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth.
Theme
World tourism day, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” This is th theme this year and let’s hope that through tourism we can get more awareness of the environmental crisis and how to contribute to make an impact for the environment protection.
Host City
Melaka (Malacca), Malaysia. This city was also the host for the Global Tourism Conference held from September 27 to 29.
Event
The central event is the celebration of World Tourism Day and the Seventh Global Tourism Conference, which will take place from September 27 to 29.
Objective
The objectives of this year’s celebration are:
- Highlight the role of tourism as a driver of positive and sustainable change.
- Promote inclusive, equitable, and environmentally responsible growth.
- Foster investment in education and training, support for MSMEs and startups led by women and youth, and promote sustainable investments and responsible management of natural resources.
Tourism as a Tool for Development
Tourism is seen as a tool to:
- Drive economic development.
- Generate employment and opportunities.
- Foster cultural understanding among peoples.
- Promote sustainability and environmental care.
Conclusion
World Tourism Day reminds us that traveling is not only entertainment, but also a powerful driver of progress and unity among nations.