World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27, 2024, is an international celebration that highlights the value of travel and tourism in fostering cross-cultural understanding and bolstering regional economies. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) created the holiday in 1980 to honour the 1970 ratification of the UNWTO Statutes. It draws attention to the social, cultural, political, and economic benefits of tourism as well as its role in fostering global cooperation, peace, and cross-cultural exchanges.
History of World Tourism Day
- World Tourism Day (WTD) was established in 1980 to highlight the importance of tourism in fostering international cooperation, enhancing cross-cultural understanding, and driving economic development.
- The day provides a forum for conversations and debates on a range of topics related to tourism, such as its cultural, social, political, and economic elements. Since the organisation’s founding, the UNWTO has spearheaded the festivities, planning gatherings, dialogues, and campaigns to draw attention to the advantages of tourism throughout the world.
- Following their 68th conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, 38 member nations of the UNWTO Commission for Europe chose Georgia to host World Tourism Day in 2024. The selected topic, “Peace and Tourism,” seeks to boost Georgia’s economy, enhance domestic travel, and bolster the aviation sector.
- Since 1980, the UNWTO has observed World Tourism Day every year to commemorate the day the organization’s statutes were approved in 1970. The UNWTO selects a distinct topic for the celebration each year; in 2024, the theme is “Tourism and Green Investments.”
- Various seminars, talks, and activities are held in various countries throughout the world to commemorate the occasion. 27 September 1970 saw the ratification of the UNWTO’s Statutes in Mexico City, creating September 27 World Tourism Day.
World Tourism Day 2024: Theme
The 2024 theme, “Tourism and Green Investments,” emphasizes sustainable tourism practices, promoting investments in environmentally friendly infrastructure and renewable energy. It highlights the need for global cooperation between governments, businesses, and communities to promote responsible tourism. The theme supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on environmental protection and resource-wise use. The goal is to ensure tourism benefits both present and future generations by adopting eco-friendly practices.
World Tourism Day: Importance
- World Tourism Day is an international event that highlights the role that tourism plays in social advancement, cultural interchange, and economic growth. It is important for several reasons, including the creation of jobs, foreign exchange profits, and regional development; it also fosters cross-cultural exchange and, by protecting natural and cultural resources, sustains progress.
- The day promotes responsible travel and investments in sustainable practices by bringing attention to the potential problems facing the tourist industry on a worldwide scale.
- The main objectives of World Tourism Day celebrations are to raise public awareness of the importance of tourism on a worldwide basis and to illustrate how tourism influences a destination’s social, political, and cultural fabric in addition to its economics.
- Positive effects can be increased while negative effects can be reduced by encouraging ethical and sustainable tourist activities.
- Millions of people throughout the world rely on tourism to support their livelihoods and economies. It is crucial for promoting economic expansion and the generation of jobs, particularly in emerging nations.
- When it comes to fostering understanding and cultural interchange between other nations and groups, tourism may be a very effective instrument.
- On World Tourism Day, we have the chance to inform people about the advantages and difficulties of travel and to emphasise the significance of sustainable tourism practices.
- Additionally, it promotes international collaboration by giving countries a common ground on which to unite and commemorate the importance of tourism.
- Cultural sensitivity is yet another important component of World Tourism Day. By bridging the gap between individuals from different origins, tourism promotes a greater understanding of cultural diversity.
- It serves as a reminder that travel is not only a way to explore new places but also a way to foster intercultural understanding, create bridges between different countries, and support peaceful coexistence.
Conclusion
World Travel Day 2024 is an international celebration on September 27, 2024, highlighting the positive effects of travel on economic growth and intercultural understanding. The 2024 topic, “Tourism and Green Investments,” was created in 1980 to encourage international collaboration and sustainable tourism practices. It encourages international cooperation, cultural sensitivity, and ethical and ecological practices while increasing public understanding of the effects of tourism on the world.