World Tourism Day is celebrated on the 27th of September every year across the globe and this year the official celebration of the 42nd edition of World Tourism Day will be held in Bali, Indonesia, with the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism.
World Tourism Day is a global observance day rinse 1980, fostering awareness of the social, political, cultural, and economic value of tourism and the contribution of this sector towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
World Tourism Day celebration was chosen by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 1979. The date 27th of September was selected as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of UNWTO in 1970 that helped in the establishment of UNWTO five years later in 1975.
Tourism’s International Observance Day will put people at the center of key discussions such as Where is tourism going? Where do we want to go? And how do we get there? The theme aims to rethink tourism for development and tourism’s impact on the planet and opportunities to grow more sustainably.
Since Tourism plays a key role in promoting a nation’s economy, identity, brand value, and building its image participants will hold discussions on ‘The Tourism We Want.’ The overall goal of the programme is to increase the preservation and promotion of responsible tourism, to understand the tourist perspective and the ways to be adopted for tourism promotion as well. The theme “Rethinking Tourism” will reflect this.
While charting out a day to observe World Tourism Day It is high time to think from a sustainable and smarter angle to create opportunities within tourism without putting the vulnerable part at stake. Taking pride in the achievements of the tourism Industry is essential but it should also nudge people into thinking about sustainable practices. This is a reminder put across through the fears we had during the pandemic in this revival period.
UNWTO also made it a point to bring light to many developmental projects that have been in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Many countries across the globe initiate tourism plans that are “greener, safer and smarter”. Taking inspiration from these grounds can introduce a newer outlook on development through and localise it.
At times, the sector should have to go further with collaborative and conscious efforts which can bring a positive impact on the conservation of the environment. This planet itself is our dream destination as we all are tourists to visit here for this life.
World Tourism Day Wishes
Rajani .A
Editor