World Tourism Day, celebrated globally, highlights the immense contribution of tourism to a country’s economy.
It involves tourists spending on transportation, hotels, restaurants, and attraction tickets, thus boosting revenue.
Enthusiastic travelers continuously seek new tourism destinations, making it essential to promote and raise awareness about tourism. That’s why World Tourism Day is celebrated each year.
The Date and History of World Tourism Day
When is World Tourism Day Celebrated?
While India observes its National Tourism Day on January 25th, World Tourism Day is globally celebrated on September 27th. In 2023, International Tourism Day will fall on September 27th.
The Origin of World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day was first celebrated in 1980. It was initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The choice of September 27th was significant as it was the day in 1970 when the UNWTO Statutes were adopted, officially establishing the organization.
Why World Tourism Day is Celebrated
The primary objective of celebrating World Tourism Day is to promote tourism as a means of increasing employment opportunities,
raising awareness about tourism, and educating people about various tourism destinations. It also encourages people to learn about foreign cultures through tourism.
World Tourism Day’s Theme and the Host Country
Themes and Their Significance
Each year, World Tourism Day is associated with a specific theme. The theme for 2022 was “Rethinking Tourism,
reflecting the need to pay more attention to tourism in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudi Arabia as the Host for World Tourism Day 2023
In 2023, Saudi Arabia will be the host country for World Tourism Day.
The theme for this year is “Tourism And Green Investments,” emphasizing the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices.