World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27 to promote tourism’s potential to boost economic growth and foster cultural exchange. The day aims to encourage responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism for all, a mission initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 1980.
The day is marked by various events, including workshops, conferences, and cultural exhibitions, to encourage sustainable practices in the tourism industry. So ahead of World Tourism Day, let’s have a quick overview of the history, theme some inspiring quotes, government initiatives and more.
This year, the theme for World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Peace.” Tourism plays an important role in promoting peace as it encourages cross-cultural interactions while also supporting the economies of host countries.
The more people travel, the more they encounter different cultures, resulting in greater tolerance and understanding. Moreover, tourism breaks down barriers and creates lasting bonds between nations.
World Tourism Day was established in 1980 to commemorate the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970. This significant moment laid the foundation for the establishment of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation five years later, in 1975. Since then, the day has evolved into a global movement, bringing together governments, individuals, and businesses to highlight the advantages of tourism.
Over the decades, World Tourism Day has seen various initiatives in celebrating the potential of tourism to promote peace and sustainability and create a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry globally.
This year, Georgia will host the World Tourism Day. With its picturesque landscapes, the country is the perfect setting to highlight how tourism fosters peace and cultural exchange. The country’s tourism sector has been growing rapidly, enticing millions of international tourists.
Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia is rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It offers a unique blend of cultures, ancient churches, stunning mountain ranges, and wine regions. Earlier, countries like India, Spain and Mexico have hosted the event.
The tourism industry in India has grown remarkably in the last few years. The tourist sector is expected to contribute over Rs 21.15 trillion (roughly $253 billion) to India’s GDP in 2024. This represents a notable growth over previous years. Here are some key insights from the Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Report 2023-24:
These statistics highlight how India’s diverse offerings, rich cultural heritage and ongoing government initiatives to enhance tourism infrastructure and services are all contributing to the country’s rising prominence as a major global travel destination.
India is all set to become the fifth-largest travel and tourism market worldwide, according to a report by Bernstein.
By 2027, the country is expected to have spent $89 billion on foreign travel, up from $38 billion in 2019.
In an unending effort to do so, the Indian government is actively working to boost the tourism sector through various initiatives and schemes.