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World Tourism Day 2023: Date, History, Significance And Theme

Ananya Gupta September 27, 2023 12:23 14342 0

On World Tourism Day 2023, the focus set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) under the theme Tourism and green investment.

World Tourism Day 2023: Date, History, Significance And Theme

World Tourism Day 2023

Today, on September 27, 2023, people all around the world are observing World Tourism Day. This annual event, initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is dedicated to highlighting the significance of tourism across the globe. It serves as a reminder of the positive impacts of tourism on economies, cultures, and individuals. World Tourism Day encourages people to explore and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet through travel and tourism experiences. It’s an important day for raising awareness about the significance of this industry and its potential to bring people and cultures together.

World Tourism Day 2023
Date September 27, 2023
Theme “Tourism and green investment”
Purpose To promote sustainable tourism and green investments aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Significance Raise awareness about the impact of tourism on various aspects of society, Promote economic growth through tourism, Encourage cultural exchange and understanding, Advocate for sustainable and responsible tourism practices and Foster global collaboration in the tourism sector.
Headquarters Madrid and Spain
Host Location Bali, Indonesia (led by representatives from the Bali tourism sector).
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili

Why World Tourism Day is celebrated?

In the year 1979, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) initiated the concept of World Tourism Day, with official celebrations commencing in 1980. This significant global observance, held steadfastly on September 27th each year, provides a prominent platform for acknowledging the pivotal role of the tourism sector in advancing global peace and prosperity. UNWTO’s diverse global regions take turns in hosting these official celebrations, consistently centered around pertinent and timely themes.

The selection of September 27th as the date for World Tourism Day holds particular significance, as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes. In 1997, UNWTO further enriched the celebration by designating different host countries each year. Initially, World Tourism Day primarily focused on promoting tourism as a whole, featuring a central theme for each commemoration.

World Tourism Day 2023 Host Country

The host country for World Tourism Day 2023 is Saudi Arabia. The official celebrations for World Tourism Day in 2023 are scheduled to take place in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, on September 27th. Saudi Arabia’s role as the host country for this event is significant, and it provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism industry and initiatives to the global community.

This esteemed occasion will bring together over 500 government officials and industry leaders hailing from no less than 120 countries. Riyadh will be the focal point of global discussions on the future of tourism during the gathering, which is scheduled to span from September 27th to 28th.

History of World Tourism Day 2023

World Tourism Day has a rich history that led to its celebration in 2023. Here’s a brief overview of its history and development:

Foundation of UNWTO: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was established in 1974 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its primary purpose is to promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism as a means of economic growth and cultural understanding.

Inaugural World Tourism Day: World Tourism Day was first observed on September 27, 1980. The choice of this date was significant as it marked the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970, which is considered a milestone in global tourism.

Global Recognition: Over the years, World Tourism Day gained recognition and participation from countries worldwide. It became a platform to promote tourism, raise awareness about its potential benefits, and discuss tourism-related challenges.

Annual Themes: Each year, World Tourism Day has a specific theme that reflects current global tourism trends and challenges. These themes range from sustainable tourism to cultural heritage preservation, and they serve to guide discussions and initiatives related to tourism.

2023 Celebration: In 2023, World Tourism Day continues to play a crucial role in highlighting the significance of tourism as an industry that brings people together, drives economic growth, and fosters cultural exchange. The celebration on September 27, 2023, focuses on promoting tourism and understanding its continued importance in a changing world.

Throughout its history, World Tourism Day has contributed to the growth and development of the tourism sector while emphasizing its potential to create positive impacts for both travelers and the communities they visit. It remains an essential platform for international collaboration in the field of tourism.

Theme of World Tourism Day 2023

The theme of World Tourism Day 2023 is “Tourism and green investment.” This theme emphasizes the importance of directing investments towards sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the tourism industry. It highlights the need for innovative and eco-friendly solutions that not only promote economic growth but also align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Importance of World Tourism Day 2023

Promoting Sustainable Tourism: The chosen theme, “Tourism and green investment,” underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable practices within the tourism industry. It emphasizes the need to invest in eco-friendly solutions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This focus on sustainability is crucial for preserving natural resources and mitigating the impact of tourism on the environment.

Economic Growth: Tourism is a vital driver of economic growth in many countries. World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of the economic benefits that tourism can bring, including job creation, increased revenue, and investment opportunities. It encourages nations to leverage tourism as a tool for economic development.

Cultural Exchange: Tourism facilitates cultural exchange by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. It allows for the sharing of traditions, customs, and experiences, promoting greater understanding and tolerance among different cultures and societies.

Awareness and Education: World Tourism Day raises awareness about the significance of tourism’s impact on various aspects of society, including social, political, and cultural values. It provides an opportunity to educate the public and stakeholders about responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

Global Collaboration: The event brings together representatives from the tourism sector, government officials, and international organizations. This collaborative platform fosters discussions, knowledge-sharing, and the development of strategies to address challenges and opportunities within the tourism industry.

UNWTO’s Leadership: As an initiative of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Tourism Day underscores the commitment of this international body to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices worldwide.

World Tourism Day Quotes

Here are some quotes related to World Tourism Day and the importance of travel and tourism:

  • “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” — Gustave Flaubert
  • “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine
  • “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” — Paul Theroux
  • “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” — Amelia Earhart
  • “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” — Ibn Battuta
  • “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu
  • “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” — David Mitchell
  • “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” — Marcel Proust
  • “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” — Aldous Huxley
  • “Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.” — Unknown
  • “Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.” — Matthew Karsten
  • “Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.” — Nyssa P. Chopra
  • “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” — Mark Twain
  • “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” — Samuel Johnson

World Tourism Day 2023 Activities

While specific activities for World Tourism Day 2023 may vary, the celebrations typically include a range of events and initiatives aimed at promoting the theme of the year and raising awareness about the importance of tourism. Here are some common activities that may take place on World Tourism Day 2023:

Official Ceremony: The day often starts with an official ceremony hosted by the host country, Saudi Arabia in this case. This ceremony may include speeches by government officials, representatives from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and other dignitaries.

Exhibitions: Exhibitions showcasing the host country’s tourism attractions and initiatives may be held. These exhibitions provide an opportunity for countries and organizations to promote their tourism products and services.

Cultural Events: Cultural events, such as traditional performances, art exhibitions, and culinary festivals, may be organized to highlight the cultural richness of the host country and encourage cultural exchange.

Green Initiatives: The theme of “Tourism and green investment” for World Tourism Day 2023, there may be initiatives focused on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices.

Related Links
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World Tourism Day 2023 FAQs

World Tourism Day is an annual event established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote and celebrate the significance of tourism worldwide. It aims to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism.

World Tourism Day 2023 is observed on September 27, 2023.

The theme for World Tourism Day 2023 is "Tourism and green investment." This theme focuses on the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible investments in the tourism industry.

This theme emphasizes the importance of directing investments in tourism towards eco-friendly and sustainable practices. It underlines the role of tourism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing environmental concerns.

World Tourism Day 2023 is set to be led by representatives from the Bali tourism sector, making Bali, Indonesia, the host location for the event.

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