When did the World Tourism Day start?
About World Tourism Day Holiday
World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27th to recognize the importance of tourism as a source of income for countries around the world, and to raise awareness of the various issues that can arise from tourism, such as environmental destruction and exploitation of indigenous communities. The event is celebrated by governments, the travel and tourism sector, and the general public.
The purpose of World Tourism Day is to focus attention on tourism's development achievements and potentials in a globalized world and to create awareness of the ability of tourism to encourage greater cross-cultural understanding and world peace. Further, it is an opportunity for a variety of players to come together and think about sustainable tourism efforts that will help to ensure economic growth and progress in countries all over the world.
World Tourism Day serves as an important reminder that tourism can be an engine of economic development, a life-long learning and educational experience, and a source of cultural enrichment and understanding of different people and ways of life. It is a platform for countries to capitalize on the immense potential of the tourism sector to help destitute regions and develop their economies. On this day, countries come together to celebrate tourism and use this special day to learn from each other while expanding their tourism portfolios.
History and Origin of World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27 and was first established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1979 to raise awareness of the effects of tourism. In its mission statement, the UNWTO states that the organization “seeks to maximize the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation, job creation, economic growth, social inclusion, cultural enrichment, international understanding, and environmental sustainability.” This global travel event is celebrated around the world, creating global dialogue on the issues relevant to the tourism industry.
This important day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of the Statutes of the International Union of Official Tourist Publicity Organizations, which was adopted on September 27, 1970. This document was later on followed up by the Madrid Declaration signed in 1980 to commemorate the first World Tourism Day. Since then, the United Nations General Assembly has designated September 27 as the official day for international tourism.
Apart from raising awareness, the main purpose of this day is to promote the campaign of “Travel. Enjoy. Respect.” To promote this correct message of tourism, the UNWTO also provides an annual celebration program, consisting of special events, such as forums for debates and special lectures from experts. Every year, a different host country is selected as the main host, joined in celebration by tour operators, travel agents, and local tour guides worldwide.
Significance and Meaning of World Tourism Day
The significance of World Tourism Day lies in the potential of the tourism industry to drive a sustainable future. This industry is the largest and most dynamic economic sector in the world, and has been essential in helping many countries recover from the financial crisis due to its pivotal role in job creation, economic growth, and income generation.
The event also focuses on the important role that the tourism industry plays in community development, its potential to foster international understanding and increase global mobility, with a view of achieving greater economic and social well-being worldwide.
Traditions and Celebrations of World Tourism Day
Countries around the world celebrate World Tourism Day differently, but all events follow the same theme of “Travel. Enjoy. Respect.”
In many countries in Europe, including Spain, France, and Italy, the event is celebrated with special festivals. Some countries host beach parties, while in other countries, special parades are held to honor the day. In some countries, countries, mayors, politicians, and other stakeholders hold special events to discuss the importance of the tourism industry. There are also special performances, festivals, and expos held to encourage countries to promote tourism as a sustainable development tool.
In some countries, special awards are given to those people and organizations who have contributed notably to the development of the tourism industry. For example, in Spain, the Minister of Tourism and Culture awards the annual National Tourism Award to someone who has made a significant contribution to the overall development of the tourism industry in the country.
In Mexico, special parades are held in many cities on September 27. The events feature music, dance, and artistic performances, as well as short speeches about the importance of tourism. The local and state governments also participate in the event by organizing festivals, exhibitions, and conferences about the tourism industry.
Geographical Spread of World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is celebrated around the world, particularly in large tourist destinations. In Asia, for instance, the event is widely celebrated in countries like China, India, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In Europe, the event is widely celebrated in countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. In North America, the event is popular in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. In South America, the celebration is widely popular in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. Even in African countries, such as Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, the event is celebrated with much enthusiasm.
World Tourism Day is also celebrated in the Middle East, including countries such as Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. In addition, the day is celebrated in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in many other countries worldwide.
Modern Day Observations of World Tourism Day
Over the years, the celebration of World Tourism Day has evolved. In the contemporary world, the event has taken on a whole new meaning, with many people now celebrating it as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of responsible tourism and sustainability.
Events held on this special day include talks and discussions about the importance of sustainable tourism, seminars on the themes of safety and security in tourism, and events that honor best practices in developing the industry. Governments around the world have also started to apply more stringent economic policies such as taxation and subsidies to the travel and tourism industry, in order to further sustain its growth.
Interesting Facts or Trivia About World Tourism Day
• World Tourism Day is celebrated in over 150 countries worldwide and is gaining more popularity around the world.
• The first World Tourism Day was celebrated in 1980.
• The main purpose of World Tourism Day is to promote international understanding among all nations.
• The celebration of World Tourism Day is aimed at shaping the future of the global tourism industry and encouraging sustainable development.
• On World Tourism Day, all countries have declared their commitment to sustainable and ethical tourism.
• The annual celebrations of World Tourism Day are held in different countries and vary from year to year.
• During the celebration of World Tourism Day, many countries also introduce special discounts and promotions to attract more tourists.
• The official logo of World Tourism Day is the ‘Tourism Time to Care’ logo.
• The hashtag #WorldTourismDay is used across social media to spread awareness and encourage participation in the celebrations.
• As part of the celebration of World Tourism Day, the UNWTO also organizes a series of campaigns and activities to highlight its objectives.
Holiday Wishes for World Tourism Day
1. Wishing you a fantastic time exploring the world and discovering the beauty of different places!
2. Let’s celebrate World Tourism Day by creating endless memories and exploring new possibilities.
3. To all the travellers, here’s wishing you an incredible journey to new destinations.
4. May the beauty of the world bring you joy and happiness!
5. May World Tourism Day be a reason to promote responsible and sustainable travel.
Holiday Messages for World Tourism Day
1. May World Tourism Day bring the world closer together and may we all discover our shared humanity.
2. Here’s to wishing everyone a magical journey and an experience to remember!
3. Let us join hands to create an even more amazing world to explore!
4. Let’s celebrate World Tourism Day with the generous spirit of hospitality.
5. May we all create a safer and more sustainable world for future generations!
Holiday Quotes for World Tourism Day
1. “Tourism is the art of travelers, not the slaughter of the innocents.” – Gregory Cecil
2. “Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
3. “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard
4. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” – James Michener
5. “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
Other Popular Holiday Info for World Tourism Day
Every year, a different theme for World Tourism Day is chosen to help spread awareness about the importance of tourism in today’s world. For example, the theme for 2019 was “Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all”, highlighting the importance of the industry as a major driver of economic performance and job creation. The theme for 2020 is reportedly “Tourism and Rural Development.”
The UNWTO also launches campaigns on special topics related to the industry as part of their efforts to sustain the development of tourism across the world. For example, the global campaign “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development” was launched in 2014 to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism. This campaign was aimed at highlighting the potential of the tourism industry for creating jobs, reducing poverty, and fostering community economic development.
On this day, many people across the world take part in special activities to promote the importance of sustainable tourism. These activities may include cultural events, exhibitions, and music performances, as well as other special events to raise awareness of the need for sustainable tourism policies. In addition, many tour operators and tourism boards offer special discounts and promotions to attract tourists to their locales.
How to Say "World Tourism Day" In Different Languages?
- Arabic
- أحد أيام السياحة (ar-SA)
- Arabic
- يوم السياحة (ar-MA)
- Danish
- Turisme Dag (da-DK)
- Dutch
- Dag van het Toerisme (nl-NL)
- French
- Jour du tourisme (fr-FR)
- German
- Tag des Tourismus (de-DE)
- Italian
- Giorno del Turismo (it-IT)
- Japanese
- 観光日 (ja-JP)
- Polish
- Dzień Turystyki (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Dia Internacional do Turismo (pt-PT)
- Russian
- День туризма (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Día del Turismo (es-ES)
- Swedish
- Turismdagen (sv-SE)
- Turkish
- Turizm Günü (tr-TR)
- Vietnamese
- Ngày du lịch Quốc tế (vi-VN)
World Tourism Day Also Called
International Tourism Day or Global Tourism Day.Countries where "World Tourism Day" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1975, World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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