PURPOSE: World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
FORUM: "Tourism and Peace”. World Tourism Day 2024. The pursuit of peace is a continuing endeavour, and progress through tourism is more relevant than ever. Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Moreover, tourism is clearly linked to the building blocks of peace- such as social justice, human rights, economic equity, sustainable development, and broad-based democracy with the capability of non-violent conflict resolution. Tourism’s biggest strength, besides being an economic powerhouse, brings people together in non-adversarial circumstances. Tourism has the potential to contribute to peace in many ways and these need to be appropriately explored and assessed. Tourism as an instrument for peace needs to be peace-sensitive and needs to be understood from both– the suppliers and consumer´s side- not as an isolated peace strategy, but as part of social transformation towards a culture of peace. A peace-sensitive tourism is aware of the economic and social forces and thus social responsibility. It aims to contribute within the limits of the opportunities but aware of the power of alliances to the democratisation of society, of international relations and of the world system as such. Moreover, tourism provides a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging creative solutions and new business models, tourism can drive economic growth and provide unique opportunities for young talent. Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism can lead to sustainable development and create platforms for innovative peacebuilding strategies. The future of tourism lies in the hands of young people. By investing in youth, providing education and training opportunities, and encouraging their active participation in the tourism sector, we can harness their potential to drive social change and promote peace. Young talent brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism as a force for good. The UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #27September, #WorldTourismDay, #PeaceThroughTourism, #wtd, #wtd2024.
EVENTS: on September 27th to mark the World Tourism Day 2024. Participants will explore the intersection of tourism and peacebuilding, highlighting how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace worldwide. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines, the conference aims to generate innovative ideas, strategies, and collaborations to harness the transformative power of tourism in building bridges, fostering dialogue and promoting peace and reconciliation. Get the Information note and the agenda programme!
STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Tourism Day 2024 and the Statement of the UNWTO Secretary-General on World Tourism Day 2024.
PODCASTS: From empowering local communities to fostering cultural exchange and creating meaningful connections, tourism unlocks opportunities for personal growth and economic prosperity. The timing of World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate in that it comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere. The Date of September 27 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Participate to the 2024 campaign "Tourism and Peace” and Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
World Heritage and tourism stakeholders share responsibility for conservation of our common cultural and natural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value and for sustainable development through appropriate tourism management.
The Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness Department works to provide knowledge and strategic guidance to support tourism destinations and the sector at large become more competitive and improve destination management through efficient policies and governance.
Harnessing innovation and digital advances provides tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda.
The World Tourism Day is hosted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), its Member states, its Affiliate Members and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
With the collaboration of the World Travel & Tourism Council, the United States Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, the U.S. Travel Association, the Department of Transportation - Airline and Airport Statistics, the IATA Business Intelligence and Statistics Department, the Airlines for America - Data and statistics Department, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Society of Travel Agents, the Cruise Lines International Association and the STR Global List of Industry Organizations.
with the participation of the tourism Authorities and Hospitality sector, the Tour operators, the Travel agencies, Tourism organizations, Local Communities, the Non-Governmental organizations, tourism proessionals and academia..
Share your personal experiences and journeys to showcase the transformative power of tourism.
Inspire the debate around rethinking tourism for development, including through education and Youth jobs.
Promote tourism’s impact on the planet
Enhance opportunities for the tourism sector to grow more sustainably.
Promote a responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Facilitate the management and development of sustainable tourism at World Heritage properties through fostering increased awareness, capacity and balanced participation of all stakeholders in order to protect the properties and their Outstanding Universal Value.
Develop and promote the tourism industry as an engine for socio-economic growth and poverty alleviation through the creation of employment.
Develop a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the Silk Roads Heritage Corridors