World Tourism Day being observed today

The International Tourism Day is being observed today— fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Every year, September 27 is celebrated as World Tourism Day as the human desire to travel and explore is universal.

As per theme, this year the day highlights tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future. This is additional to the day's objective to highlight the travel sector’s importance in preserving and promoting culture and heritage all around the world.

As per official website of United Nations Organisations (UNO), tourism is one of the most important economic sectors and it employs one in every tenth person on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds and millions more.

In some countries, tourism represent more than 20% of their Gross domestic product (GDP).

History

Ever since 1980, World Tourism Day is celebrated annually across the globe on September 27. It was on this day in 1970 when the Statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organization were adopted which are considered a milestone in global tourism.

The day was first celebrated as an international observance on September 27, 1980.

Significance

World Tourism Day’s purpose is to raise awareness on the importance of tourism that effects the social, cultural, political and economic values of international community.

However, as per UN website, the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak had a massive social and economic impact—resulting both the developed and the developing economies to face a huge hit.

It is being believed that restarting tourism will help in the recovery and growth of the economies.

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has therefore designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on 'Tourism for Inclusive Growth'.