In 1979, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) proclaimed September 27 as World Tourism Day, to commemorate the anniversary of the approval of its Statutes.
The declaration of this day took place in Torremolinos (Spain). The date is also considered appropriate because it coincides with the end of the peak holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere, and the beginning in the southern half.
The purpose of this day is to make the international community aware of its social, cultural, political and economic value and of how the sector can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Around the world, tourism is a major source of employment that supports millions of people and drives local and national economic progress.
It is also a catalyst for equality and inclusion. In many places, working in this sector offers women, youth and those who live in rural communities the opportunity to support themselves and their families.
Governments and stakeholders from the public and private sectors work together to manage tourism responsibly and sustainably and to ensure that its enormous potential is properly harnessed.
This sector is one of the sectors that has suffered the most since the coronavirus pandemic in the world, due to limitations in mobility and the decrease in consumption, in addition to the economic crisis that has unleashed around the world.
As a result, many young people have lost their jobs and a large number of businesses have closed.
Biodiversity has been affected, as protection programs have been cut due to lack of funding and there are fears that hunting and looting in protected areas will increase.
This may represent an opportunity to rethink the future of this sector.
The revival of tourism will help fuel recovery and growth, but it is essential that the benefits generated are widely and fairly distributed.
World Tourism Day 2021 is a date to focus on for inclusive growth.
For this year, the motto for this day is “Tourism for inclusive growth”.
World Tourism Day is globally observed and promotes awareness of the social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism and the contribution that the sector can make to the Sustainable Development Goals.
