World Tourism Day - January 27, 2025

What is World Tourism Day?

World tourism day is an annual event celebrated throughout the world. The day raises awareness for boosting accessible tourism worldwide to help the local economy and politics and ensure sustainable tourism. Tourism is a great way to broaden cultural knowledge and social acceptance among different people around the world. The World Tourism Organization(WTO) raises awareness yearly to make tourism possible for everyone, including people with disabilities and low income.

World Tourism Day - All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: September 27
• Category: Special Interest
• Where It’s Marked: Globally
• Why It’s Marked: The day is marked by WTO to ensure everyone has easy access to tourism and can help the local economy, politics, and culture thrive worldwide.

History Of World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is not a public holiday but a UN observance that occurs globally every year. Tourism is the largest, fastest-growing economic sector to reach new development and socio-economic progress. It represents international commerce and is the primary source of income for many developing countries.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization founded World Tourism Day on September 27, 1979, but celebrated it first in 1980. There's a history behind choosing the day of September 27 as the world tourism day. The day coincides with a crucial worldwide tourism milestone: the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970. The statutes promote tourism development, economic development, human rights, and fundamental freedom worldwide.

Moreover, the United Nations finds the date quite suitable because it falls at the end of the tourist season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the tourist season in the southern hemisphere. It is the peak time for travelers and the people associated with the tourism sector.

Like many UN observances, World Tourism Day has a different theme every year. Since 1997, the UN has picked a foreign host country annually to help them organize that year’s world tourism day with a suitable theme.

Tourism has brought economic success to many countries by increasing the GDP and creating job opportunities that reduce the unemployment rate. World tourism day mainly supports this goal and aims to build sustainable tourism for everyone to enjoy the varying cultures of the world.

How to Celebrate World Tourism Day

The UN celebrates world tourism day by promoting the importance of tourism in the world. They hold seminars and programs in different countries to support the awareness of accessible tourism through various yearly themes.

For example, Ghana was the host country in 2009 for WTD, and the theme was “Tourism—Celebrating Diversity.” Then again, the host for WTD 2021 was Cote d'Ivoire in South Africa, with the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” to promote respect for people.

Countries that Observe World Tourism Day

World tourism day is a global observance or worldwide UN holiday to promote and celebrate the development of the tourism sector, which has brought rising cash generation in the countries.

Interesting Facts about World Tourism Day

There are some interesting facts about world tourism day if you are a curious traveler. Take a look at some of them below!

• The tourism sector alone contributed 10.3% to the world GDP in 2019.
• Later, due to the pandemic of 2020, the share decreased to 5.3%.
• International tourist growth increased from 25 million in 1950 to 1.5 billion in 2019.
• UK, France, Italy, Germany, USA, Spain, China, and Turkey attract more tourists than any other country.
• US businessman Dennis Tito was the first space tourist who paid $20 Million for an expedition to the International Space station in 2001.
• The global tourism industry contributes the highest of about US 7.6 Trillion dollars in the global GDP.
• China is the world’s top tourism spender.
• Among all the other cities in the world, tourists spend the most in Dubai.
• In the beginning, tourism was only counted when people went on beach holidays.
• The tourism industry provides 1/10 jobs in the world job sector.

Unique World Tourism Day Celebration Ideas

World tourism day should be a day of celebration and freedom for many people who love to travel and observe the beautiful world. We have four unique celebration ideas for travelers and people working in the industry.

1. Plan a day or week-long trip

If you have been stalling a long-awaited trip for an extended period, this is the day you can finally take a break and enjoy the nature and the culture around you. Be respectful of the visiting country’s culture and learn about the different things you may not see in your country. Educate yourself while enjoying a relaxing vacation.

2. Offer discounts and special packages

Tourism businesses should allow tourists to enjoy some fantastic deals on traveling so one can enjoy the different aspects of the trip. Companies can provide discounts and special trip packages for the people on this day to promote their business and tourism.

3. Explore your city

If you cannot travel due to a job or personal restrictions, take a moment to explore your city. It will open new horizons and give you a feeling of fulfillment. Take a trip to a museum, monument, new restaurant, or even a spontaneous bus ride.

4. Welcome tourists

If you see any tourists, make them feel welcome in your city or town. Moreover, if you own a tourism business, your number one priority should be making your clients feel comfortable.

World Tourism Day Quotes

Tourism has such a significant impact on people’s lives that it should be celebrated. On this world tourism day, wish someone who loves to travel or is going to travel soon with our three unique quotes.

“Don’t just wait for the destination to arrive but also enjoy the journey.”

"Travel far enough; you meet yourself." - David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

"We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment." - Hilaire Belloc

FAQ

1. Why is tourism important?

Tourism is a cash cow that creates job opportunities bringing development to the world.

2. Where will World Tourism Day 2022 take place?

The official World Tourism Day 2022 celebration will take place in Bali, Indonesia, following the theme “Rethinking Tourism,” highlighting tourism as an essential pillar of development.