World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on the 27th of September to stimulate the consciousness among the international community about the social, cultural, political, and economic significance of tourism. It was designated in September 1979 by the United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO), with the commemoration to commence in 1980. The day is chosen to coincide with an important milestone in the world tourism sector: the adoption anniversary of the UNWTO Statutes on 27th September 1970 in Mexico City. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has stated in an announcement that the potentiality of tourism is immeasurable and everyone has a shared responsibility to make sure that it is aptly and fully realized. This year UNWTO calls for everyone from tourism workers, and tourists themselves, to small businesses and large corporations, and governments to rethink and reflect on what one did and what is to be done for the expansion of tourism in the coming future.
World Tourism Day Theme of 2022
‘Rethinking Tourism’ is the theme of World Tourism Day for 2022. The focus is on understanding the development of the tourism sector and reviewing and remodeling tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Significance of World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is intended to raise awareness among the people about the importance of tourism. It is noteworthy to understand that tourism plays a significant role in improving the economy of a nation while enhancing its image in the world. It helps to promote the advantages of tourism. The idea of World Tourism Day is also to put people and the planet at the frontal while aiming to bring the people together to make an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector.
A strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with a record of 250 million international arrivals was seen according to the UN website. This shows that the sector has already recovered 46% of its pre-pandemic, or 2019 levels. The lift of the remaining travel restrictions, along with the rising consumer confidence, has become an important driver to stimulate the sector’s recovery, accompanying hopes and responsibilities for millions of people around the world. The event is decided to be led by the representatives of the tourism sector of Bali this year. The UNWTO representatives are invited to the event. All the member states of UNWTO as well as non-members and stakeholders across the division will host their own celebrations while observing the theme of the day.
