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24 Fun Ways to Celebrate World Tourism Day in the Office in 2023

24 World Tourism Day celebration ideas at the workplace for a cultural adventure. Expand the office boundaries and explore the world from the desk.

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Imagine taking a whirlwind trip around the world without leaving the comfort of your office! Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Well, that's exactly what we have in store for you as we gear up to celebrate World Tourism Day right here at work. It's a day dedicated to the love of travel, exploration, and the diverse cultures that make our world so fascinating.

Explore these 24 fantastic ideas on how to make the most of World Tourism Day in the office. Whether you're an enthusiastic globetrotter or simply someone looking for a fresh twist on your workplace celebrations, you're in for a treat.

From culinary adventures to virtual expeditions, we've got something for everyone.

So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on this journey of creativity and camaraderie as we celebrate the spirit of wanderlust within the confines of our workspace.

When is World Tourism Day celebrated and why?

World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27th every year. The day was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness about the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide.

• Awareness: Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, this day serves to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on societies worldwide.
• Economic Impact: Tourism is one of the major revenue sources for many countries. It helps stimulate economic growth, provides employment opportunities, and drives the development of infrastructure.
• Cultural Exchange: Tourism promotes the exchange of cultures. It allows people from various parts of the world to understand, appreciate, and learn from diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life. This can foster global understanding and peace.
• Education and Enlightenment: Travel broadens the mind. Through tourism, people get firsthand experiences of places, histories, and traditions, which can be a form of education outside the conventional classroom environment.
• Sustainable Development: In recent years, the concept of sustainable tourism, which respects both local communities and the traveler, cultural heritage, and the environment, has come to the forefront. World Tourism Day often emphasizes the significance of sustainable tourism and its role in ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of the world.

Each year, a theme is chosen for World Tourism Day that reflects the current issues, challenges, and trends in the tourism industry. This theme guides discussions, events, and celebrations related to the day.

12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office

Here are 12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office:

1. International food day

This celebration is all about bringing the flavors of the world into your workplace. Encourage your colleagues to prepare and share dishes from different countries or regions they've visited.

You can set up a communal eating area where everyone can try a variety of international foods. It's like having a global potluck! This idea not only celebrates diverse cuisines but also allows employees to bond over their shared love for food and travel.

2. Travel story sharing

Traveling is full of exciting adventures and sometimes hilarious mishaps. Organize a session during a lunch break or as part of a casual meeting where employees can share their travel experiences.

It could be a heartwarming story about a memorable trip or a funny anecdote about a travel mishap. This activity helps coworkers get to know each other better and learn about different parts of the world through personal stories.

3. Travel trivia quiz

Put together a fun and engaging travel-themed quiz for your colleagues. The quiz can include questions about famous landmarks, world capitals, unique customs, and interesting facts from various countries.

You can divide everyone into teams and make it a friendly competition to see who knows the most about world trivia. It's a great way to infuse a bit of friendly rivalry and learning into your World Tourism Day celebration.

4. Cultural dress-up day

Encourage your coworkers to showcase their appreciation for different cultures by coming to the office dressed in attire representing a country or culture they admire or have a connection with.

It could be as simple as wearing a traditional scarf or something more elaborate like a kimono or a sarong. This activity not only allows employees to express their cultural interests but also opens the door to conversations about the significance of the attire and the cultures they represent.

5. Travel destination décor

Transform your office into a mini global tour by decorating it with travel-themed elements. Hang up world maps, and travel posters, and display souvenirs from various destinations.

You can even have a friendly competition for the best-decorated workspace. This idea not only sets the mood for a travel-inspired celebration but also sparks conversations and curiosity about different parts of the world among your colleagues.

6. Global art exhibition

Encourage employees to showcase their artistic talents by organizing a global art exhibition. Invite them to create and display artwork inspired by their travel experiences or the cultures they've encountered.

It could include paintings, drawings, photography, or even crafts. This not only celebrates creativity but also provides a unique perspective on different parts of the world.

7. Language exchange workshop

Foster cross-cultural understanding by organizing a language exchange workshop. Invite colleagues who are fluent in different languages to teach basic phrases or expressions from their respective countries.

It's a fun way to learn a new language and appreciate the diversity of world languages.

8. Travel documentary screening

Set up a cozy corner in the office and screen travel documentaries or films that highlight the beauty and culture of various destinations.

Provide popcorn and drinks, and let everyone take a virtual journey around the world through the power of storytelling and visuals.

9. Travel-themed puzzles and games

Dedicate a section of your office to travel-themed puzzles and board games. Include jigsaw puzzles featuring famous landmarks, world map puzzles, and geography-based board games.

It's a great way to engage coworkers in friendly competition and learning while celebrating World Tourism Day.

10. Travel tips and hacks sharing session

Organize a casual session where employees can share their travel tips, hacks, and recommendations.

They can talk about their favorite travel apps, packing techniques, or budget-saving strategies. This idea not only promotes knowledge sharing but also helps colleagues become more travel-savvy.

11. Virtual reality travel experience

Bring a taste of different destinations to your office by setting up virtual reality (VR) stations. Employees can put on VR headsets and take immersive virtual tours of famous landmarks, cities, or natural wonders from around the world.

It's an innovative way to celebrate tourism and allows coworkers to "visit" places they may have never been before.

12. Global recipe swap

Encourage employees to participate in a global recipe swap. Each person can bring in a dish from their favorite travel destination, along with the recipe. Create a booklet with all the recipes and distribute it to everyone in the office.

This not only celebrates international cuisine but also allows coworkers to recreate dishes from different parts of the world at home.

12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office virtually

Here are 12 World Tourism Day celebration ideas in the office virtually:

1. Around-the-world cooking challenge

Invite your colleagues to embark on a culinary journey from the comfort of their kitchens. Ask participants to choose a country or region, research its traditional dishes, and then prepare one of those dishes.

During a virtual lunch or dinner meetup, employees can showcase their culinary creations, share the cultural significance of the food, and even provide cooking tips. It's a delicious way to explore different cultures and cuisines while bonding over a shared meal.

2. Global trivia and quiz

Test your team's knowledge about world geography, famous landmarks, and travel facts with a lively virtual trivia and quiz session. Create teams and have them compete to answer questions related to various countries and cultures.

To make it more engaging, you can incorporate multimedia elements like photos and videos. Offer prizes or recognition to the winning team to add a competitive edge to the celebration.

3. Virtual travel showcase

Encourage employees to share their passion for travel by creating short video presentations or slideshows about their favorite travel destinations. They can include personal photos, anecdotes, travel tips, and recommendations.

This interactive session allows team members to learn from one another's travel experiences, discover hidden gems around the world, and find inspiration for their future adventures.

4. Cultural exchange hour

Foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity within your team by dedicating time to a virtual cultural exchange. Invite colleagues to share aspects of their own culture or a culture they admire.

This can involve storytelling, music performances, dance demonstrations, or even a crash course in basic phrases from another language. By celebrating different cultures, you promote inclusivity and create a more culturally rich work environment.

5. Travel-themed costume contest

Inject some fun and creativity into your virtual celebration by hosting a travel-themed costume contest. Encourage employees to dress up as characters, historical figures, or elements inspired by different countries or cultures.

During a virtual meeting, participants can explain the significance of their costumes and why they chose them. To add an element of interactivity, you can have colleagues vote for the most creative or culturally authentic costume, with prizes awarded to the winners.

6. Wanderlust photo contest

Organize a virtual photo contest where employees submit their best travel photos along with captions that describe their experiences.

Create different categories such as "Scenic Landscapes," "Cultural Encounters," and "Adventure Moments." Encourage team members to vote for their favorite photos, and award prizes to the winners.

This activity not only showcases the beauty of our world but also allows colleagues to share their travel stories visually.

7. Virtual escape room adventure

Transport your team on a virtual adventure by hosting a travel-themed escape room experience.

Choose a destination or scenario related to travel, and challenge employees to work together to solve puzzles, riddles, and challenges to "escape" from a virtual location. It's an interactive and team-building way to celebrate World Tourism Day.

8. Travel book club

Start a travel-themed book club within your office. Select a travel-related book, memoir, or novel and encourage employees to read it in the weeks leading up to World Tourism Day.

Host a virtual discussion where participants can share their thoughts, insights, and favorite travel-related quotes from the book. It's a literary journey that sparks conversation and inspires wanderlust.

9. DIY souvenir swap

Ask team members to dig into their travel memories and share a meaningful souvenir they've collected during their adventures. They can present these items during a virtual meeting, explaining the significance and story behind each one.

Then, you can organize a virtual souvenir swap, where participants can choose to exchange souvenirs with their colleagues. It's a unique way to bring a piece of the world into each other's homes.

10. Travel-themed scavenger hunt

Create a virtual scavenger hunt with travel-themed clues and challenges. Participants can use the internet to search for clues related to different countries, famous landmarks, or cultural traditions.

They can collaborate in teams to solve these challenges within a set time frame. The first team to complete all the tasks wins the scavenger hunt. It's a fun and educational way to explore the world from your computer.

11. Virtual travel film festival

Transform your virtual celebration into a cinematic adventure by organizing a travel-themed film festival. Have employees suggest their top travel movies or documentaries beforehand, and plan a screening schedule leading up to World Tourism Day.

After each movie, facilitate a discussion for participants to chat about their thoughts, travel inspirations, or personal ties to the places in the films.

12. Global recipe exchange

Encourage employees to explore different cultures through their taste buds by organizing a global recipe exchange. Each participant can select a recipe from a foreign cuisine they'd like to try, prepare it at home, and then share their cooking adventure during a virtual meetup.

This can include cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and discussions about the cultural significance of the dish.

Celebrating World Tourism Day in the office is not just about marking a date on the calendar. It's about embracing the spirit of exploration, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering a sense of unity among colleagues.

The 24 ideas we've shared in this blog offer a diverse range of ways to commemorate this day, whether it's through mouth-watering international cuisine, engaging activities that test your global knowledge, or even simple acts of kindness that pay homage to the hospitality found in different corners of the world.

Remember, the beauty of celebrating World Tourism Day at the office lies in the opportunity it provides to broaden our horizons, break down barriers, and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our global community.

So, go ahead and bring a touch of wanderlust to your workplace this September 27th, and let the spirit of travel and adventure inspire your team to explore the world, one idea at a time. Happy World Tourism Day!

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65 world tourism day quotes to ignite the wanderlust in your employees, unlock the biggest secret of engagement to retain your top performers., -->guest contributor -->.

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About World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is an annual celebration of the global tourism industry, recognized every year on September 27th. This special day provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism, its impact on the world, and to raise awareness about the benefits of responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

What is World Tourism Day?

World Tourism Day was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ) in 1980. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on the global economy, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability. Each year, World Tourism Day has a different theme, highlighting various aspects of tourism and its benefits.

Every year, the UNWTO selects a specific theme for World Tourism Day. The theme is chosen to reflect current trends and challenges facing the tourism industry, and to promote new initiatives and ideas for the future. In 2021, the theme for World Tourism Day was "Tourism for Inclusive Growth," highlighting the importance of creating sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit all members of society, including those in marginalized and vulnerable communities.

When is World Tourism Day?

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. It is a powerful tool for promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among nations. World Tourism Day provides an opportunity to recognize the immense potential of tourism as a force for good and to raise awareness about the challenges facing the industry.

The Importance of World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27th. This day is an opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate the transformative power of tourism and its ability to create a better world.

One of the primary goals of World Tourism Day is to raise awareness about the social, cultural, and economic benefits of tourism. Travel and tourism are among the world's largest industries, generating significant income and employment opportunities in many countries around the world. In fact, according to the UNWTO, the tourism sector accounts for around 10% of global GDP and employs one in ten people worldwide.

But beyond the economic benefits, tourism also plays a vital role in promoting cross-cultural understanding, fostering peace and tolerance, and preserving cultural heritage. Tourism can also help to promote sustainable development, protect natural resources, and support local communities by providing income and employment opportunities.

When it comes to celebrating World Tourism Day, there are a variety of activities and events taking place around the world. Some countries organize tourism fairs and exhibitions, while others hold conferences, seminars, and workshops focused on promoting responsible tourism practices. In recent years, there has also been a growing trend of digital events, including webinars, online forums, and social media campaigns.

One of the most significant achievements of World Tourism Day has been its role in promoting sustainable tourism practices. As more and more people travel, it's essential to ensure that tourism is managed in a way that respects local communities and the environment. The UNWTO has developed a set of guidelines for sustainable tourism, known as the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which encourages tourists to be responsible and respectful when traveling.

Some of the key principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism include respecting local customs and traditions, protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting cultural understanding. By adhering to these principles, tourists can help to ensure that tourism continues to benefit local communities and the environment while promoting social and cultural diversity.

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, and it has the potential to create enormous benefits for both people and the planet. It contributes to economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, and it is a powerful tool for promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among nations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, with many businesses and communities struggling to survive.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, World Tourism Day presents an opportunity to rethink and transform tourism into a more sustainable and resilient industry. The celebration of this day highlights the importance of tourism and its potential to create a better future for all.

World Tourism Day is celebrated in various ways worldwide, including cultural festivals, food fairs, adventure sports, and nature walks. These activities showcase the unique features of different destinations, promote local businesses, and encourage sustainable tourism practices. They also provide an opportunity for tourists and locals to come together and experience the diversity of cultures and traditions that make our world so fascinating.

World Tourism Day is a crucial event that celebrates the importance of tourism and its impact on the world.

This Day is an occasion to celebrate the power of travel and tourism in creating a better world. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of tourism and its potential to promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability. As we celebrate this day, we must also recognize the challenges facing the tourism industry and work together to promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit both people and the planet.

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World Tourism Day honors global travel, promoting cultural awareness, and highlights tourism's socioeconomic importance. Observed annually on September 27th.

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World Tourism Day – September 27, 2024

Get your bulky cameras ready, unfold your maps and make sure your fanny pack still fits snugly. World Tourism Day every September 27,  raises awareness of the need for accessible tourism all over the planet.

World Tourism Day is the result of the work done by the UN’s specialized agency — the World Tourism Organization (WTO). If you’ve ever strolled through a charming, perfectly-preserved European village or town, you’ve probably seen the WTO at work. Boosting local economies and ensuring sustainable tourism are but a few of the benefits of the WTO.

More importantly, on World Tourism Day, the WTO makes sure that travel is accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities and folks with low-income. Whether you’re walking with a cane or rolling in a chair; the world is open for business to you and your friends. So, get traveling!

World Tourism Day related content

Cheap Flight Day

Hopefully, you globetrotters marked your calendars for Cheap Flight Day, well in advance.

World Tourism Day Activities

Treat a normal day like a vacation.

Today, take a step back from your normal routine and consider: If I were on vacation in my hometown, what would I do? Where would a tourist go for the day? By checking out your own turf through the eyes of a tourist, you’ll support local businesses and you may see your town from a new perspective.

Get the word out

The key to continuous improvement in global tourism is economic stability and sustainability. Educate yourself on the best ways to see a new country, city, or village in ways that create a positive impact.

Plan a trip

If you’ve been putting off that vacation, use World Tourism Day as an opportunity to make those plans. Talk to friends and family with special challenges, either physical, financial or both; who may want to travel but have never been able to plan a trip. Together, you can help and encourage each other, following the message of the WTO that tourism is for all.

Why We Love World Tourism Day

It creates jobs.

All over the world, even in its most remote corners, tourism has become a dependable source of jobs. In the U.S. alone, the travel, tourism and hospitality industry supported 7.6 million jobs in 2015. This means one out of every 18 Americans is employed in tourism. When done responsibly, tourism can create jobs in areas where unemployment has risen due to unavoidable factors like automation.

It’s a cash cow

In 2015, international tourism generated $1.5 trillion in export earnings. This can be a tremendous benefit for smaller, under-developed communities. Developing a sustainable tourism ecosystem is paramount for ensuring these earnings are distributed among the community. Thanks to the work of the WTO, these areas are seeing smart tourism strategies put in place.

It creates a better world

Sure, the site of yet another lost tourist in your hometown may induce a small groan, but the reality is that traveling and seeing new places is good for our minds and good for our society. So, start planning your next trip!

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5 world tourism day activities around the world

World Tourism Day is celebrated every September 27 since 1979. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has chosen this date to celebrate a day in which the value of this activity is sensitized at a social, economic and cultural level. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the celebration and therefore it is a good time to talk about the activities that will take place on this special date.

Tourism and its digital transformation

The growth of the sector and its digital transformation make this year’s celebration an exceptional framework in which sustainable tourism is promoted. Under conservation and ecologically friendly tourism values ​​that allow us to live a more connected world, but at the same time respect the ecosystems of tourist places.

The tourism sector is one of the sectors that contribute most to world GDP. It is estimated that 10% of this comes from the sector. Therefore, the importance of tourism that goes hand in hand with economic, social and cultural needs. Encouraging cultural exchange and the growth of the countries’ economy.

This day is important then to understand how technology and the shift towards a digital society help the growth of the sector, the economy and the activity as such to combine global technological progress towards a more connected and harmonious world.

Activities on World Tourism Day

Every September, countries, and communities generate activities that encourage sustainable tourism, spreading the importance of tourism and its value to society in cultural, economic, political and social fields.

This year’s world day is a challenge for territorial entities that seek to encourage travellers to know and enjoy their territories.

Cultural Samples

World Tourism Day is an opportunity to show the world the cultural potential of each place. There is no doubt that when you take your tourist trips , something that you take back home, it is always a cultural sample of the place you visit. Therefore, it is common for countries, provinces, and cities to organize events in which they show their culture to the world. Music, dance, folklore is exhibited in the main squares of the world to demonstrate the cultural power that each place has to offer.

A day to visit museums

On this World Tourism Day, everything is worthwhile to encourage the places of attraction of the cities. Museums are part of the activities most carried out by tourists and that is why, in general, municipalities have this day with free tickets to museums. In this way, the history of places can be better known and tourism is supported, as an axis that boosts the economy of the countries.

Connection with nature

This celebration also encourages rapport with our natural environments. That is why other activities to take into account in this World Tourism Day is hiking. Connect with nature and complement your hike in the mountains with other activities such as bird watching.

Forums and workshops

An important part of the celebration of World Tourism Day is the awareness of both the positive and negative impacts that tourism can bring in certain places. That is why it is important to carry out different forums and workshops and to assist them in different parts of the world. In these activities topics such as ecotourism, sustainable tourism, the value of the sector in the economy of society, as well as other factors are discussed.

Gastronomic samples

Another attraction that you can find in these activities are the gastronomic samples that prepare some town halls. Part of the travelling spirit is to understand other cultures, and food plays an important role in knowing the customs of the locals. It is an opportunity to show the best of local cuisine to make your own and visitors fall in love.

The influence of tourism

Being such an important sector, tourism greatly influences different fields of society. Understanding the magnitude of what this represents, we must take into account this world day of tourism to raise awareness of the importance of responsible tourism.

Many of the most visited destinations in the world suffer from the excesses of people who do not understand the importance of respecting the culture and customs of the locals. Knowing, travelling, exploring, is more than just tourism; It is to integrate into societies with cultural differences, respecting the values ​​they represent.

On this world day of tourism, evaluate your impact on the places you visit. We invite you to be a conscious and responsible traveller. Enjoy the activities and get to know each place through its cultural shows, its gastronomy, its history.

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World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

World Tourism Day was designated by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in September 1979, with the commemoration to commence in 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.

To receive SDG event notices, news and analysis in your inbox,  subscribe .

date: 27 September 2022 location: worldwide www: https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day

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as user_link_slug , p.pid, p.uid from wp_2_posts_authors p join wp_users u on u.id=case when find_in_set(p.post_author,'228,8,9,22,421,373')>0 then 4 else p.post_author end where p.id in (368974) ) pu join wp_usermeta fn on pu.user_id = fn.user_id join wp_usermeta ln on pu.user_id = ln.user_id join wp_usermeta dl on pu.user_id = dl.user_id join wp_usermeta ur on pu.user_id = ur.user_id left join (select * from wp_usermeta where meta_key = 'description_short') ds on pu.user_id = ds.user_id left join (select * from wp_usermeta where meta_key = 'user_prefix') px on pu.user_id = px.user_id left join (select * from wp_usermeta where meta_key = 'user_suffix') sx on pu.user_id = sx.user_id where fn.meta_key = 'first_name' and ln.meta_key = 'last_name' and dl.meta_key = 'description' and ur.meta_key = 'wp_capabilities' order by pu.pid desc, pu.uid asc;--> |, unwto annual report highlights sustainable tourism... 7 june 2018 0 then 4 else u.id end as user_id , u.user_email as user_email , case 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dl.meta_key = 'description' and ur.meta_key = 'wp_capabilities' order by pu.pid desc, pu.uid asc;--> |, world tourism day 2017 27 september 2017 | qatar, un biodiversity conference advances work on sustainable wildlife management, climate-related geo-engineering 9 december 2016 0 then 4 else u.id end as user_id , u.user_email as user_email , case when u.user_nicename like '%-account' then '' when left(u.user_login,2) = 'z_' or u.id=64 then 'guest-authors' else 'thematic-experts' end as user_link_role , case when u.user_nicename like '%-account' then '' else u.user_nicename end as user_link_slug , p.pid, p.uid from wp_2_posts_authors p join wp_users u on u.id=case when find_in_set(p.post_author,'228,8,9,22,421,373')>0 then 4 else p.post_author end where p.id in (339173) ) pu join wp_usermeta fn on pu.user_id = fn.user_id join wp_usermeta ln on pu.user_id = ln.user_id join wp_usermeta dl on pu.user_id = dl.user_id join wp_usermeta ur on pu.user_id = ur.user_id left join (select * from 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The SDG Update compiles the news, commentary and upcoming events that are published on the SDG Knowledge Hub each day, delivering information on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to your inbox.

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Resilient tourism

For many developing countries, including the least developed countries, small island developing states, countries in Africa and middle-income countries, tourism is a major source of income, foreign currency earnings, tax revenue and employment. Because tourism connects people with nature, sustainable tourism has the unique ability to spur environmental responsibility and conservation.

Sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, is a cross-cutting activity that can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering economic growth, alleviating poverty, creating full and productive employment and decent work for all.

It can also play a role in accelerating the change to more sustainable consumption and production patterns and promoting the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources, promoting local culture, improving the quality of life and the economic empowerment of women and young people, indigenous peoples and local communities and promoting rural development and better living conditions for rural populations, including small-holder and family farmers.

The use of sustainable and resilient tourism as a tool to foster sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development and financial inclusion, enables the formalization of the informal sector, the promotion of domestic resource mobilization and environmental protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger, including the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources and the promotion of investment and entrepreneurship in sustainable tourism.

Global Tourism Resilience Day (17 February), proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/77/269 , aims to emphasize the need to foster resilient tourism development to deal with shocks, taking into account the vulnerability of the tourism sector to emergencies. It is also a call for action for Member States to develop national strategies for rehabilitation after disruptions, including through private-public cooperation and the diversification of activities and products.

• Tourism Data Dashboard

The UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard – provides statistics and insights on key indicators for inbound and outbound tourism at the global, regional and national levels. Data covers tourist arrivals, tourism share of exports and contribution to GDP, source markets, seasonality and accommodation (data on number of rooms, guest and nights).

Tourism for the SDGs Platform

2027 — International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism

In February 2024, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

It encouraged all states, the United Nations system and all other actors to take advantage of the International Year to promote actions at all levels, including through international cooperation, and to support sustainable and resilient tourism as a means of promoting and accelerating sustainable development.

Did you know?

• Tourism supports millions of direct and indirect jobs all over the world, in particular for women and young people. [Report A/77/219 ]
• For some small island states and developing countries, tourism accounts for over 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). [Report A/77/219 ]
• The economic contribution of tourism (tourism direct GDP) was estimated at $1.9 trillion in 2021, higher than the $1.6 trillion recorded for 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion. [Report A/77/219 ]

Promoting the value of protected areas, safeguarding biodiversity, and building sustainable livelihoods - ecotourism reveals Egypt’s natural wonders . 

• Resolution A/RES/77/269 "Global Tourism Resilience Day"
• Resolution A/RES/78/260 "International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism, 2027"
• Resolution A/RES/77/178 "Promotion of sustainable and resilient tourism, including ecotourism, for poverty eradication and environmental protection"
• Report A/77/219 of the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization on the promotion of sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, for poverty eradication and environment protection
• The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
• World Tourism Day 2022 Report: From Crisis to Transformation
• Guiding Tourism Recovery
• World Tourism Barometer
• UNWTO/IATA Destination Tracker - Easy Travel
• Best Tourism Villages
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Tourism 4 SDGs
• World Tourism Day

World Tourism Organization

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a leading UN international agency in the field of tourism. Its mission is to promote 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. Discover how they are working to cope with this pandemic along with the tourism sector and other UN agencies. 

How my tourism business survived COVID-19

My name is Dekha Dewandana, I’m 46 years old. I’m the owner of Esa di Kubu homestay in Sudaji Village, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia. Despite the difficulties during the pandemic, I didn't give up. I followed what I was taught during the ILO training: to be the owner and host of our own village. This is the story of Dekha's success in this paradisiacal country that host the World Tourism Day 2022 celebrations.

Why do we mark International Days?

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances .

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Glasgow declaration - global roundtable for tourism climate action, the 50th un tourism regional commission for the middle east and the conference on “investing in tourism: opportunities and challenges in sustainable financing”, glasgow declaration - regenerative tourism for resilience: policy, practice and finance, insto insights webinar on measuring accessibility at the destination level, 36th cap-csa and first un tourism regional forum on gastronomy tourism for asia and the pacific, first un tourism regional forum on gastronomy tourism for asia and the pacific, 2nd un tourism regional conference on brand africa under the theme: "promoting africa to unlock tourism investments and the sector’s growth potential" held in livingstone, zambia from 22 to 24 july 2024, first un tourism regional forum on gastronomy tourism for africa, 8th un tourism global conference on wine tourism, twentieth meeting - committee on statistics, fifth meeting - expert group on measuring the sustainability of tourism, iii sustainable destinations summit.