Join us in exploring World Tourism Day and discovering how travel and tourism contribute to a more interconnected and sustainable world.

World Tourism Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the immense influence of tourism on global economies, cultures, and sustainable development. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the significance of tourism in various aspects of society.

1. World Tourism Day: Date and history

World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27th, is a global celebration dedicated to promoting the value and significance of tourism. The event was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to raise awareness about the vital role tourism plays in fostering sustainable economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding.

The history of World Tourism Day dates back to September 27th, 1970, when the UN Tourism Statutes were adopted. However, the celebration of the event officially started in 1980. Each year, World Tourism Day focuses on a specific theme, chosen by the UN Tourism, to address pressing issues and opportunities in the tourism industry.

2. Diverse themes of World Tourism Day from 1980 to 2023

1980: Tourism's Contribution to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
1981: Tourism and the Quality of Life
1982: Ecotourism - The Key to Sustainable Development
1983: Travel and Holidays are a Right but also a Responsibility for All
1984: Tourism for International Understanding, Peace, and Cooperation
1985: Youth Tourism - Cultural and Historical Heritage for Peace and Friendship
1986: Tourism - A Factor of Prosperity for Rural Communities
1987: Tourism for Development
1988: Tourism - Education, Employment, and Progress
1989: The Twenty-First Century - Towards a New Age of Tourism
1990: Tourism - The Bridge to Understanding
1991: Communication - Passport to Tourism Development
1992: Tourism - A Tool for Peace and Dialogue Among Civilizations
1993: Tourism Development and Environmental Protection
1994: Quality Staff, Quality Tourism
1995: WTO - Serving World Tourism for Twenty Years
1996: Tourism - A Leading Activity of the Twenty-First Century for Job Creation and Environmental Protection
1997: Tourism - A Leading Activity for the Twenty-First Century
1998: Public-Private Partnerships in Tourism
1999: Tourism - Protecting Our Common Future
2000: Technology and Nature - Two Challenges for Tourism at the Turn of the Century
2001: Tourism - A Tool for Peace and Dialogue Among Civilizations
2002: Ecotourism - The Key to Sustainable Development
2003: Tourism - A Driving Force for Poverty Alleviation, Job Creation, and Social Harmony
2004: Sport and Tourism - Two Living Forces for Mutual Understanding, Culture, and Development
2005: Travel and Transport - From the Imaginary of Jules Verne to the Reality of the 21st Century
2006: Tourism Enriches
2007: Tourism Opens Doors for Women
2008: Tourism Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change and Global Warming
2009: Tourism - Celebrating Diversity
2010: Tourism and Biodiversity
2011: Tourism - Linking Cultures
2012: Tourism and Sustainable Energy - Powering Sustainable Development
2013: Tourism and Water - Protecting Our Common Future
2014: Tourism and Community Development
2015: One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities
2016: Tourism for All - Promoting Universal Accessibility
2017: Sustainable Tourism - A Tool for Development
2018: Tourism and the Digital Transformation
2019: Tourism and Jobs - A Better Future for All
2020: Tourism and Rural Development
2021: Tourism for Inclusive Growth
2022: Rethinking tourism
2023: Tourism and green Investments

These themes reflect the evolving priorities and challenges within the tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, cultural preservation, inclusivity, and the role of tourism in fostering global understanding and development.

3. The significance of World Tourism Day

The significance of World Tourism Day lies in its recognition of the vital role that tourism plays in fostering global understanding, cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about the immense social, cultural, and economic impact of tourism on communities around the world.

By highlighting the importance of responsible tourism practices, World Tourism Day promotes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, encourages sustainable travel, and facilitates dialogue among different cultures. This annual observance reminds us of the transformative power of travel, encouraging individuals, governments, and organizations to work together in order to promote a more inclusive, respectful, and sustainable tourism industry that benefits both host communities and visitors alike.

4. Inspiring messages and quotes for World Tourism Day

Here are some inspiring messages and quotes that underscore the positive impact of tourism on cross-cultural understanding and sustainable practices.

"Tourism is a passport to peace, understanding, and mutual respect." - Zurab Pololikashvili
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." - Saint Augustine
"Tourism is the greatest peacemaker, as it brings people together from different cultures and backgrounds." - Ban Ki-moon
"Tourism has the power to change perceptions, break down stereotypes, and build bridges between cultures." - Unknown

5. Highly-recommended activities to celebrate World Tourism Day

Discover a local tourist attraction

Immerse yourself in the beauty of your own city or region by visiting local tourist attractions. You can explore museums, monuments, and historical sites to learn about the rich heritage and culture that surrounds you. You might uncover hidden treasures that you never knew existed.

Share the adventure with a friend

Enhance your travel experience by inviting a friend to join you on your adventure. Exploring new destinations with a companion not only adds to the fun but also deepens the bonds of friendship. You may even forge new connections and create unforgettable shared memories.

Support local tourism businesses

Contribute to the growth of local economies by supporting small businesses within the tourism sector. Dine at local restaurants, stay in family-run accommodations, hire local tour guides, and purchase souvenirs from local artisans. Your support directly benefits the community and helps sustain the vibrant tourism industry.

Capture and share your experiences

Don't forget to capture the breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, or memorable moments along the way and share your experiences with others by creating a travel blog, posting on social media, or organizing a photo exhibition. By sharing your stories, you inspire others to embark on their own journey.

Go on an international trip

Expand your horizons by planning an international trip to explore a different country or continent. Immerse yourself in the local culture, savor the unique cuisine, and engage in meaningful interactions with the locals. Whether you travel physically or virtually, the experience will broaden your perspective and create lasting memories.

If you are planning an international trip, look no further than Vietnam, one of the most popular destinations for travelers worldwide. Vietnam travel offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality that will leave you in awe. Some must-visits in Vietnam include Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long.

In these destinations, consider staying at Vinpearl hotels and resorts. At Vinpearl, you can immerse yourself in a serene ambiance as you relax by a sparkling infinity pool or unwind in a rejuvenating spa. With a range of elegant accommodations to choose from, including spacious rooms and private villas, Vinpearl will ensure a truly unforgettable stay.

Moreover, do not miss the opportunity to visit VinWonders, a renowned entertainment complex in Vietnam famous for exhilarating rides, water parks, themed zones, live performances, and much more.

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for the best travel experiences!

World Tourism Day serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of tourism in our world. By commemorating this day, we not only recognize the cultural, economic, political, and social values of tourism but also encourage sustainable travel practices. So, let us come together to appreciate the beauty of our world, promote cultural understanding, and create a brighter future through responsible and mindful travel.

Grab the hottest deals at Vinpearl