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With less than a month away to this year’s World Tourism Day, UNWTO is gearing up for its observance in Bali, Indonesia.

This year the focus is on re-imagining the sector’s growth, both in terms of size and relevance. The Republic of Indonesia will host the official day (27 September), though all UNWTO Member States, as well as non-members and stakeholders from across the private sector, are being invited to host their own celebrations as well as to promote the day and its central theme.

World Tourism Day   has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.

One can check for more updates and information about the event on the UNWTO Official Website and share their local celebrations through the World Tourism Day platform .

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SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD TOURISM DAY “Rethinking tourism”

New York, 27 September 2022

World Tourism Day celebrates the power of tourism to foster inclusion, protect nature and promote cultural understanding.

Tourism is a powerful driver for sustainable development. It contributes to the education and empowerment of women and youth and advances the socioeconomic and cultural development of communities. It plays a critical part in the social...

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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: harnessing new technologies to transform travel

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The United Nations is marking this year’s World Tourism Day by exploring how technological advances such as big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms can contribute to the way people travel and foster innovation in the tourism industry.

“The digital transformation is about providing benefits to all, and we are making sure that tourism contributes to this global commitment,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ).

Tourism has become one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world, according to the Madrid-based UNWTO , with international tourist arrivals having grown from 25 million in 1950 to nearly 1.3 billion today. The sector represents an estimated 10 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 1 in 10 jobs globally.

UNWTO expects that tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3 per cent annually until 2030, as more people have access to travel thanks to the decline in the price of transport, especially air transport, and growing middle classes worldwide.

"The digital transformation is about providing benefits for all. We are making sure that #tourism contributes to this global commitment" #UNWTO SG @pololikashvili on #WTD2018Learn more at https://t.co/N1R1KGb3OO #GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/G1aiynZ1RT World Tourism Organization UNWTO September 27, 2018

“The sheer size of global tourism and its impact on many other sectors, and all of the Sustainable Development Goals , puts it at the forefront of social responsibility, which today goes hand-in-hand with innovation on all levels,” said Mr. Pololikashvili.

“Harnessing innovation and digital advances provides tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda,” he added.

In his message for the Day, Secretary-General António Guterres said the wide reach of tourism into many sectors, from infrastructure and energy to transport and sanitation, and its huge impact on job creation, make it a vital contributor to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . At the same time, tourism plays a “pivotal” role in advancing cultural understanding and bringing people together.  

“Yet tourism needs innovation in technology to realize its potential contributions,” he stated, adding that its benefits need to flow to host communities.

“On World Tourism Day, I call on governments to support digital technologies that can transform the way we travel, reduce the ecological burden of tourism and bring the benefits of tourism to all.”

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World Tourism Day 2021: History, theme, significance, and all you need to know

This year, the theme of World Tourism Day is ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

World Tourism Day is observed on 27 September annually to raise awareness about the significance of tourism and how it affects social, political, cultural, and economic values globally. The day is marked to highlight the importance of the tourism sector in promoting and preserving cultures and heritage around the world.

World Tourism Day also acknowledges the contributions the tourism sector can make towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. In times of the pandemic, as the tourism sector remains one of the worst affected sectors, here’s a look at the history and significance of the day.

On 27 September 1970, the statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) were adopted. Five years later, these statues, considered a milestone in global tourism, paved the way for the establishment of the UNWTO .

The UNWTO celebrated the first World Tourism Day on 27 September, 1980, to mark the occasion of its establishment. Ever since then, the day has been marked across the world.

This year, the theme of World Tourism Day is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” focusing on growth and inclusive recovery. The UNWTO is focusing on the fact that there are people behind every tourism statistic and aims to acknowledge the same.

The international body said that it aims to ensure that every part of the tourism sector has a say in how the sector will shape in the future. The UNWTO said it would make efforts to “celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future”.

Significance

World Tourism Day remains significant as the sector employs one in every ten people on earth, according to the United Nations . For some nations, the sector represents over one-fifth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

During the pandemic, 90 percent of world heritage sites were closed and millions, who were dependent on tourism for their livelihoods, left unemployed. The purpose of World Tourism Day is to highlight the importance the tourism sector plays in our lives and to focus on inclusive growth in the sector.

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• What and When Is World Tourism Day?

World Tourism Day is an annual event observed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on September 27. The idea of commemorating World Tourism Day on September 27 of every year was proposed by the late Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi of Nigeria. The purpose of establishing World Tourism Day is to make the international community aware of the role of tourism and its impact on the social, political, economic, and cultural values of people around the world. The event seeks to address the global challenges highlighted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to discuss how the tourism industry contributes towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The color of the event is blue.

History of World Tourism Day

The UNWTO General Assembly instituted World Tourism Day in September 1979 during its third session in Torremolinos, Spain. The Assembly chose to celebrate the international event on September 27 because the date coincides with a significant milestone in global tourism: the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970. The timing is also crucial to the tourism sector because it comes at the beginning of the high season in the southern hemisphere and the end of the season in the northern hemisphere.

The first World Tourism Day celebrations were held in 1980, and the theme of the event was "Tourism's contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and to peace and mutual understanding." Since then, the UNWTO has observed World Tourism Day annually under a different theme selected by its General Assembly. In October 1997 the Assembly resolved to appoint a country to partner with the organization and host the event each year. The first country to host the event under the new protocol was Mexico. Six years later, in 2003, the UNWTO General Assembly agreed to follow a geographical order when designating a host country for the celebrations.

Celebrating World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is strictly a UN observance hence it is not a public holiday in any country. The UNWTO invites all the stakeholders in the tourism sector as well as other interested parties to observe the day and participate in the special celebrations organized in their respective countries. People are also encouraged to visit both local and international destinations on this day to promote global tourism. The official event is held in a designated host country, and it is chaired by the Secretary-General of the UNWTO who is responsible for issuing a special message based on the theme of the celebrations each year to commemorate the occasion.

World Tourism Day 2018

In 2017, the official World Tourism Day celebrations were held in Doha, Qatar, under the theme "Sustainable Tourism: a Tool for Development." In 2018, the occasion is set to be held in Budapest, Hungary. The theme of this year's event is "Tourism and the Digital Transformation." Currently, the world is becoming digitized, and we are in an era where technology is impacting every aspect of our lives. One of the industries that is most affected by this transformation is the tourism sector, and all stakeholders are asked to come together and find solutions that will help the industry cope with the changes.

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World Tourism day 2020: Global Community Unites to Celebrate “Tourism and Rural Development”

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The 2020 edition of World Tourism Day will celebrate the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world.

Celebrated on 27 September with the theme of “ Tourism and Rural Development ” , this year’s international day of observation comes at a critical moment, as countries around the world look to tourism to drive recovery, including in rural communities where the sector is a leading employer and economic pillar .

The 2020 edition also comes as governments look to the sector to drive recovery from the effects of the pandemic and with the enhanced recognition of tourism at the highest United Nations level. This was most notably illustrated with the recent release of a landmark Policy Brief on tourism from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in which he explained that “for rural communities, indigenous peoples and many other historically marginalized populations, tourism has been a vehicle for integration , empowerment and generating income.”

Historic International Cooperation

All around the world, tourism empowers rural communities, providing jobs and opportunity, most notably for women and youth

For the first time in the 40-year history of World Tourism Day, the official celebration will not be hosted by a single Member State of the United Nations specialized agency. Instead, nations from the MERCOSUR Member States (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Chile joining as Member Associate status) will serve as joint hosts. This co-hosting agreement exemplifies the spirit of international solidarity that runs through tourism and which UNWTO has recognized as essential for recovery.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “All around the world, tourism empowers rural communities, providing jobs and opportunity, most notably for women and youth. Tourism also enables rural communities to hold onto their unique cultural heritage and traditions, and the sector is vital for safeguarding habitat and endangered species. This World Tourism Day is a chance to recognize the role tourism plays outside of major cities and its ability to build a better future for all.”

Rural areas hit hard by COVID-19

For countless rural communities around the world, tourism is a leading provider of employment and opportunities. In many places, it is one of the few viable economic sectors . Moreover, development through tourism can also keep rural communities alive. It is estimated that by 2050, 68% of the world population will live in urban areas, while 80% of those currently living in ‘extreme poverty’ live outside of towns and cities.

The situation is particularly hard for youth: young people in rural communities are three times more likely to be unemployed than older adults. Tourism is a lifeline , offering young people a chance to earn a living without having to migrate either within their home countries or abroad.

World Tourism Day 2020 will once again be celebrated by UNWTO’s Member States in all global regions as well as by cities and other destinations and by private sector organizations and individual tourists. It comes as communities in rural areas also struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These communities are usually much less-prepared to deal with the short and longer-term impacts of the crisis. This is due to a number of factors, including their aging populations, lower income levels and the continuing ‘digital divide’. Tourism offers a solution to all of these challenges.  

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Bonza doomed to failure from the start, just like so many Australian airlines before it

Analysis Bonza doomed to failure from the start, just like so many Australian airlines before it

Former Qantas boss Geoff Dixon used to regale clients and investors with a standing joke every time another domestic airline went under.

The Australian market, he reckoned, was only big enough for one and a half airlines.

The one, obviously, was Qantas. And the half was whichever foolhardy group attempted to take on the goliath of the Australian skies with its not so discreet backing from the Australian government. 

He had a point.

A quick look through Wikipedia reveals almost 300 defunct Australian airlines since we took to the skies last century.

Many were tiny regional operators, a few were amalgamated into bigger regional operators such as Rex — which has hung in there with thrifty management from its Singaporean owners — and a handful had grander ambitions that blew up in spectacular style.

Bonza, the latest upstart to come a cropper in one of the world's most cutthroat aviation markets, never really stood a chance.

It hit turbulence early on, even in the ideas stage as the pandemic wreaked havoc with airlines globally and international travel ground to a halt.

Officially launched by former Virgin Blue executive Tim Jordan early last year, the new operation quickly became known as Bogan Air, and played up to the image with planes bearing monikers like Bazza and Shazza.

Behind the scenes, even before it got off the ground, Bonza struggled to work its way through the regulatory maze, battled Qantas and Virgin for slots at airports and found it difficult to hire experienced staff.

Then there were the usual operational problems inherent with starting any new business. Luggage delays, flight cancellations and communication issues.

But perhaps its biggest obstacle was self-imposed. In a bid to differentiate itself from its bigger rivals, it forged a plan to service mostly regional centres that the others didn't frequently service.

And, unlike Rex's reliance on relatively low cost turboprops to service its regional routes, Bonza chose to do so using expensive, larger capacity jet airliners.

Mildura, Mackay, Port Macquarie direct from major centres like Melbourne sounded like a great idea. Clearly, it didn't work in practice.

A mere 15 months since launch, reports began circulating that the operation wasn't paying its way and that its American parent had delivered ownership of the airline's 737 Max aircraft to its creditors.

Today, passengers arrived at airports across its network to discover all flights had been cancelled.

Bazza and Shazza join a not so exclusive party

Bonza's short life in Australian skies isn't unusual.

Three decades ago, Compass Airlines launched with all the hoopla you'd expect from a group attempting to become the third wheel in Australian aviation. It lasted a year.

The following year, it was relaunched. It failed soon after.

But then, in 2002, the seemingly unthinkable happened. Ansett Airlines, the second wheel in the Australian aviation industry collapsed. Founded by Reg Ansett, it had been around since 1936.

Ansett's demise cemented Qantas's position as the dominant player and two years later it took out another rival, Impulse, in a deal that embroiled one of the country's best known stockbrokers, Rene Rivkin, in an insider trading case.

That left the field open for the launch of Virgin Blue. But even it struggled to survive. Years of heavy losses were borne by a well heeled group of foreign airline shareholders who needed a domestic carrier through which to funnel their foreign visitors.

The irony behind the sad history of Australian aviation is that the Sydney-Melbourne route is one of the most lucrative in the world and provides both Qantas and Virgin with more revenue than any other.

The COVID pandemic was the final straw for Virgin Australia, which fell into administration in April 2020 , but has since been resurrected by American private equity group Bain. It now reportedly turns a profit but its return to the bourse has been delayed.

Along the way there were other collapses, such as Tiger Air — once funded by Singapore Airlines — and Strategic Air.

The writing may have been on the wall for Bogan Air from day one. But that probably won't douse the ambition of some other budding entrepreneur donning the aviator glasses within a year or two.

If only you could make half an airline work.

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