WORLD TOURISM DAY 2021: TOURISM FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

September 27 is World Tourism Day. It was established in 1980 at the assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the aim of drawing the world's attention to tourism as a powerful tool for the exchange of cultural experience, forging international relations, as well as a destination that makes an important contribution to the economy. ...

The date of September 27 was not chosen by chance - on this day in 1970, the World Tourism Organization adopted its Charter, which it is guided by to this day.

“As we celebrate this day, we declare our commitment to ensuring that as tourism grows, the benefits will be felt at all levels of our wide and diverse sector, from the largest airline to the smallest family business,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the organization.

The first World Tourism Day in 1980 was dedicated to the impact of the tourism industry on the preservation of human cultural heritage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the search for new travel destinations that are valuable and safe for tourists. In this regard, in 2020, an initiative was proclaimed at the international level to develop the hospitality industry in rural areas - ecotourism, which demonstrates the beauty of the regions and the identity of the local population.

The theme for World Tourism Day 2021 is Tourism for Inclusive Growth. This is an opportunity to go beyond tourism statistics and recognize that there is a person behind every figure, to recognize the right of everyone in choosing travel destinations, in acquaintance with the culture and history of other countries. Therefore, the World Tourism Organization calls on Member States, UN agencies, private enterprises, and civil society to recognize the unique ability of tourism to ensure that no one is left behind.

It should be noted that UNWTO is fully committed to the UN Decade of Action to Achieve Global Goals, and has also contributed to the guiding principles “The future we want, the UN we need” - a broad appeal to transform the world.

The holiday has its own official color - blue, which is repeated in the design of festive events.

The history of World Tourism Day dates back to 1925 in The Hague. It was then that the International Congress of Official Tourism Organizations was created, which was later renamed the World Tourism Organization.

Prepared by: Ayjahan Ataballyeva

World Tourism Day 2021: Tourism for Inclusive Growth (turkmenistan.gov.tm)