World Tourism Day 2021: Here's all about its history, significance and theme this year

Globally, World Tourism Day is observed on September 27 every year. It has been held on September 27 each year since 1980.

 

The date, September 27, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1970.

 

This date was then chosen to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes.

 

(Photo: Pixabay)

 

World Tourism Day is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value.

 

The day also observes the contribution that the tourism sector can make towards reaching sustainable development goals.

 

In the words of the current Secretary-General of UN António Guterres, World Tourism Day is observed to recognize the power and potential of tourism to advance the prosperity and drive inclusive, sustainable development.

 

The incumbent Secretary-General of UNWTO Zurab Pololikashvili says, "By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business."

 

(Photo: Reuters)

In view of the massive social and economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNWTO has designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on 'Tourism for Inclusive Growth'. 

 

The UN has invited every individual 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.

 

(Photo: Reuters)

The timing, notably, of World Tourism Day comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere.

 

(Photo: Reuters)

According to the United Nations, tourism continues to suffer enormously due to COVID-19 and in the first five months of 2021, international tourist arrivals decreased by 95 per cent in parts of the world.

 

The forecasts also suggest a loss of over $4 trillion to global GDP by the end of 2021. 

 

(Photo: Reuters)