World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day: Celebrating the Power of Travel

World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, is a global celebration established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980. It aims to highlight tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic impact while promoting sustainable and inclusive travel.

Quick Facts

When is it? September 27
Tagged as: A day to celebrate tourism’s role in global development
What’s the hashtag? #WorldTourismDay
When was it founded? 1980
Who founded it? United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

History of World Tourism Day

The idea of World Tourism Day was proposed by Nigerian national Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi and officially adopted in 1979 during a UNWTO General Assembly in Spain. The first celebration took place in 1980, marking the anniversary of the UNWTO statutes’ adoption on September 27, 1970. This date was chosen as it aligns with the end of the high tourist season in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of the season in the Southern Hemisphere.

Timeline

1970: UNWTO Statutes adopted.
1979: Proposal for World Tourism Day approved.
1980: First official celebration.
1997: Host country rotation system introduced.
2009: Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi recognized for his contribution.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 27	Saturday
2026	September 27	Sunday
2027	September 27	Monday
2028	September 27	Wednesday
2029	September 27	Thursday
2030	September 27	Friday

Observed

World Tourism Day is observed globally with various activities such as cultural events, conferences, eco-tourism campaigns, and clean-up drives. Each year focuses on a unique theme to address emerging challenges or opportunities in tourism.

Fun Facts About World Tourism Day

The tourism industry contributes approximately 10% of global GDP.
France is the most visited country, attracting over 90 million tourists annually.
The least visited destination is Tuvalu, welcoming only around 2,000 visitors per year.

Quiz

When was World Tourism Day first celebrated?

A) 1979
B) 1980
C) 1985
(Answer: B)

Which country proposed the idea for World Tourism Day?

A) India
B) Nigeria
C) Spain
(Answer: B)

What is the theme for World Tourism Day 2024?

A) Sustainable Tourism
B) Tourism and Peace
C) Digital Transformation
(Answer: B)

FAQs

Why is World Tourism Day important?
It raises awareness about tourism’s role in economic growth, cultural exchange, and global peace.
How can I celebrate this day?
Explore local attractions, participate in eco-tourism initiatives, or share your travel experiences online using #WorldTourismDay.
What are some key themes from past years?
Themes have included “Sustainable Energy,” “Digital Transformation,” and “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.”