The United Nations (UN) Global Tourism Resilience Day (GTRD) is annually observed across the globe on 17 February to recognise the importance of fostering resilience in the tourism industry.
- GTRD observance emphasises the necessity to address and navigate shocks, considering the inherent vulnerability of the tourism sector to emergencies.
17 February 2024 marks the observance of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day.
Background:
i.On 6 February 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/269 and proclaimed the 17 February of every year as Global Tourism Resilience Day.
ii.The first-ever Global Tourism Resilience Day was observed on 17 February 2023.
Significance:
i.GTRD urges the Member States to develop national strategies for rehabilitation post-disruptions, including collaboration through private-public cooperation and the diversification of activities and products.
ii.The UNGA extends an invitation to Member States, UN entities, international organizations, individuals, and other entities to observe the day in alignment with global, regional, and national priorities.
- It also encourages observance through educational initiatives and activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism.
Promotion of sustainable tourism:
i.The UNGA at its 77th session, mandated the Secretary-General to collaborate with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other UN entities, presenting a report on Sustainable tourism (resolution A/RES/75/229).
ii.This resolution focuses on promoting sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, for the eradication of poverty, and environmental protection.
Note: UN WTO is a specialized agency of the UN and the leading international organization in the field of tourism.
Tourism and SDGs:
i.Tourism is a cross-cutting industry that contributes to the 3 dimensions of sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ii.UN Tourism is responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism adapted towards the achievement of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs.
International Tourism in 2023:
i.According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2024:
- International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of 2019 (USD 1.5 trillion) earnings.
- Total export revenues are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion, almost 95% of 2019 (USD 1.7 trillion).
- International tourism reached 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. An estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals marked a strong recovery.
ii.Regional Highlights from 2023:
- The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome prepandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019.
- Europe achieved 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States of America (USA).
Forecasting 2024:
International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates forecasting 2% growth above 2019 levels.
- UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index: 67% positive outlook for 2024.
About United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
Secretary-General– Zurab Pololikashvili
Headquarters– Madrid, Spain
Established in– 1975
