The United Nations (UN)’s World Tourism Day (WTD) is annually observed across the globe on 27 September to raise awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
- The WTD was initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
- 27th September 2022 marks the observance of the 42nd World Tourism Day.
- Host Country of WTD 2022: Indonesia
The theme of World Tourism Day for 2022 is ‘Rethinking Tourism’.
Background:
i. WTD was established during the 3rd session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Torremolinos, Spain, in September 1979.
ii. The 1st ever World Tourism Day was observed on 27 September 1980.
Why September 27?
The date ‘September 27’ marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.
Celebration of WTD 2022:
i. The host country for the 42nd Edition of World Tourism Day 2022 is Indonesia and the official celebration of WTD 2022 is celebrated in Bali, Indonesia.
ii. The World Tourism Day 2022 is held on 26 – 28 September 2022 at the Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.
iii. The year 2022 is expected to witness the rebuilding of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, while tourism got hit hard by the pandemic.
Note:
- In 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country annually to act as the Organization’s partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day.
- In 2019, India is the host country for World Tourism Day 2019.
Impact assessment of COVID-19 on tourism:
i. Tourism is one of the most affected sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting economies, livelihoods, public services and opportunities on all continents.
ii. The impact of the pandemic on tourism resulted in USD 4.5 trillion loss to the global economy.
iii. The enormous economic and social impacts put 100 million direct tourism jobs at risk.
Glasgow Declaration:
i. The UNWTO-led Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has seen a surge of signatures, demonstrating how destinations and companies are proactive in adjusting to meet challenges and obligations.
- The Glasgow Declaration was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26.
ii. Glasgow Declaration is a voluntary commitment to accelerate climate action in tourism and to secure strong commitments to supporting the global goals to divide emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
- Over 450 organizations have become signatories of this declaration.
About the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO):
Secretary-General– Zurab Pololikashvili
Headquarters– Madrid, Spain
Establishment– 1946
Members– 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members.
