World Tourism Day: Celebrating the Beauty and Diversity of Our Planet

Every year, 27 September is observed as World Tourism Day. World Tourism Day is observed to promote international awareness about the crucial role tourism plays in the economy. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), "business volume of world tourism is equal to or more than that of oil exports, etc. Tourism is one of the major economic activities in the world and is also a main source of income for many developing countries."

Background to the World Tourism Day 

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, in its third session held at Torremolinos, Spain, in September 1979, decided to observe 27 September as World Tourism Day. 

On 27 September 1970, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation statutes were adopted in 1970, which led to the establishment of the UNWTO in 1975.

The first World Tourism Day was observed in 1980. 2023 World Tourism Day is the 43rd edition of the World Tourism Day.

The theme of the World Tourism Day 2023 

The theme of the World Tourism Day 2023 is Tourism and Green Investment.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2023, the UNWTO is organising a two-day conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

United Nations World Tourism Organisation  

It is a United Nations agency which was set up in 1975. 

It was set up to promote responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, including maritime, coastal and inland water tourism.

Members: 159 countries, 6 Associate Members.

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain

Secretary General of UNWTO: Zurab Pololikashvili ( citizen of Georgia)