Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.[1] The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.
At its Twelfth Session in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country each year to act as the Organization's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. At its Fifteenth Session in Beijing, China, in October 2003, the Assembly decided the following geographic order to be followed for World Tourism Day celebrations: 2006 in Europe; 2007 in South Asia; 2008 in the Americas; 2009 in Africa and 2011 in the Middle East.
The late Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, a Nigerian national, was the one who proposed the idea of marking September 27 of every year as World Tourism Day. He was finally recognized for his contribution in 2009. The colour of World Tourism Day is Blue.
World Tourism Day's primary objective is to highlight the significance of tourism on a global scale. Apart from the economic impact that tourism brings to a country, it also plays a role in influencing the social, political and cultural environment of the countries.[2]
The primary objective of World Tourism Day is to underscore the importance of tourism on a global scale. Beyond its economic impact, tourism significantly influences the social, political, and cultural fabric of countries and regions. By celebrating this day, nations seek to emphasise that tourism isn't just about revenue; it's also about fostering connections, understanding diverse cultures and promoting sustainable practices.
Host countries and themes of the World Tourism Day
| Year | Host Country | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  Saudi Arabia
|
Tourism and Green Investments[3] |
| 2022 |  Indonesia |
«Rethinking Tourism» |
| 2021 |  Ivory Coast |
«Tourism for inclusive growth»[4] |
| 2020 |  Argentina Brazil Paraguay Uruguay Chile (Member associate) |
«Tourism and rural development»[5] |
| 2019 |  India |
«Tourism and jobs : a better future for all»[6] |
| 2018 |  Hungary |
«Tourism and the digital transformation»[7] |
| 2017 |  Qatar |
«Sustainable tourism - a tool for development»[8] |
| 2016 |  Thailand |
«Tourism for all – promoting universal accessibility»[9] |
| 2015 |  Burkina Faso |
«1 billion tourists, 1 billion opportunities»[10] |
| 2014 |  Mexico |
«Tourism and community development»[11] |
| 2013 |  Maldives |
«Tourism and water: protecting our common future»[12] |
| 2012 |  Spain |
«Tourism & sustainable energy : powering sustainable development»[13] |
| 2011 |  Egypt |
«Tourism - linking cultures» |
| 2010 |  China |
«Tourism and Biodiversity» |
| 2009 |  Ghana |
«Tourism - celebrating diversity» |
| 2008 |  Peru |
«Tourism: responding to the challenge of climate change»[14] |
| 2007 |  Sri Lanka |
«Tourism opens doors for women»[15] |
| 2006 |  Portugal |
«Tourism Enriches»[16] |
| 2005 | Qatar |
«Travel and transport: from the imaginary of Jules Verne to the reality of the 21st century» |
| 2004 |  Malaysia |
«Sport and tourism: two living forces for mutual understanding, culture and the development of societies» |
| 2003 |  Algeria |
«Tourism: a driving force for poverty alleviation, job creation and social harmony» |
| 2002 |  Costa Rica |
«Ecotourism, the key to sustainable development» |
| 2001 |  Iran |
«Tourism: a tool for peace and dialogue among civilizations» |
| 2000 |  Germany |
«Technology and nature: two challenges for tourism at the dawn of the twenty-first century» |
| 1999 | Chile |
«Tourism: preserving world heritage for the new millennium» |
| 1998 | Mexico |
«Public-private sector partnership: the key to tourism development and promotion» |
| 1997 | - |
«Tourism: a leading activity of the twenty-first century for job creation and environmental protection» |
| 1996 | - |
«Tourism: a factor of tolerance and peace» |
| 1995 | - |
«WTO: serving world tourism for twenty years» |
| 1994 | - |
«Quality staff, quality tourism» |
| 1993 | - |
«Tourism development and environmental protection: towards a lasting harmony» |
| 1992 | - |
«Tourism: a factor of growing social and economic solidarity and of encounter between people» |
| 1991 | - |
«Communication, information and education: powerlines of tourism development» |
| 1990 | - |
«Tourism: an unrecognized industry, a service to be released» |
| 1989 | - |
«The free movement of tourists creates one world» |
| 1988 | - |
«Tourism: education for all» |
| 1987 | - |
«Tourism for development» |
| 1986 | - |
«Tourism: a vital force for world peace» |
| 1985 | - |
«Youth Tourism: cultural and historical heritage for peace and friendship» |
| 1984 | - |
«Tourism for international understanding, peace and cooperation» |
| 1983 | - |
«Travel and holidays are a right but also a responsibility for all» |
| 1982 | - |
«Pride in travel: good guests and good hosts» |
| 1981 | - |
«Tourism and the quality of life» |
| 1980 | - |
«Tourism's contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and to peace and mutual understanding» |
