World Tourism Day

  World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.

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(Part 2) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session.

(Part 2) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session

The high-level thematic event on tourism aims to advance a concerted approach on strengthening tourism resilience at the highest level and m

Thematic debate 1 –Launch of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism  

Thematic debate 2 – Fostering Resilient Tourism to facilitate and ensure global sustainability

Closing segment

As one of the largest sectors in the world, tourism is a major driver of economic growth, and social and cultural development, as well as an important contributor of decent job creation and entrepreneurship for all. While tourism is explicitly included in targets under SDGs 8, 12, and 14, as one of the world's largest economic sectors, it can significantly contribute to fulfilling all 17 Goals. The meeting will be open to the United Nations system, ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders. 

The high-level thematic event on tourism aims to advance a concerted approach on strengthening tourism resilience at the highest level and maximizing its contribution to the sustainability agenda. The event offers Member States, Observers, civil society, UN System and other stakeholders a platform to discuss strategies, share best practices and experiences to promote sustainable and resilient tourism and its contribution to achieving SDGs.    

Watch (Part 2) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session!

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(Part 1) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session.

The high-level thematic event on tourism aims to advance a concerted approach on strengthening tourism resilience at the highest level and maximizing its contribution to the sustainability agenda. The event offers Member States, Observers, civil society, UN System and other stakeholders a platform to discuss strategies, share best practices and experiences to promote sustainable and resilient tourism and its contribution to achieving SDGs.    

Watch (Part 1) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session!

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Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective.

Tourism has high potential to stimulate economic growth and social change in rural areas because it contributes to local economies, support other products value chains, distributes benefits across both seasonal and geographic grounds, and promotes the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. Through the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme, the Organization seeks to enhance these and other opportunities that tourism can bring to rural areas. To devise adequate actions and develop impactful initiatives, it is essential to have solid knowledge and data to help support and monitor the evolution of this important agenda.

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Learn how countries are supporting the SDG Agenda through rural tourism - Rural tourism and the SDGs.

Among 79 countries responding to the first survey of UNWTO member states on tourism and rural development, conducted in 2023, five SDGs emerged as the most popular when planning for or implementing rural tourism activities: SDG 8 ‘Decent work and economic growth’ is the most significant SDG for rural tourism, followed by SDG 1 ‘No poverty’, SDG 11 ‘Sustainable cities and communities’; SDG 5 ‘Gender equality’ and SDG 12 Responsible production and consumption.

At a policy level, tourism can serve as a powerful driver for achieving SDGs in rural areas.

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Emphasize investments for a Sustainable Future.

World Tourism Day 2023 to Emphasize Investments for a Sustainable Future

The stage is set for World Tourism Day 2023, with the global sector to come together around them theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

The stage is set for World Tourism Day 2023, with the global sector to come together around them theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

In what is set to be the biggest celebration to date, the official celebrations will be held of 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At UNWTO's Member States will mark the occasion in every region through a range of special events and programmes.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism's ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable."

Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies

- Tourism and Green Investments -

On World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO will place the emphasis on Tourism and Green Investments. The day will focus on the importance of:

Investment for People (by investing in education and skills),

For Planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation)

For Prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship). 

In Riyadh, UNWTO will present its Global Tourism Investment Framework and hold a series of high-level panels focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in tourism. The official World Tourism Day celebrations will also see the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East announced.

- From Riyadh to the World -

World Tourism Day is set to be the biggest celebration so far. UNWTO will welcome representatives from more than 100 of its Member States, including more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. Joining them will be high-level representatives from tourism's private sector, both from the Middle East region and globally.

- World Tourism Day -

The first World Tourism Day was held in 1980. As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector's vital role in advancing peace and prosperity and UNWTO's global regions take turns in hosting the official celebrations, always around a timely and relevant theme.  

The date of 27 September marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that became UNWTO were signed.

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Agenda programme of the World Tourism Day 2023.

 27 - 28 September | Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

For World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

World Tourism Day 2023: Tourism and Green Investments

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Promote tourism through traditional and innovative investments services for the development of a competitive and sustainable economic growth.

OBJECTIVE i - Enhance access to finance and investments by connecting key tourism stakeholders into a high level global network.

OBJECTIVE II - Promote investments that boost economic growth, job creation and sustainability in tourism to public and private capital sources.

OBJECTIVE III -Develop sustainable investment mechanisms by partnering with key stakeholders to mobilize resources with a positive impact on tourism.

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Highlight the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity.

For World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity. World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to unite everyone around a new tourism investment strategy.

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Investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.

Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.  

Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism. And many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis.

On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet.

Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices. Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations.

Targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems.   

So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.  

United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres on World Tourism Day 2023.

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We need investments that can empower tourism to build a better and fairer future for all.

Dear Friends,

It is a true pleasure to greet you on this World Tourism Day.

This is a chance to reflect on the importance of our sector.

Tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives.

And it offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges – including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.

The power of tourism is enormous. But it is not a force that can be taken for granted.

Instead, it must be supported, above all with investment.

This World Tourism Day we recognize the theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

The theme could not be more timely.

2023 was the hottest year on record. And extreme weather events like heat waves could become the new normal.   

Tourism needs to adapt. For this, we need to rethink how our sector is financed.

We need to make it easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with the potential to make a difference.

Looking further ahead, we need investments that can empower tourism to build a better and fairer future for all.

Once again, I wish you all a peaceful and inspiring World Tourism Day.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.

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Celebrate World Tourism Day joining the photo filter campaign.

Steps

Choose the picture that best reflects tourism for sustainable development

Open the Editable WTD photo filter available in EN, ES, FR, AR, CH: ‌

Upload your image

Paste your picture on the template

(Get ready because it's coming!)

Click "Download" on the right-hand side of your design

MAKE IT TRAVEL ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS!

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Join us as we celebrate the power of tourism in fostering cultural understanding, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Promote tourism through traditional and innovative investments services for the development of a competitive and sustainable economic growth.

World Tourism Day 2023 | “Tourism and Green Investment”

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Investments in tourism is vital for accelerating climate ambitions.

Tourism is not just a victim of global warming – it also contributes to the problem. Tourism alone is responsible for 8% of the world's carbon emissions. As more and more people travel each year, this footprint is only growing. When we travel, carbon emissions are generated throughout our trips.

We’re thrilled to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Join us 27 September to unlock the power of green investments with us – for people, planet and prosperity.

World Tourism Day 2023 | “Tourism and Green Investment”

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Investing in tourism is a sure bet.

Join us as we celebrate the power of tourism in fostering cultural understanding, economic growth, and sustainable development.

World Tourism Day 2023 | “Tourism and Green Investment”.

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Investing in sustainable tourism means inveting in the future.

The Subtheme for World Tourism Day 2023 is "Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity.";Together, we put people first, nurture our planet, and foster prosperity through responsible tourism.

September 27th

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A new tourism investment strategy is underway.

Quick recap on this year’s World Tourism Day theme – “Tourism and Green Investments”. They are financial mechanisms that make it work for:

People

Planet

Prosperity

Learn how you can unlock them.

World Tourism Day 2023 | “Tourism and Green Investment”

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Between January 2023 and May 2023, a total of 55 foreign direct investments tourism projects were recorded globally.

This World Tourism Day 2023, let's pave the way for a more sustainable future!

That’s why we dedicated the day to green investments.

Shape a better by making room for eco-friendly infrastructure, renewable energy and community-driven initiatives

World Tourism Day 2023 | “Tourism and Green Investment”