World Tourism Day 2024: Fostering Peace Through Travel

Overview of World Tourism Day

• World Tourism Day celebrated annually on September 27th
• Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980
• Commemorates the adoption of UNWTO Statutes on September 27, 1970
• Aims to raise awareness about tourism's importance in the international community
• Highlights tourism's social, cultural, political, and economic value
• Promotes responsible and sustainable tourism practices
• Encourages global understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity

World Tourism Day 2024 Specifics

• Theme: "Tourism and Peace"
• Host Country: Georgia

Significance of Georgia as host:

• • Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia
  • Blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations
  • Rich history spanning millennia
  • Symbolizes tourism's ability to bridge different cultures

Focus on tourism's role in:

• • Bridging cultural gaps
  • Encouraging economic development
  • Fostering mutual understanding between nations

Tourism's Contribution to Peace and Development

• Breaks down barriers and strengthens global connections
• Encourages tolerance and respect for diversity through cultural experiences
• Empowers local communities by generating jobs
• Promotes sustainable practices for long-term peace and prosperity
• Contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through:
  • Quality tourism training and education
  • Investment in sustainable infrastructure
  • Acceleration of green transformation
  • Opportunities for sector decarbonization
  • Promotion of climate-resilient infrastructure
  • Investment in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship
  • Upskilling of tourism workforce

Participation and Celebration

Ways to get involved:

• • Explore local tourism attractions and landmarks
  • Practice sustainable and responsible travel
  • Participate in World Tourism Day events (conferences, workshops, cultural festivals)
  • Share travel experiences and stories on social media
• UNWTO tradition of selecting different host countries each year since 1997
• Timing coincides with the end of the northern hemisphere's tourist season and the beginning of the southern hemisphere's travel season
• Encourages global participation and recognition of tourism's impact

India's Tourism Industry Overview

• India, a diverse and multicultural country, ranks 7th globally due to its mountains and sea.
• Tourism contributes 4.6% to India's GDP and is not a priority sector.
• Forbes magazine ranked India as the 7th most beautiful country in 'The 50 Most Beautiful Countries In The World'.
• Tourism generated 5.8% of India's GDP and supported 32.1 million jobs in 2021.
• The sector is predicted to grow at 7.8% to US$400 billion by 2031.
• India is the 5th largest global travel healthcare destination, with an estimated market size of around $9 billion in 2019.
• The Ministry of Tourism designs national policies for tourism development and promotion.