Peace and prosperity are the central themes of the United Nations’ (UN) World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on Sept. 27, a senior UN official said. After referencing many conflicts around the world, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in Madrid, said that what unites the “global tourist family” is its “shared humanity,” emphasizing that tourism is “the most humane sector, where every journey leads to a connection.”
“Tourism brings the world together and closer, tourism builds trust and respect, it lays the foundations for cooperation, and it drives inclusive growth and prosperity and safeguards against conflict,” said Pololikashvili in a video message. Inaugurated by the UN in 1980, World Tourism Day aims to raise awareness of the positive role tourism can play in fostering understanding and peace among different cultures.
This year’s official celebrations are taking place in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, on Sept. 27, featuring a series of discussions on topics such as “Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Peace,” “Building Bridges Through Tourism,” and “Tourism as a Driver of Global Peace.” Meanwhile, cultural shows, educational programs, and workshops promoting tourism will be held around the world.
Message For World Tourism Day: “Tourism and Peace”
“Tourism brings people together. On this World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace. Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies.
By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence. Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.”
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General – Image: UNWTO
“At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveller can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all. As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote mutual respect among cultures and nations. Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.”
“This Friday we celebrate World Tourism Day, and with the theme of “Tourism and Peace”, this highlights the opportunity within the tourism industry to invest in preserving cultural and natural heritage, and engage respectfully with the Traditional Custodians of this land. We are seeing Indigenous, accessible and sustainable tourism become more important to our sector and consumers, and this years’ focus underscores the need to build the foundations in this space for long-term growth.”
Tourism Australia
“On Sept. 27 we celebrate World Tourism Day, and with the theme of “Tourism and Peace”, this highlights the opportunity within the tourism industry to invest in preserving cultural and natural heritage, and engage respectfully with the Traditional Custodians of this land,” underscored the national Australian Tourism Organisation Tourism Australia.
“We are seeing indigenous, accessible and sustainable tourism become more important to our sector and consumers, and this years’ focus underscores the need to build the foundations in this space for long-term growth”.
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
“As we join the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day 2024 under the theme of “Tourism and Peace,” the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) reaffirms its commitment to harnessing the transformative power of tourism as a force for peace, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability across our beautiful region,” according to Adela Issachar Aru, SPTO Chairperson in Vanuatu.
“This year, we draw inspiration from the profound connections between sustainable tourism and peacebuilding, recognising that in the Pacific, peace is more than just an aspiration—it is a way of life. The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) reminds us that peace is deeply woven into the fabric of our cultures, our relationships with the land, and the way we share our heritage with the world. In embracing these values, tourism serves as a bridge, fostering mutual understanding and unity between local communities and visitors.”
“On this World Tourism Day, let us celebrate tourism’s ability to transform lives and build bridges. By traveling responsibly and engaging respectfully with local populations, tourism can nurture peace, reduce tensions, and create inclusive economic opportunities that benefit all. The Pacific, with its vast natural beauty and cultural wealth, demonstrates how sustainable tourism can drive prosperity, environmental stewardship, and peaceful development.”
“Together, we can ensure that tourism continues to be a driver of peace and positive change. At SPTO, we are committed to working with our member nations to advance this vision for the future. By valuing and preserving our shared cultural and natural heritage, we can harness the true potential of tourism to foster peace, prosperity, and unity for generations to come.”
(NN/UNWTO/TA/SPTO – 27-09-24)
