World Tourism Day

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27 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. 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. Biodiversity is a key tourism asset and fundamental to its sustained growth. Intact and healthy ecosystems form the cornerstone of thousands of tourist enterprises and products worldwide, attracting hundreds of millions of tourists each year. As a leading economic activity, sustainable tourism has an important role and responsibility in managing and conserving biological natural resources. As a key source of income and employment, tourism often provides strong incentives to protect biodiversity. Sustainable tourism can furthermore generate significant revenues for conservation and community development and help to raise awareness of biodiversity issues.

The theme Tourism and Biodiversity is particularly pertinent in 2010. Concerned by the continued loss of biological diversity, the United Nations Assembly declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity.

The international theme for World Tourism Day

2023: “Tourism and Green Investment”.

2022: “Rethinking Tourism: From Crisis to Transformation”.

2021: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.

2020: “Tourism and Rural Development”.

2019: “ Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all ”.

2018: “ Tourism and Cultural Protection ”.

2017: “ Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development ”.

2016: “ Tourism for all - promoting universal accessibility ”.

2015: “Millions of tourists, millions of opportunities”.

2014: “Tourism and Community Development”.

2013: “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future”.

2012: “Tourism and Energetic Sustainability”.

2011: Tourism linking cultures

2010: Tourism & Biodiversity

2009: Tourism - Celebrating Diversity

2008: Tourism responding to the Challenge of Climate Change and global warming

2007: Tourism opens doors for women

2006: Tourism Enriches

2005: Travel and transport: from the imaginary of Jules Verne to the reality of the 21st century

2004: Sport and tourism: two living forces for mutual understanding, culture and the development of societies

2003: Tourism: a driving force for poverty alleviation, job creation and social harmony

2002: Ecotourism, the key to sustainable development

2001: Tourism: a toll for peace and dialogue among civilizations

2000: Technology and nature: two challenges for tourism at the dawn of the twenty-first century

1999: Tourism: preserving world heritage for the new millennium

1998: 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