New Delhi: World Tourism Day is observed every September 27 to promote the importance of making tourism accessible to everyone worldwide. The day is organised by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), a specialised agency of the United Nations. The WTO works to support local economies and promote sustainable tourism.
On World Tourism Day, the WTO emphasises ensuring that travel is accessible to all, including people with disabilities and those with low incomes. This means that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or financial situation, should have the opportunity to travel and explore the world. Every year, World Tourism Day focuses on a specific theme, and this year, it is centred around “Tourism and Peace”. Let us learn more about it.
World Tourism Day 2024: What is the theme for this year?
The search for peace is ongoing, and tourism can now play a crucial role in promoting peace and understanding between nations and cultures. Tourism can help in the reconciliation process and act as a catalyst for peace.
Additionally, tourism is closely connected to the foundations of peace, such as social justice, human rights, fair economic development, sustainable growth, and inclusive democracy with the ability to resolve conflicts without violence.
Besides being a strong economic force, tourism brings people together in non-confrontational situations. Tourism has the potential to contribute to peace in various ways, and we need to explore and assess these possibilities.
Tourism should be peace-sensitive and seen as part of a larger societal transformation toward a culture of peace, not just as a stand-alone peace strategy. Peace-sensitive tourism is aware of the economic and social forces and has a sense of social responsibility. It aims to contribute within the limits of opportunities while being aware of the power of alliances in promoting democracy, international relations, and the global system.
Moreover, tourism encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. Tourism can drive economic growth by promoting creative solutions and new business models and offering unique opportunities for young talent. Encouraging new businesses in the tourism industry can help create long-term development and support new ideas for promoting peace.
The future of tourism depends on young people. By investing in youth, offering education and training opportunities, and encouraging their active involvement in the tourism sector, we can use their potential to drive social change and promote peace. Young talent brings new ideas, creativity, and energy, which are important for tourism to keep growing and positively impacting.
World Tourism Day 2024 aims to explore the connection between tourism and peacebuilding, emphasising how travel, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace worldwide. The conference aims to gather stakeholders from different sectors and disciplines to generate innovative ideas, strategies, and collaborations to use tourism’s transformative power to build bridges, encourage dialogue, and promote peace and reconciliation.
Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27 to raise awareness about tourism’s role in the international community and its impact on global social, cultural, political, and economic values. The United Nations Designates a host country each year to celebrate World Tourism Day. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
