Tourism for Inclusive Growth
The human desire to travel and explore is universal, which is why tourism must be open for everyone to enjoy.
Zuram Pololikashvili
Secretary-General, UNWTO
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) statutes were adopted on September 27, 1970, and paved the way for the establishment of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). World tourism day is celebrated on September 27 to mark the occasion since 1980. As Don Eldon said, “The journey is the destination”. It is the desire of human beings to explore and be away from their regular routine that sows the seed for tourism. Tourism creates jobs, promotes local culture. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. As the UN says, it is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact, left no country untouched, poor, and marginalised groups and the most vulnerable. Restarting tourism would go a long way in kickstarting the recovery.
According to the UN, one in every ten people on earth is employed in Tourism Industry. For some of the countries, tourism contributes to one-fifth of their GDP. During the COVID pandemic, 90 per cent of world heritage sites were closed, and people who were dependent on tourism for their livelihoods were left unemployed. World Tourism Day aims to highlight the importance the tourism sector plays in our lives and focus on inclusive growth in the industry. The tourism industry is going through a change too, with new trends emerging in the way people travel and visit.
India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. With multicultural experiences and a rich heritage accompanied by beautiful attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. India has 38 World Heritage sites recognised by UNESCO, with Jaipur being the latest entry into the list. In fact, everything you look for the world over, you would find in India. Be it the snow in the Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh region, the majestic Ganga, or the south’s beaches. You think of it, you would find them in India. The cultural, spiritual, and diverse traditions one lifetime would not be sufficient to explore. People from the world over visit India to revere the majesty of this great nation. India celebrates National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 every year. It is observed to encourage tourism and bring awareness about the essential role tourism plays in its growth.
On World Tourism Day, we recognise the power and potential of tourism to advance prosperity and drive inclusive, sustainable development.
António Guterres
UN secretary general
Yes, there is so much to see, enjoy and learn. As Samuel Johnson said, travelling is to realise. Tourism can be very motivating too. When you are down and trying to solve a complex problem visiting heritage sites like Mamallapuram could be inspiring. When our ancestors could do that many years ago, sure we can do it now. As Samuel Johnson said, travelling is to realise. Yes, there is so much to see, enjoy and learn.
Toons: Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Sai Baba
