World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, 2024, is an occasion to recognize the significance of travel and tourism. This day highlights how tourism bridges diverse cultures and supports local economies. Events and activities held globally on this day aim to highlight the benefits of tourism while promoting responsible travel. By participating in World Tourism Day 2024, we gain a deeper appreciation of how travel supports jobs, businesses, and cultural exchange (Rakshitha, 2024). It’s an excellent opportunity to discover the positive impact of tourism and its role in uniting people globally. In addition, the day emphasizes how tourism contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (UN Tourism, n.d.). The organization has 160 Member States and over 500 Affiliate Members and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain (UN Tourism, n.d.). They are focused on product development that includes Rural and Urban Tourism, Gastronomy and Wine Tourism, Mountain, Sports and Shopping Tourism and provide resources to support accessibility for visitors with disabilities so they can access tourism facilities, products, and services which is a central part of any responsible and sustainable tourism policy (UN Tourism, n.d.).

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is committed to fostering knowledge, education, and capacity building by assisting countries in assessing and addressing their educational and training needs and facilitating networks for knowledge exchange (UN Tourism, n.d.). The organization works to enhance the competitiveness of its members by generating and sharing knowledge, and promoting excellence in various aspects of tourism, including statistics, market trends, sustainability, marketing, product expansion, and crisis management.

In 2024, the theme, “Tourism and Peace,” underscores the critical role that tourism plays in promoting global harmony and cultural exchange (Gerald, 2024). The official event will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia, with a focus on how tourism can aid in peacebuilding, especially in regions affected by conflict. Alongside the main event, organizations and regions worldwide will host activities that highlight the connections between tourism, justice, sustainability, and cultural heritage. For instance, the Center for Responsible Travel will host a forum in Atlanta, Georgia, exploring the impact of responsible tourism on peace and justice.

To learn more about UN Tourism, their focus and resources, check out their website. Additionally,  if you are interested in Purdue Global’s Hospitality Sustainability Concentration check out the course offerings.  

Authors:

Julie Dort & Mimi Gough

References: 

Gerald, K. (2024, August 22). World tourism day- 27th September 2024: UNESCO Body & Mind Wellness Club. UNESCO Body & Mind Wellness Club | Healthy & Self-Aware Individuals for the World Peace. 

https://unescobmw.org/2024/08/22/world-tourism-day-27th-september-2024/

Rakshitha. (2024, August 28). World Tourism Day 2024: Celebrating global travel. 

VEDANTU.https://www.vedantu.com/blog/world-tourism-day

UN Tourism: Bringing the world closer. World Tourism Day - 2024 | Tourism and Peace. 

(n.d.).https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2024 

Here is a very short list of locations where you may see more about Travel.

Travel Pulse - https://www.travelpulse.com/news

Travel Weekly - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News 

Cruise Industry News - https://cruiseindustrynews.com/