Celebrated each year on 27 September, the purpose of World Tourism Day is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
World Tourism Day 2015 is being held under the theme “One billion tourists – one billion opportunities”.
“Tourism carries significant potential for sustainable development. As one of the leading sectors in employment, tourism provides significant opportunities for survival, helping alleviate poverty and initiate an inclusive development.
Given the fact that tourism has to do with contacts among people from different countries, this sector can encourage multicultural understanding and awareness of the need to preserve cultural and natural heritage.
As the world prepares to adopt a new program for sustainable development, it is necessary to recognize the possibility of tourism for job creation, promotion of local culture and products.
Let us work together to maximize the immense potential of tourism to drive inclusive economic growth, protect the environment and promote sustainable development and a life of dignity for all,” said the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon.
The Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations Taleb Rifai said that this year’s World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative potential of one billion tourists.
“Today, more than one billion tourists travel to an international destination every year. These billion tourists have made tourism a leading economic sector, contributing 10% of global GDP, and 6% of the world’s total exports.
Yet these big numbers represent more than just economic strength – they reflect e tourism’s vast potential and increasing capacity to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including socio-economic growth, inclusive development and environmental preservation.
As a sector behind as many as one in eleven jobs worldwide, tourism is a valuable source of livelihood for millions of people. Built around the millions of cross-cultural encounters happening every day in different corners of the world, tourism is also a gateway to greater understanding of the world beyond our borders, the first step in building peace between communities and nations.
Tourism is more than just about reaching a destination – tourism has a global reach. Every time we travel, we become part of a global movement that has the power to drive positive change for our planet and all people.
This 27th of September, let us celebrate the value of the “One Billion Tourists” and work together in making tourism a true instrument of opportunity and inclusion. Let us all turn the power of one billion into a genuine force for good”, said Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations Taleb Rifai.
In Serbia, World Tourism Day will be marked by hosting the annual tourism awards ceremonies – the “Tourism Flower” and the “European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN)”. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Palace of Serbia, on September 26, at 12 PM.
