WORLD TOURISM DAY activities

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.”

                                                                                - Saint Augustine

World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27. The day was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic impact. The first World Tourism Day was celebrated in 1980.

Every year, World Tourism Day has a specific theme that addresses relevant issues of the tourism industry. These themes aim to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices and encourage its positive contribution to various aspects of society. Some of the previous themes are 'Tourism for All', 'Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development', 'Tourism and the Digital Transformation', etc.

The theme for 2023 is 'Tourism and Green Investment'. 2023 is also being observed as the 43rd anniversary of World Tourism Day.

To celebrate the occasion, various events and activities are organised worldwide including seminars, conferences, exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programmes related to tourism. It is a day for governments, organisations, businesses and individuals to come together to discuss and promote tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner, one that respects the environment, preserves cultural heritage and benefits local communities.

The tourism industry plays a significant role in the economy and cultural exchanges of many countries. It is a major economic driver, providing employment, income, foreign exchange earnings, and economic growth. It is a massive global industry that contributes significantly to GDP worldwide. This day seeks to emphasise the economic significance of the tourism industry and its potential for poverty reduction. Tourism promotes cross-cultural understanding and fosters cultural exchange. It also helps preserve and showcase cultural heritage and traditions.

The students of The Indian School – Second Shift of classes 5 to 9 observed World Tourism Day by engaging in various activities. Students of classes 5 and 6 made posters and painted their impressions of the world, depicting one place each where they wish to travel. The students of class 7 made travelogues, sharing their experiences of their travel expeditions. Students of classes 8 and 9 shared, via classroom discussions, their opinions about television advertisements on tourism, their own aspirations to travel and cover several parts of the globe, understand diverse cultures and witness the beauty of Mother Earth. They also learnt about the economic importance of tourism for a developing country like India.

A dedicated interactive session was conducted for classes 8 and 9, where the students were intriduced to how World Tourism Day aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Travelling expands one's horizons and provides an exposure to the marvels of the world. While the students enjoyed showcasing their creative skills and discussing about their dream travel plans, the observance of World Tourism Day served as a platform to recognise the multifaceted importance of tourism on a global scale.