It’s September 27 and you’re wondering why everyone is posting about their travels and promoting sustainable traveling. Is it a trend? Yes and No.
So…
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980 declared September 27 as World Tourism Day (also called World Travel Day) to highlight the importance of travel in “bridging cultures” and to “generate new opportunities and promote sustainable development” (UNWTO). It is like Christmas for travel influencers but with much less wrapping paper and many more plane tickets.
It’s a day that highlights not only the fun of travel but also the incredible benefits tourism brings to communities, cultures, and even the environment. For the sake of World Tourism Day 2024, let us dive into some of the main aspects of travel and tourism and what they mean to you, dearest reader, today!
Eat, Pray, Understand: How Tourism Breaks Down Borders
World Tourism Day doesn’t just offer a chance to snap a selfie at the Eiffel Tower or explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. It’s a passport to global peace. When people travel, they get the chance to step into someone else’s shoes—sometimes literally, like when you’re invited to try on a pair of traditional wooden clogs in the Netherlands! But on a deeper level, travel fosters empathy by allowing us to experience different ways of life.
📆The theme for World Tourism Day 2024, is “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting the role of travel in fostering understanding and cooperation among cultures.
⛵For instance, The “Peace Boat” is a Japanese-based non-profit organization that sends a ship on global voyages to promote peace, human rights, and sustainability. Since 1983, the Peace Boat has fostered dialogue among travelers from nations that were once adversaries, contributing to reconciliation and a deeper understanding of different cultures. World Travel Day is now more than ever about reconciliation.
Savor the Flavor: Tasting the World, One Trip at a Time
Postcards from your plate, now that’s the real deal. We’re looking at Culinary Tourism, the branch in International Tourism that is rising steadily thanks to those travelers who take exploration seriously. World Tourism Day is also about getting your hands dirty and digging into delicious, local eats that are packed with history, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re chowing down on spicy street food in Bangkok or savoring artisanal cheeses in France, or picking tea leaves in Sri Lanka, World Travel Day celebrates culinary tourism as a fantastic way to keep traditional foods and the farming practices behind them alive.
What’s amazing is how food tourism is helping protect endangered cuisines. Imagine traveling to the highlands of Peru to taste ancient quinoa varieties that have been cultivated for thousands of years. Without tourism, these agricultural gems might be lost to time, replaced by global food giants.
🗺️Just FYI, activities for World Tourism Day also include indulging in locally sourced materials for your next trip instead of leaning towards brand names.
🍝In Italy, the Slow Food movement began as a response to the rapid rise of fast food. It now boasts thousands of members across the globe, encouraging tourists to seek out farm-to-table experiences and support local food producers. On this World Tourism Day, why don’t you add this to your Bucket List?
🍄🟫Fun Fact: According to a study by the World Food Travel Association, 93% of travelers say they engage in some form of unique food experience when traveling. That’s a lot of stomachs filled with cultural knowledge!
Business Casual Meets Beachwear: Remote Work’s Travel Revolution
Once upon a time, tourism was mostly about holidays—a week or two to unplug from work and relax. But thanks to the pandemic remote work revolution, people are now packing their laptops along with their sunscreen, working from anywhere with a decent Wi-Fi connection. This has drastically shifted tourism patterns.
Enter the “digital nomad,” who doesn’t just visit a destination but lives there, contributing to the local economy for months rather than days. Small towns that were previously overlooked by mainstream tourism are now hotspots for remote workers. Workations are on steady rise, World Tourism Day has gotten a whole new spin!
💻🏖️Some fun facts
- Madeira, Portugal has launched “Digital Nomad Village” to promote travel ( Tourism being more than 29% of the island’s GDP)
- A 2021 study revealed that 70% of employees worldwide want to continue working remotely at least part-time
- Gen Z, the rising % of travelers prefer remote work to 9-5 office.
- According to a report by Airbnb, bookings for long-term stays (28 days or more) increased by 24% in 2021
She.E.O. on the Rise: Rural Women Turning into Entrepreneurs
Take the example of homestays in India’s Himachal region. Women-run guesthouses have sprung up in villages, offering travelers an authentic experience of local life. These women, who were once confined to domestic roles, now manage their own businesses, earning incomes that allow them to contribute to their families and communities. World Tourism Day celebrations, in this way, toast to the rise of equality!
In Morocco, the Women’s Cooperative of Argan Oil is a fantastic example of how tourism can empower women. The cooperative not only preserves the traditional method of producing argan oil but also provides local women with financial independence, healthcare, and education.
💚Also, it doesn’t hurt that women in business are a huge green flag for the country’s overall growth, apart from, obviously, making solo female travel feel safer.
“Protecting the Planet, Healing Our Own Damage”
Taking Marina’s Words to Heart
The song has a groove and a lesson for us all. World Travel Day is here to uplift Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism as more than just buzzwords and hashtags. Let’s not forget that our planet is under attack from us. But also that we can reverse the damage just by looking where we step. The revolution of Ecotourism is all about fueling wanderlust while simultaneously preserving our planet.
🌳Did you know that ecotourism can contribute to local economies by generating 14 times more revenue than traditional tourism? Countries like Costa Rica have mastered the art of eco-tourism, attracting over 3 million visitors a year who seek out lush rainforests and sustainable lodges, proving that Mother Nature can be a great business partner! In fact, a study found that 75% of travelers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly accommodations. This World Travel Day, make your mark, then recycle it.
Get Out – Get Social, and travel like the world depends on it- because it does!
So, as we celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, let’s remember that travel is more than just posting envy-inducing pics on Instagram (although we all love a good sunset shot). It’s about the connections we forge, the flavors we savor, and the cultures we embrace. So, let’s raise our reusable glasses to the digital nomads, the female entrepreneurs, and all the curious souls out there who are making the world a better place—one adventure at a time!
What is the theme of World Tourism Day in 2024?
The theme for World Tourism Day in 2024 is "Tourism and Peace", which highlights the role of travel in fostering understanding and cooperation among cultures. It also puts emphasis on sustainable travel and global development.
What is the Colour of World Tourism Day?
The official color of World Tourism Day is blue. This color symbolizes the ocean, sky, and the vastness of the world, reflecting the travel and adventure that tourism encompasses.