World Tourism Day on September 27 will ask important questions about where tourism is going and how we will get there.

Tourism’s International Observance Day is aiming to inspire debates around development of the industry through education and jobs, impact on the planet and opportunities to grow more sustainably. The discussions are also set to put people at the centre of key discussions.

Tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors. It employs one in every ten people on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more.International tourist arrivals at the start of 2022 were double the level recorded in 2021. In some regions, arrivals have reached and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The lifting of the remaining travel restrictions, alongside rising consumer confidence, will be important drivers for the sector’s recovery, bringing hope and opportunity to many millions of people around the world.

Tourism "crucial pillar for development"

Tourism is recognised by the United National as a crucial pillar for development. May 2022 marked the first time the United Nations General Assembly held a special debate on tourism, illustrating the historic relevance of the sector and progress within it. Tourism is now on the agenda of governments and of international organisations in every global region.

At the same time, destinations and businesses are proactively adapting to meet challenges and responsibilities, as illustrated by the wave of signatories to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, spearheaded by UN World Tourism Organization. The Glasgow Declaration accelerates climate action in tourism and to secure strong commitments to support the global goals to halve emissions over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. As yet, more than 450 organisations have become signatories of this declaration.

How is your business marking World Tourism Day? Let us know @onlinetraveltraining