World Tourism Day Celebrates the Power of Travel

Sept. 27 is World Tourism Day, acknowledging and celebrating the power of travel and tourism to change lives.

That includes the potential to foster global understanding and promote peace.

Which is why the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has named this year’s theme: “Tourism and Peace”.

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of tourism in bridging cultural divides.

Windstar Cruises ship with mountain behind_ecoxplorer — Photo: Windstar Cruises

“Tourism plays a critical role in promoting dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding,” said WCTE in their World Tourism Day statement.

As international tourism continues its post-COVID recovery, the UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer reported that global tourism has reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of July 2024.

Approximately 790 million tourists have already traveled internationally in the first seven months of this year, reflecting a strong rebound despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.

While international arrivals are expected to fully recover in 2024, the UNWTO stresses the need for sustainable tourism practices that respect local communities and foster peace.

Tourism’s Global Impact and Local Backlash

Despite tourism’s rapid recovery, not all are welcoming it with open arms. Anti-tourism protests have flared in popular European destinations.

InBarcelona, demonstrators have voiced frustration over overtourism, with the city even planning to phase out holiday apartments.

Similarly, the Balearic Islands have witnessed protests against the negative impacts of mass tourism.

In Venice, authorities are addressing overtourism by implementing a tourist tax, while Amsterdam is curbing river cruises and limiting new hotel constructions. These measures signal the growing need for sustainable tourism planning to balance economic benefits with the well-being of local communities.

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, it’s a reminder to embrace responsible and sustainable travel that promotes both global peace and local prosperity.

Tourism has the power to unite cultures, but it must be managed thoughtfully to benefit both the environment and the communities it touches.

Thanks to the travel trade publication Travel and Tour World for sharing the UNTWO press release with ecoXplorer.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.