World Tourism Day (Sept. 27) Highlights Need To Embrace Sustainable Tourism Practices And Striving For Peace

The World Tourism Day 2024 aims to explore the intersection of tourism and peace-building, highlighting how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and promotion of world peace.

The pursuit of peace is a continuing endeavour, and progress through tourism is more relevant than ever before. Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Moreover, tourism is clearly linked to the building blocks of peace- such as social justice, human rights, economic equity, sustainable development and broad-based democracy with the capability of non-violent conflict resolution.

Tourism’s biggest strength, besides being an economic powerhouse, is that it brings people together in non-adversarial circumstances.

It has the potential to contribute to peace in many ways and this is something that needs to be appropriately explored and assessed.

Tourism as an instrument for peace needs to be sensitive and needs to be understood from both– the suppliers and consumer side- not as an isolated peace strategy, but as part of social transformation towards a culture

of peace.

A peace-sensitive tourism is aware of the economic and social forces and thus social responsibility. It aims to contribute within the limits of the opportunities but is aware of the power of alliances to the democratisation of society, of international relations and, as such, of the world system. Moreover, tourism provides a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging creative solutions and new business models, tourism can drive economic growth and provide unique opportunities for young talent. Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism can lead to sustainable development and create platforms for innovative peace building strategies. On that count, its future is in the hands of young people. By investing in youth and encouraging their active participation in the sector, we can harness their potential to drive social change and promote peace.

Young talent brings fresh perspectives, new-wave creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism

as a force.

The World Tourism Day 2024 aims to explore the intersection of tourism and peace-building, highlighting how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and promotion of world peace. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines, the conference aims to generate innovative ideas, strategies, and collaborations to harness the transformative power of tourism in building bridges, fostering dialogue and promoting peace and reconciliation.

World Tourism Day was initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980 to underscore the significance of tourism as a key player in global economic

advancement.

The date, September 27, was selected to commemorate the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970, marking a pivotal moment in acknowledging tourism's influence worldwide. The purpose of this day is to annually highlight the social, cultural, political and economic contributions of tourism. It also aims to emphasise its role in promoting international collaboration, peace, and exchange of cultures among diverse populations. The theme for 2024 is ‘Tourism and Green Investments’. It focuses on the importance of practising sustainable tourism. The goal is to encourage investments in environmentally friendly infrastructure and renewable energy within the tourism industry. The theme is relevant and indicates the need for actions that protect the environment and address climate change.

It underscores the importance of cooperation needed between governments, businesses and communities to promote responsible tourism. The theme supports efforts to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to protecting the environment and using resources wisely. The aim is to ensure that tourism benefits, both the present and future generations by adopting eco-friendly practices. Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, generating jobs, foreign income, and regional development. It promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and helping to bridge connections between people from various backgrounds. By emphasizing sustainable tourism, World Tourism Day draws attention to the need for preserving natural and cultural resources for the future. The day raises awareness about the challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector, advocating for responsible travel and investment in sustainable practices. Tourism can empower local communities by providing economic opportunities and highlighting their cultural heritage.

World Tourism Day 2024 is a reminder of the need to embrace sustainable tourism practices as we celebrate the beauty and diversity of our world. By committing to responsible travel, we can help protect the natural and cultural heritage that makes each destination unique.

Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can continue to explore and enjoy these treasures, making tourism a positive force.