World Tourism Day has been held on September 27 each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UN Tourism five years later. “Tourism and Peace” has been selected as the theme for World Tourism Day in 2024. This theme highlights how important tourism is in fostering international harmony, cultural understanding, and peace.
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General in his remarks said, “On this World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace. Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence. Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.”
India’s Ministry of Tourism is celebrating the World Tourism Day-2024 highlighting the crucial role of tourism in fostering development and global harmony. The celebration program was organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi were also present at the celebration event.
On World Tourism Day 2024, global industry leaders came together to reflect on the transformative impact of tourism in uniting cultures, building connections, and creating unforgettable experiences.
For Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, tourism represents a deeper understanding of the world. “Tourism is more than just leisure or a revenue stream for cities; it immerses people in new cultures, broadens horizons, and fosters understanding and tolerance. The Moscow City Tourism Committee works to bring these benefits to life through various programs, as seen in the positive feedback from visitors. A recent survey of foreign tourists highlighted top attractions like the Red Square, Kremlin, and Gorky Park. Moscow’s tourism plan until 2030 focuses on expanding cultural tourism, with half of its visitors engaging in museums, exhibitions, or theaters. As a gastronomic capital, the city also attracts food lovers, with every seventh tourist visiting top-rated restaurants. In 2023, Moscow saw 24.5 million tourists, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels, as the city continues to grow its tourism sector through new destinations and large-scale events,” he added.
Sanjay Sethi, CEO and Managing Director of Chalet Hotels, pointed to India’s tourism growth. He said, “We take great pride in being part of an industry that not only highlights India’s rich cultural heritage but also plays a vital role in the social and economic upliftment of communities. The Indian government’s forward-thinking initiatives, such as the e-Visa facility, the Swadesh Darshan scheme, and the PRASHAD program, are driving significant growth in the tourism sector. With India poised to become the fifth-largest travel and tourism market by 2027, these efforts are making travel more seamless and enriching while promoting sustainable and inclusive development. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that tourism continues to be a powerful catalyst for positive change, both for our nation and the global community.”
Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Resorts World Cruises said, “On Tourism Day, we are reminded of the simple joys travel brings, taking us beyond routine, expanding our horizons, and connecting us to the world in meaningful ways. Travel enriches our lives with stories, memories, and a deeper appreciation of the beauty around us, becoming an integral part of living fully. Cruising elevates this experience, especially on open seas where adventure meets peace. Resorts World Cruises captures this magic, offering not just destinations, but a luxurious way to explore the world. Whether enjoying gourmet meals, world-class entertainment, spa treatments, or luxury shopping, the journey becomes an experience in comfort and style.”
Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director for India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda, highlighted the essence of travel when he said, “Tourism is about more than just travel; it’s about connecting people with the world. This World Tourism Day, Agoda celebrates the joy of discovering new cultures and destinations at prices that make travel easier than ever. As borders open wider for Indian travellers, we at Agoda invite all travellers to see the world for less, creating unforgettable memories without a hefty price tag.”
“Tourism now has become about more than just destinations. It’s about making connections from all over the globe and self-transformation, at the same time. The tourism industry has evolved into a vital economic driver, contributing not just to global GDP but also to local communities. We are proud to curate journeys that offer our clients more than just leisure! We offer immersion into local and international traditions, tastes, and stories. Our ability to design custom itineraries ensures that every traveller finds an experience that resonates with them,” said Louis D’Souza, Director, Tamarind Global.
International tourism is growing rapidly due to easier travel, affordable options, and increased interest in cultural, religious, adventure and medical tourism. “At Plan B Travel & Tourism, we understand these changing trends and are committed to offering personalized & unique experiences that cater to individual preferences”, said Rana Abu Alhala, CEO, Plan B Travel & Tourism.
Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, State of Louisiana said, “Travel unites the world by bringing people closer and helping us discover new places and cultures. More importantly, it makes the world feel a little smaller, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding. Tourism holds special significance for us in Louisiana. With our rich heritage of unique food, vibrant culture, lively festivals, and stunning outdoor experiences, we warmly invite people from across the globe to explore and celebrate our distinct corner of the world.”
On World Tourism Day, we celebrate the vibrant world of travel and its profound impact on global communities. “We believe that tourism is about creating unforgettable experiences that go beyond the ordinary. The past few years have seen a major shift in how people approach travel, with an increasing focus on immersive and authentic experiences. Whether it’s a live event, a hybrid format, or a fully virtual experience, we strive to push the boundaries of what travel can be,” said Trishal Rao, Chief Sales Officer, SKIL Travel.
Kush Kapoor, CEO of Roseate Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the role of tourism in promoting peace. “Tourism is about the connections we forge and the cultural experiences we offer. As travellers embrace cultural immersion, it helps cultivate understanding and peace. At Roseate Hotels and Resorts, we celebrate diversity by offering unique culinary experiences and raising awareness of our guests’ diverse cultures, enriching the experience for everyone,” he said.
Speaking on the same lines, Pranav Dangi, Founder and CEO of The Hosteller, emphasized the role of travel in breaking down cultural barriers and said, “Travel isn’t just about visiting places; it’s about immersing in local cultures and appreciating diverse traditions. Our hostels create shared spaces where travelers from across the globe come together, fostering intercultural dialogue and exchange, and building a more inclusive global community.”
With tourism now at 96% of pre-pandemic levels, Ashok Vashist, Founder & CEO of WTiCabs, celebrated the resilience of the sector. “WTiCabs remains committed to providing seamless travel experiences while fostering responsible tourism that benefits local communities and preserves destinations for future generations,” said Vashist.
“On this World Tourism Day, we celebrate the incredible diversity of destinations and the boundless opportunities travel brings. Over the years, tourism has evolved from simple leisure to a transformative experience. Today’s travellers are looking for authenticity – whether that’s exploring ancient cities, embarking on adventure-filled safaris, or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path”, said Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Holidays.
World Tourism Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the incredible role tourism plays in connecting cultures and economies. “Through the years, Al Habtoor has seen the hospitality industry grow in leaps and bounds, with Dubai becoming one of the world’s premier destinations. As tourism trends evolve, we’ve adapted by offering a wide range of experiences, from ultra-luxurious hotels to cultural explorations across the UAE”, said Soufiane El Allam, Complex Commercial Director of Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection.
Reflecting on Goa’s tourism challenges, Ryan Prazeres, Co-Founder of OneBoard App stated, “While the government promotes ‘Goa Beyond Beaches,’ the unresolved issues like public infrastructure and touts continue to affect tourists’ experiences. For Goa’s tourism to thrive, it’s crucial to address these basic needs and prioritize all stakeholders.”
World Tourism Day is a time to think about how tourism connects people, places, and cultures, and how it has become a pillar of global economies. “We have seen firsthand the changes in the travel industry over the years. The demand for personalised experiences, sustainable practices, and responsible tourism has never been higher. Our mission is to support tourism bodies, attractions, and destination management firms in adapting to these evolving trends. By connecting our partners with key trade markets and offering strategic branding and marketing solutions, we ensure they stay ahead in an ever-competitive landscape”, said Franco Patil, Deputy General Manager, Red Dot Representations.
World Tourism Day is a reminder of how far the travel industry has come and how vital it is to our world. “We have had the privilege of witnessing Bali’s transformation into a global tourism hub. The rise in demand for both sustainable and experiential travel has redefined how we design our packages. Nowadays, tourists seek authentic experiences, whether that’s indulging in Balinese culture, enjoying a destination wedding, or getting lost in the natural beauty of Indonesia”, said Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director, Tria Uma Wisata.
“As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we cannot help but reflect on the evolution of tourism and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world. We are dedicated to providing immersive safari experiences that offer more than just luxury. We want you to have a profound connection with the natural world. Tourists are not just looking for opulence, but wish to take part in tourism that aligns with their values”, said Aman Shah, CEO of Wild Whispers.
As World Tourism Day 2024 highlights, the future of tourism is about more than just visiting new places – it’s about connecting with the world, fostering empathy, and creating a more inclusive and understanding global community.