World Tourism Day 2021- 'Tourism for Inclusive Growth'

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) also known as the World Tourism Organisation has designated ‘World Tourism Day’ (WTD) on 27 September 1979 to mark the milestone date of the adoption of UNWTO statutes on 27th September 1970. The celebration of WTD started from 1980 onwards. This day is observed to cherish the social, economical, cultural and political contributions of tourism globally. The idea to celebrate WTD was proposed by late Mr. Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi who was the then Secretary- General of the Nigeria Tourism Association. The celebrations led by UNWTO emphasizes on the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 by selecting appropriate themes every year.

The theme for this years celebration is ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, which is a very darting statement to underpin the importance and need of tourism for the inclusive growth of all human class, genders, indigenous and differently able people, business sectors, countries and the globe at large. According to UNWTO, around 32 million people have crossed below poverty line in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This is due to the fact that many people work for the most affected industry and one of it is Tourism industry. Tourism can play a vital role to inclusive recovery with the accomplishment of the principles of Sustainable Development second agenda that is to ‘Leave No One Behind’. It is urged that the focus of inclusive recovery should be on partnerships with UN agencies, advocacy by the government bodies and looking to the future by unlocking the tourism ecosystem potentials. The marginalised and vulnerable group should be recognised and uplifted through tourism activities.

Many tourism organisations and teaching institutes in India celebrate WTD by conducting competitions, seminars and workshops for the tourism fraternity. In India 26th January is observed as the National Tourism Day (NTD) and the theme for this year’s NTD was ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ to boost domestic and local tourism. On WTD the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is initiating an awareness campaign on ‘Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in the country’ by signing a MoU with United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) and launching of ‘Responsible Traveller Guideline’. This indicates that the traveller plays a vital role in sustaining and recovery of the tourism business sector by contributing to the economy. They need to behave responsibly to contribute for the sustainable development and growth.

"I personally believe that the inclusive growth is possible through the application of principles of 'Ecotourism and Responsible Tourism' where the local people are considered as the important stakeholders in the tourism business. The theory of 'Triple Bottom Line' i.e 'People, Planet & Profit' in practicality should be applied in tourism business for an inclusive growth."

The worldwide celebrations on this day helps in bringing the tourism fraternity, travelers and other professionals meet and promote the international peace, harmony and understanding. The observance of such days are very crucial to bring people together, discuss and understand the nitty-gritty of the industry.

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