The global stage is brilliantly adorned, ready to host the grand celebration of World Tourism Day 2023, focusing on the pivotal theme of Tourism and Green Investments.
This year, the festivities are slated to be the most grandiose to date, with the official ceremonies scheduled for 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Member States are poised to commemorate this day across every region, showcasing a plethora of special events and innovative programmes. The celebrations aim to underline the immense potential of tourism to propel economic growth and societal development.
Tourism and Sustainable Development
UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, expressed, “Tourism holds unprecedented significance for our economies and societies. Its potential is boundless.” He emphasized the importance of celebrating tourism’s capability to foster growth and underscored the urgent need for investments to ensure this growth is inclusive and sustainable.
This year, the spotlight is on Tourism and Green Investments, emphasizing the crucial role of investment in people through education and skills development, in the planet by fostering sustainable infrastructure and promoting green transformation, and in prosperity by fueling innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
In Riyadh, the UNWTO is set to unveil its Global Tourism Investment Framework and will conduct a series of elite panels, discussing the challenges and prospects related to investment in tourism. The official celebrations will also reveal the victors of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East.
Global Celebration of Tourism
World Tourism Day 2023 is anticipated to be the most extensive celebration yet, with the UNWTO welcoming delegates from over 100 of its Member States, including more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. These representatives will be joined by eminent figures from the tourism private sector, from both the Middle East and around the globe.
The inception of World Tourism Day dates back to 1980, serving as the Global Day of Observance for tourism. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the sector’s crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity. The UNWTO’s global regions alternate in hosting the official celebrations, each year focusing on a theme that is both relevant and timely.
The date, 27 September, is significant as it marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that later became the UNWTO were endorsed. This day is not just a celebration but a reminder of the commitment made to promote tourism as a driver for positive change and sustainable development.
From Riyadh to the World
This year’s theme, Tourism and Green Investments, is a call to action for investing in sustainable and inclusive growth, emphasizing the importance of green investments in ensuring the longevity and resilience of the tourism sector. It is a global reminder of the transformative power of tourism and its ability to drive positive change in societies around the world.
In conclusion, World Tourism Day 2023 is not just a celebration; it is a global commitment to fostering sustainability and inclusivity in tourism. It is a reminder of the transformative power of tourism and its potential to drive positive societal and economic changes, making the world a better place for all.
