Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.

World Tourism Day will commemorate this year its 30th anniversary in the vibrant country of Ghana under the theme 'Tourism - Celebrating Diversity'. This year's theme focuses on the world's cultural wealth and the important role sustainable tourism plays in revitalizing local traditions and making them flourish as they cross other cultures.

Every region of the world is distinct and thus has something both to offer and gain through travel and tourism, particularly less developed nations. It is the responsibility of industry stakeholders to harness these opportunities whilst facing the long term challenges engendered by travel and tourism. ‘Tourism - Celebrating Diversity’ highlights this varied environment which is at the very centre of tourism.  

Celebrations @ Jaipur

Artists performing in a cultural event held as part of World Tourism Day at Ambedkar Bhavan in Bangalore on Thursday, September 27, 2007.

Noted classical dancers including Kathak exponent Shovna Narayan regaled the audience with their performance on World Tourism Day as a slew of programmes ranging from adventure sports to cultural shows were held at this tourist hotspot to mark World Tourism Day.

Bharti Shivaji (Mohiniyattam) and Kiran Sehgal (Odissi) were the other two eminent artistes who performed at the Central Park on the occasion drawing large crowds.

Earlier in the day, events of parasailing and poster making competitions were held at different venues by Rajasthan Tourism department to mark the occasion.

About UNWTO

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT) is a specialized agency of the United ‎Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a ‎global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.‎

UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, ‎sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the ‎interests of developing countries.‎

The Organization encourages the implementation ‎of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member ‎countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, ‎social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its ‎negative social and environmental impacts.‎

Its membership includes 161 countries and territories and more than 390 Affiliate ‎Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations ‎and local tourism authorities.‎

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