Every year on September 27 is World Tourism Day, an international holiday established by the UNWTO, theUnited Nations World Tourism Organization, in 1979. The day celebrates tourism or, rather, what is defined as “the social, cultural and economic phenomenon involving the movement of people to places or countries outside their usual environment, for personal or professional purposes.” The day, therefore, aims to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and its impact globally, but also to promote the cultural, social, political and economic value of tourism itself, representing a unique opportunity for those in the industry, but also for brands that want to focus attention on issues related to travel, sustainability and cultural exploration.
Each year the day is celebrated in a different location: this year’s edition will be hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia and will have the theme“Tourism and Peace,” aiming to focus the world’s attention on a concrete commitment to peace. This is because tourism itself can play a key role in promoting understanding between nations and cultures, but also in supporting reconciliation processes. Tourism is undoubtedly the social, cultural and industrial sector that perhaps most of all participates in the growth of the many stakeholders; the movement of people, whether for personal or professional reasons, is an extraordinary boost for the global economy. Moreover, the various contacts and exchanges between different cultures, traditions and lifestyles originate virtuous circuits that can activate resources and create bases for development.
The way of doing tourism is constantly evolving, every day there is the mobilization of millions of individuals who come into contact with various cultures, traditions, music, rituals, discovering festivals, celebrations and lifestyles completely different from their own, thus creating an invaluable intangible wealth for all those who draw on it.
