KARACHI: World Tourism Day is being celebrated across the globe on Saturday to foster awareness in the international community regarding the impact of tourism on society.
Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization announced to celebrate world Tourism Day as international observances 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 day is being celebrated every year under the patronage of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), to foster awareness in the world community regarding the impact of tourism on society, culture and economic growth of a country.
This year, the theme is “Tourism and Rural Development”. The unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world.
The United Nations is aware that tourism has been among the hardest hit of all sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic.
No country has been unaffected. Restrictions on travel and a sudden drop in consumer demand have led to an unprecedented fall in international tourism numbers, which in turn have led to economic loss and the loss of jobs.
Women, youth, and workers in the informal economy are the most at risk from tourism sector job losses and business closures due to the pandemic. At the same time, the destinations most reliant on tourism for jobs and economic growth are likely to be the hardest hit.
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