Tourism and Peace
World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UN Tourism five years later. This global celebration, spearheaded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), aims to highlight the critical role tourism plays in fostering sustainable development, promoting cultural understanding, and boosting economies.
This year, International conference will be held by the World Tourism Organization in Tbilisi, Georgia. This year’s theme is Tourism and Peace.
“Tourism brings people together. On this World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace. Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence. Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.” António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General Message for World Tourism Day: “Tourism and Peace”.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of Tourism
Tourism is a vital contributor to the global economy, accounting for 10% of the world’s GDP before the pandemic and supporting one in every 10 jobs. While international travel has rebounded, this year emphasizes creating a tourism industry that is more resilient and sustainable. This means investing in local communities, preserving natural environments, and ensuring that tourism’s economic benefits are spread equitably across different regions and populations.
Culturally, tourism fosters greater understanding and appreciation among people from different parts of the world. It provides an opportunity to experience the diversity of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles that exist across the globe. With its focus on inclusivity, World Tourism Day 2024 also seeks to highlight the importance of tourism in bridging cultural divides and promoting global peace.
Green Tourism and Digital Innovation
Sustainability will be a key focus for the 2024 celebrations, with an emphasis on green tourism practices. Governments and travel businesses are encouraged to adopt policies that reduce carbon footprints, protect ecosystems, and create eco-friendly tourist experiences. This could mean anything from promoting zero-waste travel initiatives to developing infrastructure that supports electric transport.
Another aspect of 2024’s focus will be digital innovation in tourism. With advancements in technology, the travel industry has been able to offer better services through digital platforms, making it easier for travelers to explore the world. From booking online eco-tours to using apps for sustainable transport options, digitalisation is helping reshape the tourism landscape in ways that promote both accessibility and sustainability.
SMARTOUR project and European Wilderness Society
Work on the sustainable tourism projects is one of the European Wilderness Society’s priorities. That is why we are a part of the Carpathian Sustainable tourism platform, Carpathian Education for sustainable development, Expert Network and are part of the SMARTOUR project.
Consortium of the SMARTOUR project is glad to contribute to the demanded priorities of modern tourism, such as Sustainability and Digitalisation.
Smartour project is currently on its final stage. We have already conducted two transnational Workshops in Slovenia and Austria, finalizing SMART tourism course materials and planning national conferences.
National Information Centre in Slovenia
As we were informed by the Slovenian SMARTOUR partners, Zavod Novi turizem, at the moment, the most important SMART tourism project in Slovenia is the development of a National Information Centre for tourism.
The unique information and data centre is developed by the Slovenian Tourism Board. The main purpose is to collect local, national and global tourism indicators and data in one place, enabling analysis, benchmarking and data driven decision making for all stakeholders in Slovenian tourism. This tool will help transform Slovenian tourism into an even more sustainable and digital sector. The launch is planned by December 2025.
More information and a photo here: National Informational Center.
Conclusion
World Tourism day 2024 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel. It provides a platform to reflect on how tourism can help tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues—from climate change to poverty reduction—while enriching travelers with experiences that foster understanding and global unity. In a world where travel connects us all, the importance of building a tourism sector that respects people and the planet has never been more crucial.
