27SEP is World Tourism Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO statutes by the United Nations on this day in 1970.
Historically, the event recognizes and celebrates the global and local positive impact of tourism on economies and societies.
World Tourism Day messages have focused on encouraging travel. In 2021, that message is more important than ever as travel and tourism-dependent industries and communities around the world struggle to recover from the pandemic.
Today is #WorldTourismDay, and we want to celebrate it with some words that remind us that we have a world to discover, take care of and enjoy! Happy World Tourism Day!
➡️ What's your inspiration for travelling? #WTD2021 #TravelAndTourism #Tourism #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/5gIQQNiIU1
— WTTC (@WTTC) September 27, 2021
In its article commemorating World Tourism Day, Caribbean News Digital notes that the growth of tourism pre-pandemic was exponential, “going from just 25 million tourists in 1950 to 1.3 billion in 2019, the year before the start of the Covid 19 pandemic,” with travel and tourism revenues exploding similarly, “from $2 billion to $1.26 trillion over the same period.”
Having ground to an almost-complete halt for a year and a half due to the pandemic, the travel industry and tourism economies have a long road ahead to rebuild.
But even in the drive to restart and rebuild, with some predicting travel will rebound to greater heights than before, this year’s World Tourism Day comes with contemplation.
The UNWTO has consistently linked the social, cultural, political and economic value of travel and tourism to its contribution to reaching the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
As the Travel Industry Association of Canada points out in a statement on World Tourism Day, “Tourism is recognized as a pillar in most, if not all, SDGs. These goals are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all – addressing global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.”
“The recovery of Canada’s visitor economy is key to Canada’s overall economic growth – and we still have a long way to go – the restart of tourism will help recovery and growth globally. It is vital that this once $105 billion industry in Canada be recognized as the important economic driver it is,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC.
“TIAC is a committed partner to ensuring tourism in Canada is consistently working towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We sit at the table with counterparts globally through the World Travel and Tourism Council, and educate federal officials and the public on the economic impact of our industry,” continued Ms. Potter. “Returning to our top position as a destination on the global scale is critical, which is why TIAC advocates for a national proof of vaccination process, and secure, easy to understand border measures.”
This year, UNWTO has designated the World Tourism Day theme as “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.
Like TIAC, governments from municipal to national, as well as individual travel companies have joined in, calling for and establishing new standards and laws, issuing new policies and products and promoting the message of a return to travel that is environmentally, socially and economically beneficial to all countries and participants.
Three stories in Open Jaw just today - while not necessarily directly linked to World Tourism Day - symbolize this growing focus in the return to travel.
They include our story about Tahiti banning big cruise ships to preserve the environment and social impact on the South Seas islands; over-tourism poster child Barcelona breaking new ground in banning short-term vacation rentals to address housing and overcrowding issues, and TTC companies Trafalgar and Costsaver committing to offering at least one meaningful travel experience on every tour.
These stories - and many others - reflect the growing number of ways in which destinations, travel companies, and travellers increasingly focus on a responsible - not just profitable - return to travel. To succeed in the post-pandemic travel world, travel advisors may need to also embrace the trend towards responsible and sustainable travel.
