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
Consortium of the SMARTOUR project is glad to contribute to the demanded priorities of the modern tourism, among which Sustainability and Digitalisation.
SMARTOUR 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.
In addition, we are glad to share SMART tourism developments from the SMARTOUR partner countries.
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.
Tourism Day celebration in Serbia
SMARTOUR partners from Serbia, University of Novi Sad, have reported that on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Minister of Tourism and Youth of Serbia, Husein Memic, referred to the record results achieved since the beginning of the year, as well as to plans and current infrastructure projects.
Mr. Memic pointed out that the growth in the number of foreign tourists shows that Serbia is becoming increasingly visible on the global tourism scene. Foreign exchange inflow from tourism in the first half of the year increased by 16% compared to last year, further confirming the positive trend.
“Tourism not only contributes to the economic development of the country but also strengthens cultural ties between people, enriching us with new experiences,”
Minister Memic said, adding that Serbia is an increasingly attractive destination for various types of tourism.
He also recalled the upcoming organization of the world exhibition EXPO 2027, which is expected to attract a large number of foreign guests. He also announced the continuation of large infrastructure projects in the Danube region, as well as support for the development of rural tourism as part of the sector’s development strategy.
Finally, Minister Memic congratulated the citizens on World Tourism Day and invited them to discover the beauties of Serbia and become ambassadors of their country.
Tourism day at the University of Novi Sad
SMARTOUR partner from Serbia also joint celebration of the Tourism day. The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Novi Sad explained why tourism is important and why it is cool to study it on their facebook page:
Today we celebrate one of the most dynamic sectors in the world – tourism! 🧳✨
Why is tourism important?
Tourism connects people and cultures, creating understanding and friendships across the planet. 🤝 It encourages economic growth, providing jobs and supporting local communities. 💼Tourism helps preserve natural and cultural treasures, giving them value and significance on a global scale. 🏛️🌳
Why is it cool to study tourism?
Tourism gives you the opportunity to become an ambassador of the world, explore incredible places, and discover hidden treasures! 🗺️✈️ Studying tourism means you will learn about destination management, sustainable development, and how to create unforgettable experiences for travelers. 🌟 Tourism is a key industry of the future – innovative, exciting, and full of opportunities! 🚀Join the global community that is changing the world through travel! 🌐
explains Dr. Dajana Bjelajac
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 travellers 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. And we are sure, that such initiatives as SMARTOUR contribute significantly to its further development.