World Tourism Day 2023 “Tourism and Green Investment”
World Tourism Day 2023 “Tourism and Green Investment”. World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27th each year, serves as a reminder of the significant role that tourism plays in global culture, economics, and society. In 2023, the focus is on boosting Indian destinations, highlighting the incredible diversity and richness of India as a tourist destination. This article explores the significance of World Tourism Day and how India can leverage its unique attractions to promote tourism.
World Tourism Day: A Global Celebration
Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, World Tourism Day seeks to raise awareness about the role of tourism in creating a more sustainable and prosperous world. It is a day to celebrate the unique cultural, historical, and natural treasures that each country offers. This year, the theme revolves around the potential of Indian destinations. World Tourism Day 2023 “Tourism and Green Investment”
“Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity”
The overall disruption in the tourism sector brought about by COVID-19, provides an opportunity to redefine and recalibrate the direction and narratives of tourism investments with the objective to better support the successful implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, UNWTO has identified investments as one of its key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted traditional and non-traditional investments are required for People, for Planet and for Prosperity, to enable tourism to deliver on its massive potential to provide opportunities for people, to build resilient, to accelerate climate action and greater sustainability for the planet and deliver inclusive prosperity around the pillars of innovation and entrepreneurship. UNWTO has identified investments as a key priority for the sector, serving as the bridge between its Member States, destinations, businesses and investors, culminating in World Tourism Day 2023, which will be a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy. The international observance day for tourism will highlight the vital need to deliver investment for projects that work for People (by investing in education and skills), Planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation) and Prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship).
Investing in People: Prioritizing Education and Upscaling Skills
“Education is a fundamental human right. It’s the bedrock of societies, economies, and every person’s potential. But without adequate investment, this potential will wither on the vine” – Secretary-General of the UN, on the occasion of the International day of Education (2023). The crisis has revealed the need to rethink the structure of tourism economies to improve competitiveness and build resilience and accelerate the implementation of SDG 4 (quality education). To that end, the sector should invest in education and skills development, including for women, in all areas to promote added value jobs and resilience. We cannot build a more sustainable tourism without the right talent. Tourism is one of the world’s leading employers. In 2019, the sector employed one in 10 people worldwide and has proven to be a tool for economic diversification and a major employment engine with a multiplier effect on other sectors that contribute to rural development. Furthermore, tourism in rural areas can particularly benefit traditionally disadvantaged groups such as women – who make up 54% of the workforce in the tourism sector compared to 39% for the whole economy – youth and Indigenous people. Tourism is also an easy access sector for micro and small enterprises and for the self-employed, who make up a significant part of the tourism sector and community-level entrepreneurship in general. However, in emerging destinations, 50% of young people are unable to work in tourism due to lack of opportunity, resources or access to academic training. Furthermore, current education and training opportunities are unbalanced, with a heavy emphasis on hotel management. Looking ahead, the global tourism workforce will require millions of hospitality graduates annually between now and 2030 and a further 800,000 jobs a year will require specific vocational training1 . For these reasons we need to invest in people as they are the foundation of tourism and his is why UNWTO is dedicated to empowering them and placing investments into the heart of our future actions. World Tourism Day 2023 “Tourism and Green Investment”
India: A Land of Diversity
India is a land of diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences. From the majestic Himalayan peaks in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, from the bustling cities to serene rural villages, India offers an array of experiences for tourists.
Cultural Richness: India is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a history that spans thousands of years. Tourists can explore ancient temples, historic forts, and palaces that narrate tales of India’s glorious past.
Natural Wonders: The country boasts diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, deserts, and pristine lakes. The Sunderbans, Kerala Backwaters, and the Thar Desert are just a few examples of the natural wonders that await visitors.
Cuisine: Indian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors and spices. Each region offers its own unique culinary experience. From spicy curries in the north to flavorful seafood in the south, food lovers are in for a treat.
Adventure Tourism: India offers various adventure opportunities such as trekking in the Himalayas, white-water rafting in the Ganges, and camel safaris in the deserts of Rajasthan. World Tourism Day 2023 “Tourism and Green Investment”
Incredible India Destinations
To boost Indian tourism, several strategies and initiatives can be undertaken:
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure, including roads, airports, and hotels, to make travel more convenient and comfortable for tourists.
Promotion: Launch marketing campaigns to showcase India’s diverse attractions. Utilize digital platforms and social media to reach a global audience.
Sustainability: Emphasize sustainable tourism practices to preserve India’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.
Cultural Exchange: Encourage cultural exchange programs to promote a deeper understanding of India’s diverse traditions and customs.
Ease of Travel: Simplify visa procedures and promote e-visas to attract more international tourists.
Safety and Security: Ensure the safety and security of tourists through better policing and emergency response systems.
World Tourism Day 2023 provides an excellent opportunity for India to celebrate its incredible diversity and promote its destinations. By investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and showcasing its rich culture and natural beauty, India can become a top tourist destination on the global stage. Let us celebrate World Tourism Day by recognizing the importance of tourism in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and global understanding. Come and explore the enchanting land of India, where every corner has a unique story to tell.
