World Tourism Day importance; the evolution of the industry over the years

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation instituted the World Tourism Day and its international observance on 27^th September in 1980 to mark the day it adopted its statutes . The objective being to highlight the importance of tourism not just as a driver of economy and creator of jobs but to also underscore the impact of tourism on the social, political and cultural structure of nations. Tourism is not just a business but a medium of exchange of culture, heritage, traditions and about enabling a better understanding between people from diverse backgrounds. While promoting a country’s products to travellers, tourism creates a strong force of tolerance, acceptance , respect and appreciation of differences  .

The first tourists were traders, historians and explorers and pilgrims - to name a few-MarcoPolo, Columbus, Herodotus ,Ibn Batuta. People also travelled in search of food, shelter, jobs ,to escape hardships or danger.   

All the activities that encompass travel for leisure or enjoyment, together constitute tourism. The birth of modern - day tourism is attributed to Thomas Cook an entrepreneur, innovator of conducted tours and founder of Thomas Cook, a worldwide travel agency in the 19^th century. Tourism has become increasingly commercially organised and is a serious economic activity with huge cultural and  environmental  significance . The growth of tourism is directly linked to developments in transportation-rail, road ,air and sea and in rest and recreation facilities.   

In India Tourism got formal recognition in the 1980s.The first national tourism policy was notified in 1982. While tourism is a State subject, the “Incredible India”  brand was launched  in 2002. India is promoting all categories of tourism , a large percentage being heritage tourism .There is also spiritual, wellness, cuisine, beach, wildlife & adventure and  medical tourism. MICE and lately cruise tourism and caravan tourism have received attention as well .

In the last decade tourism has received recognition as a key pillar of the country’s economy. Union budget after union budget have focused on tourism . The 2023-2024 Indian budget announced the development of tourism in a mission mode with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships. There has been continued focus on enhancement of infrastructure and connectivity , critical to the growth of tourism.

The Covid pandemic brought the issue of sustainability to the forefront. While Tourism contributes to several SDGs, it is also responsible for a large percentage of carbon emissions. Green tourism, responsible tourism, eco-tourism are in focus. With its deep rooted traditions of  “ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “or “The World is a family” and lifestyle for environment , India is well poised to promote inclusion and sustainability, the success of which was demonstrated at the recent G20 summit held on Indian soil in its theme, logo, goa road map, declarations ,in the  voice of global south summits.   

Another change ushered in post pandemic has been that in customer behaviour with travellers seeking immersive and experiential tourism and also community engagement during their travels. There are also murmurs of “over tourism” with local populations protesting against unplanned and unbridled tourism .

With the demand for minimum contact or contact free services, we see a lot more adoption of technology including AI in tourism.  

Globally and in India tourism’s contribution to GDP and employment is close to double digits. Over the years the themes of the World Tourism Day have revolved around various aspects of tourism as the sector  evolved . The last few themes of Re-thinking tourism, Tourism and Green Investments , Tourism for inclusive growth focus on issues precipitated by Covid.

Given the current geopolitical situation and the power of tourism in uniting cultures and connecting people, the theme for 2024  “Tourism & Peace “reflects on leveraging tourism to  harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all. After all , as articulated by Miriam Beard. Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”

As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly with sensitivity, forge bridges, respect cultures and nations. May tourism and peace prevail as they complement each other. Peace is necessary for tourism.