“World is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustin 

The modern concept of tourism originated in the 17th century with the “Grand Tour.” This European tradition was not just about travel; its primary aim was to explore and absorb history, art, and cultural heritage. Initially embraced by the affluent, it soon spread beyond Europe to places like America, marking the early roots of contemporary tourism.

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the second half of the 18th century, produced a major economic, social, and technological transformation that would spread to the rest of the world. As a result of these changes, new social classes appeared. Developments in transportation were also key. The improvements in freight and passenger transport contributed to the birth of leisure, and new forms of entertainment and travel. In the 19th century, the first travel agency was created. In the first half of the 20th century, the tourism industry continued to grow thanks to the mass production of buses and cars. After World War II, improvements in air transport, progress in labor legislation, and a growth in social welfare led to a boom in tourism.

Today, the tourism sector has become one of the greatest economic engines in many countries, forming part of the international political agenda. It employs one in every ten people on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more. For some countries, it can represent over 20 percent of their GDP. Moreover, it allows people to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity.

World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. World Tourism Day was designated by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in September 1979, with the commemoration to commence in 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.

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 for a more sustainable future for the People, the Planet, and prosperity.  UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. For World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for the Sustainable Development Goals. It also focuses on new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity. World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to action for the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners, and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy.

Celebrating World Tourism Day is of paramount importance because it wields a profound influence on a nation’s economy, culture, and the very fabric of its society. A primary testament to its significance lies in the capacity to bolster employment opportunities. Across the globe, tourism has emerged as a reliable source of livelihood, even in the remotest corners, offering a lifeline in regions grappling with rising unemployment due to forces like automation.

Moreover, tourism serves as an economic boon. In 2015, international tourism delivered a staggering $1.5 trillion in export earnings, underscoring its transformative potential. This economic windfall can be particularly transformative for smaller, less-developed communities, bestowing upon them the resources they need to flourish.

However, the impact of tourism extends beyond mere financial gains. It now permeates the social structures, culture, and way of life in the destinations it touches. Therefore, the contemporary challenge is to foster a tourism ethos rooted in environmental consciousness and a profound respect for the local inhabitants’ way of life. By doing so, we can ensure that tourism not only enriches economies but also preserves the cultural and social integrity of the places it touches, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Written by: Rtr. Thisuri Jayarathne

Graphic design by: Rtr. Nuwani Gamage