World Tourism Day-2020 to be celebrated with the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development “
By Ramesh Tiwari —
World Tourism Day-2020 will be celebrated this year with the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development “around the world on September 27.
The day will be celebrated by UNWTO’s member states in all global regions, cities and other destinations and by private sector organizations and individual tourists.
UNWTO has designated 2020 as the Year of Tourism and Rural Development.
“This Year is an opportunity to promote the potential of tourism to create jobs and opportunities. It can also advance inclusion and highlight the unique role tourism can play in preserving and promoting natural and cultural heritage and curbing urban migration,” UNWTO said in a statement.
“This year’s international day of observation comes at a critical moment, as countries around the world look to tourism to drive recovery, including in rural communities where the sector is a leading employer and economic pillar. The 2020 edition also comes as governments look to the sector to drive recovery from the effects of the pandemic and with the enhanced recognition of tourism at the highest United Nations level. “
The official celebration will not be hosted by a single member state for the first time in the 40-year history of World Tourism Day. Instead, nations from the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Chile joining with observer status) will serve as joint hosts.
For countless rural communities around the world, tourism is a leading provider of employment and opportunities. In many places, it is one of the few viable economic sectors. Moreover, development through tourism can also keep rural communities alive.
It is estimated that by 2050, 68% of the world population will live in urban areas, while 80% of those currently living in ‘extreme poverty’ live outside of towns and cities.
“The situation is particularly hard for youth: young people in rural communities are three times more likely to be unemployed than older adults. Tourism is a lifeline, offering young people a chance to earn a living without having to migrate either within their home countries or abroad,” UNWTO said.
September 8 , 2020
Image:UNWTO
