The tourism sector, which is in the process of recovery after the pandemic, is coming together through UNWTO on World Tourism Day, which is celebrated with the theme “Tourism and Rural Development”.

World Tourism Day has designated 2020 as the “Year of Tourism and Rural Development” to celebrate the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside major cities and protecting cultural and natural heritage around the world. World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated with this special theme on September 27, brings together the sector at a critical moment as it encourages recovery, including in rural communities, where the sector is a leading employer and the countries around the world in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world. To emphasize the spirit of international solidarity in this critical period, for the first time in the history of World Tourism Day for 2020, the official celebration will not be hosted by a single Member State of the United Nations specialized agency. The event, which will be hosted by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile, will start on September 28 at 10:00 with the opening speech of UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. However, the organization wants to spread these celebrations to the world by sharing the events that people in the sector will organize for the World Tourism Day from every corner of the world with itself.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “All around the world, tourism empowers rural communities, providing jobs and opportunity, most notably for women and youth. Tourism also enables rural communities to hold onto their unique cultural heritage and traditions, and the sector is vital for safeguarding habitat and endangered species. This World Tourism Day is a chance to recognize the role tourism plays outside of major cities and its ability to build a better future for all.”