How Are Destinations 'Rethinking Tourism' On World Tourism Day 2022

The theme for World Tourism Day 2022 is rethinking tourism in view of the cataclysmic damage inflicted upon it by the Covid-19 pandemic. It also showed how critical tourism was for most of the countries, if not the entire world. India Outbound asks various destinations how they plan to rethink tourism.

- Varsha Singh

On September 27, when tourism ministers from around the world and key stakeholders in travel and tourism gather in Bali to mark the World Tourism Day, the discussions will revolve around the burning issue of reviva of tourism and how to rethink as the tourism industry rebuilds itself, almost from zero once again, having suffered from an unprecedented and crippling blow delivered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) which organises the World Tourism Day says that it will highlight the opportunity to rethink how we do tourism. "As the world opens up again, we must learn the lessons of the pandemic and the associated pause in international travel. In exposing weaknesses, the crisis showed us where we can build more resilience. And in exposing inequalities, it also showed us where we can deliver more fairness," says Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UNWTO.

"This means putting people and planet first and bringing everyone from governments and businesses to local communities together around a shared vision for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient sector," he adds.

Indonesia is the host country for the World Tourism Day 2022 celebrations.

Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy says the UNWTO celebration is a proud moment for Indonesia to show the global community to witness and experience the progress that it has made in Bali.

"The tourism industry needs to be prepared for future challenges which requires collaboration and a sense of interconnectedness between one another.

First, stakeholders' approach to the development of sustainable tourism sector. Second, strong role within the community as the agent of change in tourism transformation. And third, safety assurance for visitors during travel," says Uno.