World Tourism Day: A call for sustainable and inclusive growth

Today, Sept. 27, the world observes World Tourism Day, and this year, the theme is both timely and ambitious: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” As we continue to recover from the economic and social disruptions of the past years, this global celebration invites us to look at tourism not only as an economic engine but as a force for positive and inclusive change.

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Tourism, as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres notes in his message “is a powerful driver of transformation. It creates jobs, fuels local economies, supports infrastructure, and contributes to development far beyond GDP.” More than numbers, tourism builds bridges across cultures, strengthens bonds between people and places, and safeguards traditions and heritage. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the beauty of diversity.

Yet, the UN also warns of the double-edged nature of tourism. Without conscious action, it can harm the very destinations and communities it seeks to showcase. That's why the 2025 celebration calls for bold, sustainable, and inclusive efforts to ensure tourism benefits people and planet alike.

The UN outlines several core principles for sustainable tourism, starting with effective governance and people-centric planning. Tourism policies must focus on uplifting marginalized sectors by investing in education and skills—especially for youth, women, and vulnerable communities.